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Instant Pot Cowboy Chili is thick and delicious for hearty appetites. It has the best flavor combination full of ground beef, tomatoes, beans and more. Get dinner on the table fast with this easy pressure cooker recipe.
Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Cowboy Chili!
When the weather turns chilly or I need a meal that can feed a hungry crowd, I turn to Cowboy Chili. It’s hearty, smoky, and full of bold flavors that make it more than your average chili.
Cooking it in the Instant Pot is a game-changer! It delivers that slow-simmered flavor but in 20 minutes! It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it a staple in my kitchen during fall and winter.
Chili is served anytime we have friends and family over! Our other favorites include Pulled Pork Chili and Slow Cooker Brisket Chili.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – We used lean ground beef
- Onion – Chop onion ahead of time and freeze onions
- Large Red Bell Pepper – Chop into small pieces. You can also use green bell pepper
- Minced Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Beef Broth – You can also use beef stock or chicken broth
- Crushed Tomatoes and Stewed Tomatoes – Tomato base sauce
- Kidney Beans – Use the beans that you prefer. We love black beans too
- Chili Powder – If you are out, see The Best Chili Powder Substitute
- Cayenne – Omit this if you do not like spicy or check out Best Cayenne Pepper Substitute
- Cumin – See Best Substitute for Cumin
- Toppings – Add toppings such as cheddar cheese, red onions, sour cream, green onions, hot sauce, diced jalapeno peppers, bacon, crackers, corn chips and tortilla chips
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Instant Pot Cowboy Chili
Step 1 – Turn the pressure cooker to the sauté mode setting. Then brown the ground beef in the Instant Pot until brown. Drain the grease after the meat has browned.
Step 2 – Add all the other ingredients to the Instant Pot except for the cheddar cheese and red onion. You won’t use those until later. Stir all of the ingredients together.
Step 3 – Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release to release the pressure. The cooking time is minimum and gets dinner on the table fast.
Step 4 – It is that quick and easy. Serve this delicious chili topped with the shredded cheese, cilantro and red onion.
Instant Pot Cowboy Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 1 can stewed tomatoes (14.5 oz.)
- 2 cans of drained kidney beans
- ¼ cup chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne optional
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 cups cheddar cheese for toppings
- Red onion diced for topping
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté. Brown the ground beef in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting until brown. Drain off the excess grease.
- Add all the other ingredients to the Instant Pot except for the cheddar cheese and red onion. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release.
- Serve topped with the shredded cheese and red onion. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Variation Ideas
- Change Meat. Substitute ground turkey for ground beef. Turkey takes on the flavor of the other ingredients. If you prefer tender chunks of beef use a chuck roast or stew meat.
- Beans. Try using pinto beans instead of kidney beans or mix them together.
- Veggies. Instead of red bell peppers, try using green or yellow. You can also mix of all 3 and it would be yummy and look pretty too.
- Tomatoes. Add tomato sauce with the diced tomatoes. You can also add a can of cream of mushroom with the tomato sauce.
Nutrition Facts
What to Serve with Chili
- Cornbread. I like to crumble it right into the bowl of chili.
- Baked Potatoes. Pour chili on top of the potato. Top with cheese and you have the best meal.
- Grilled Cheese. This is always a hit and a popular choice with the kids.
For even more ideas, learn what to serve with chili for a delicious meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this cowboy chili easily cooks in the slow cooker. See Crockpot Cowboy Chili for all the details.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days in the refrigerator. We think it taste even better the next day.
Allow the chili to cool completely. Then place in freezer bags or containers. I prefer to use bags because they can lay flat and stack together.
If you have plenty of freezer space, containers would be just fine. You might want to freeze a few individual portions for quick lunches. This is also handy when you need dinner and the entire family isn’t eating. Store in the freezer up to 3 months.
Reheat on the stove top using a dutch oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. I use medium high heat stirring occasionally. If frozen, allow to thaw in the fridge and then reheat as normal. Finally, reheat for 30 minutes on medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer. Also see Leftover Chili Recipes.
More Instant Pot Chili Recipes
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili Recipe
Quick and Easy Vegetarian
Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
Quick and Easy Instant Pot
Easy Frito Chili Pie Instant Pot Recipe
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