Instant Pot Chili Con Carne

Instant Pot Chili Con Carne-– It’s cold outside! What better way to warm up than with a big bowl of Instant Pot Chili Con Carne? This delicious Mexican dish is ready in under 30 minutes and can be made vegetarian or vegan. Get the recipe for this hearty, filling, healthy meal that will make you feel good all over.

This is the perfect recipe for pressure-cooking Chili Con Carne; so much faster than using your slow cooker and perfect for cold winter days. 

Instant Pot Chili Con Carne There is nothing better on a cold night than a bowl of hot Instant Pot Chili Con Carne, with chunks of beef, kidney beans, onions, tomatoes, and a hint of chocolate on top. It’s the ultimate comfort food.

I love a great bowl of chili. It’s a one-pot meal, and with the Instant Pot, there is hardly any cleanup. Wash the Instant Pot Bowl, and you are done.

Everyone has a different chili recipe. I grew up with this one, so I just changed a few things so the recipe would work in the Instant Pot. This brings me back to my childhood when my mother would have a hot pot on the stove to simmer in those cold New England Winters.

Suppose you love a great Instant Pot Soup Recipe. In that case, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT ITALIAN WEDDING SOUP, INSTANT POT COPYCAT PANERA’S BROCCOLI, AND CHEDDAR SOUP, INSTANT POT CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP, and INSTANT POT CHICKEN POT PIE SOUP.

What Is Chili Con Carne?

Chili is a delicious dish that you can make in many different ways, but what is chili? Chili con carne means “chili with meat,” It usually consists of beans, spices, beef or pork, and tomatoes. It originated in Texas, where cowboys would carry dried peppers to help them on their long journeys. You can mix mixed peppers with other ingredients to make a hearty meal for the men on the trail.

What Is The Difference Between Chili And Chili Con Carne?

Chili and chili con carne are delicious, spicy dishes that can be served as soup or a main course. What is the difference between them? Chili con carne traditionally contains beef and chili powder, while chili could have meat (chicken, turkey), beans (pinto beans), and ground cumin. The differences in ingredients make for different flavors!

Ingredients Needed For Chili Con Carne Instant Pot

It’s that time of year again when the weather is cold, and chili sounds like the perfect comfort food. If you want a quick and easy version, check out this Chili Con Carne Instant Pot recipe. It only takes about 30 minutes to make, and it will warm you up on a chilly day. Plus, it’s a great way to use all of those leftovers in your fridge. So gather up your different ingredients and get cooking!

Remember the step-by-step directions below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page and the nutritional information.

• Corn tortillas: You can also use flour tortillas.
• Olive Oil: Use any high-heat oil to prevent smoking.
• Bottom Round Roast: Other meats that you can use are below.
• Kidney Beans: Use either cooked red kidney beans or canned kidney beans, drained.
• Seasonings/Spices: Salt, Minced Garlic, Chili Powder, Ground Cinnamon, Chipotle Chili, and Oregano.
• Onions: Use diced white onions or sweet onions.
• Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken the soup
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Use either freshly diced, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or canned tomatoes (drained); another option is tomato sauce.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• Broth: Use beef broth, beef stock, vegetable broth, chicken broth, or chicken stock.
• Serve with: Corn, tortilla chips, sliced scallions, radishes, or flat-leaf parsley.

How To Make Instant Pot Chili Con Carne

Instant Pot chili con carne is the perfect dish to make on a cold winter day. This recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious and hearty meal that everyone will love. Best of all, you can have this dish ready in 30 minutes! So if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option, try this Instant Pot chili con carne recipe. You won’t regret it!

Step One: Grind The Tortillas

Grind the corn tortillas in a food processor, and blend them until it’s crumbs.

Step Two: Saute The Meat

Place one tablespoon of olive or cooking oil into the bottom of the pot and hit the saute function button over medium heat. When the oil heats up at 1/2 of the meat, then brown it on all sides (about 5 minutes)

Step Three: Saute The Vegetables

Then remove that 1/2 of the meat and add the other 1/2 and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, and olive oil (1 tablespoon) when all the meat is browned and removed from the Instant Pot. Saute for about 3 minutes until it’s softened.

Step Four: Finish Cooking The Chili Con Carne

When the onions and garlic are softened, add the rest of the ingredients (except for chocolate, which you keep for last) to the bottom of the pan and the meat back into the Instant Pot.

Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and set it to manual high pressure for a cooking time of 25 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release. When it is done, stir in the chocolate, and mix until it’s all melted. Spoon into bowls and garnish with black pepper, kosher salt, or sweet corn.

Serving: Serve with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips For The Best Instant Pot Chili Con Carne

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best Instant Pot Chili Con Carne:

• Brown the meat: For richer flavor, take the extra step to brown the meat before pressure cooking it in the Instant Pot. This adds depth and complexity to the dish.

• Use a combination of ground meats: For a more exciting flavor profile, consider using a combination of ground meats such as beef, pork, or even ground turkey. This can add depth and variety to your chili.

• Layer the flavors: To enhance the overall taste, sauté the onions, garlic, and spices before adding the meat and other ingredients. This will help develop and intensify the flavors.

• Add a touch of sweetness: A small amount of sweetness, such as a teaspoon of brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup, can balance the flavors and round out the chili’s taste.

• Don’t skimp on the spices: Use a variety of spices to achieve a robust and flavorful chili. Common chili spices include chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

• Let it rest: After pressure cooking, allow the chili to naturally release the pressure for a few minutes before quickly releasing it. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful chili.

• Adjust the consistency: If your chili turns out too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken the sauce. If it’s too thick, add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• Serve with toppings: Serve your chili con carne with various toppings to enhance the flavor and texture. Popular options include grated cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro.

• Make it ahead of time: Chili con carne often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop and meld together. Consider making it a day in advance and reheating it when ready to serve.

• Serve with cornbread or rice: For a complete and satisfying meal, serve your Instant Pot chili con carne with a side of warm cornbread or fluffy rice. These accompaniments help balance the richness of the chili and provide additional texture.

By following these pro tips, you’ll elevate your Instant Pot Chili Con Carne to new heights, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor. Enjoy this classic dish’s hearty and comforting flavors, and don’t be afraid to customize it to your taste preferences.

How long does cooking chili con carne in a pressure cooker take?

The cooking time for chili con carne in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the specific recipe and the type of pressure cooker you use. On average, it takes about 20-30 minutes of pressure cooking time, plus additional time for the pressure to build and release.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans in pressure cooker chili con carne?

You can use dried beans instead of canned beans in pressure cooker chili con carne. However, remember that dried beans require pre-soaking and longer cooking times than canned beans. Adjust the cooking time accordingly and follow the instructions for soaking and cooking dried beans before adding them to the chili.

Can I make chili con carne in an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker brand?

You can make chili con carne in an Instant Pot or any other pressure cooker brand. The cooking process and times may vary slightly depending on the specific pressure cooker model, so following the manufacturer’s instructions and adjusting the settings is essential.

How do I thicken the chili if it turns out too thin?

If your chili con carne turns out too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it uncovered on the sauté mode or by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the chili while it’s simmering, and stir until it thickens.

Can I make chili con carne ahead of time and reheat it later?

Absolutely! In fact, chili con carne often tastes even better when made ahead of time. After cooking, allow the chili to cool and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the pressure cooker until warmed through.

Can I adjust the spice level of the chili?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level of the chili con carne to suit your taste preferences. Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or other spices to achieve your desired level of spiciness. Remember, adding more spice later if needed is always easier, so start with a conservative amount and adjust accordingly.

Can I freeze leftover chili con carne? 

Absolutely! Chili con carne freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How To Store Leftover Instant Pot Chili Con Carne

This makes for amazing leftovers if you have any leftovers. Chili con carne:

Let the chili cool to room temperature, then place the leftovers into an airtight container. Place the container into the refrigerator. It will last about 3 to 4 days. After that, dispose of any leftovers.

What Are Some Great Toppings For Chili Con Carne?

There are so many ways that you can dress this up, or if you even want to have an Instant Pot Chili Party, here are some great toppings to serve it with:

• Shredded Cheese
• Dollop Of Sour Cream
• Tomatoes
• Tortillas
• Avocados
• Green Onions

Is Chilli Con Carne from Texas?

Tex-Mex Chilli Con Carne is a popular dish that originated in the U.S., but there are many variations of this recipe found worldwide, including some South American recipes containing chocolate and cinnamon. It’s so common to find different versions of this dish around the globe that it begs the question: where did chili con carne originate? The most popular answer on the internet is Southern Texas. 

What To Serve With Chili Con Carne

I love serving it plain, but you know what works amazingly well with Chili is Cornbread; here are some of my favorite cornbread recipes:

• Spoonbread Pudding
• Jiffy Cornbread
• Classic Cornbread
• Air Fryer Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Biscuits

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