What is the best thing to cook in an Instant Pot? Whether I’m cooking for a crowd or looking for a yummy meal to last us all week long, this easy Instant Pot chili is one of my favorite recipes to make (along with this Instant Pot French Onion Soup). Made with simple, nutritious ingredients like ground turkey (or ground beef if you prefer), canned beans, and sweet potatoes, it’s healthy, hearty, and will warm you to your core. Whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or trying to reconnect with the neglected pressure cooker in your cabinet, a healthy Instant Pot chili like this one is a great place to begin. You’ll love how quickly the recipe comes together, cuts down on dishes, and tastes like it’s been simmering away on the stove all day.
How to Make Healthy Instant Pot Chili
This Instant Pot turkey chili recipe with beans is inspired by my favorite Slow Cooker Turkey Quinoa Chili. I used a similar blend of spices but omitted the quinoa in favor of a second type of canned beans. I like the variety of textures between the two, and the added bonus of extra fiber and protein.
The Ingredients
Ground Turkey. Turkey is rich in filling protein and vitamins, making it the perfect healthy meat option for this chili (and this Healthy Turkey Chili).
Veggies. I LOVE packing nutrient-dense vegetables into my chili (and this Instant Pot Carrot Soup); this recipe is no exception. A tasty combination of sweet potatoes and bell peppers helps make this chili extra hearty and nutritious. The veggies’ natural sweetness balances the smoky spices too.
Canned Beans. It’s chef’s choice here! You can use black beans, pinto beans, red kidney beans, chickpeas, or a mixture. The beans give the chili body and help keep you full for hours.
Chipotle Chile Powder. The secret, smoky somethin’ somethin’ that sets this chili apart from other recipes you’ve tried.Chili Powder + Cumin + Garlic Powder. A little heat from the chili powder and a lot of flavor from all three. These spices help give the chili that simmered-all-day flavor. (This Whole30 Chili is also bursting with spices.)
Crushed Tomatoes. The tomatoes help provide both liquid and richness to the chili. Do not substitute for tomato sauce or tomato paste as they will not provide the quite same flavor, texture, or moisture.
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.To Reheat. Gently rewarm chili in a Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding splashes of broth as needed to thin the chili. You can also reheat this recipe in the microwave.To Freeze. Place leftover chili in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Instant Pot. Other electric pressure cooker brands with similar cooking functions should work too. This is a great tool for making any of my Healthy Instant Pot Recipes.Ladle. I use this to transfer the chili to bowls and storage containers.Chef’s Knife. Perfect for chopping the vegetables in this recipe.
Love your Instant Pot? Once you try this chili, be sure to check out Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (and Chili Mac for the best of both worlds).
Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (start with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes).One or two diced chipotle chili peppers in adobo.
Avocado. Cool, creamy, and scrumptious with this chili (and this Chicken Tortilla Soup). This is a house favorite!Plain Greek Yogurt. My favorite healthy substitute for sour cream. We usually purchase nonfat, though low fat works well here too.Cilantro or Green Onions. Fresh and flavorful toppings that add a burst of color to and chili recipe (like this Crockpot White Chicken Chili).Cheese. For added indulgence, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend on top of your bowl.Jalapeño. Turn up the heat with some diced jalapeño. Bacon. Instant Pot chili with bacon would be delicious! Add some cooked and crumbled pieces of Oven Baked Bacon over the top of your bowl. You could also start this recipe by sautéing chopped bacon directly in the Instant Pot until crispy, then remove it to a paper towel-lined plate, finish the recipe as directed, and sprinkle the bacon on before serving.Tortilla Chips or Oyster Crackers. Offer some contrasting crunch.Lime Wedges. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is great for adding some acidity to balance the flavors in the chili.
Stovetop Method. Sauté the turkey, onions, pepper, and spices as directed, then add the remaining ingredients. Let simmer, uncovered, until the sweet potatoes are soft and the chili is thickened, about 45 minutes.Slow Cooker Method. For Instant Pot chili slow cooker style, sauté the meat, onions, and spices in a large nonstick skillet on the stovetop. Transfer to a lightly greased 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients in the order listed. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the sweet potatoes are tender.
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Cornbread Muffins
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Mexican Cornbread
45 mins Leave a rating below in the comments and let me know how you liked the recipe.
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