Imagine coming home after a long day to a steaming pot of rich, flavor-packed chili that's ready in under 45 minutes. This Instant Pot Ground Beef Kidney Bean Chili isn't just another recipe—it's a game-changing, soul-warming meal that'll have your family begging for seconds. With tender ground beef, perfectly cooked kidney beans, and a symphony of spices, this chili transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that'll make you the household hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and draining the kidney beans.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add ground beef. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles, until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and onions with spices.
- Add drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup water to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode for 15 minutes.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open lid, stir chili, and adjust seasoning if needed. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese. Optional: Add sour cream or chopped green onions.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh spices and consider toasting your spices briefly before adding them to the meat.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release—it helps the flavors meld and the chili develop a deeper taste profile.
- Choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for richer flavor and juicier results.
- If you want a thicker chili, let it sit uncovered for an extra 5-10 minutes after cooking to reduce and concentrate the sauce.
- Experiment with toppings like diced avocado, jalapeños, or a dollop of Greek yogurt to customize your chili experience.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
