If your Instant Pot pressure cooker doesn’t have a specific “chili” or “bean” setting, don’t worry! You can still make delicious chili in your Instant Pot. The key is to understand how the pre-programmed settings work and adjust accordingly.
Use the Manual or Pressure Cook Setting
The Instant Pot has a Manual or Pressure Cook setting that allows you to customize the pressure cooking time. Since dried beans take longer to cook than meat or veggies, you’ll want to use this setting when making chili.
For most dried beans, cooking them for 30-35 minutes under high pressure is sufficient to get them tender. So you can use the Manual setting for that length of time to cook the beans. Make sure to properly soak and prepare the beans first.
Then you can add the remaining chili ingredients—ground meat, tomatoes, veggies, seasonings, etc. The meat and veggies take much less time to cook, so you only need 1-5 minutes under pressure. You may need to finish simmering the chili after pressure cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
Use the Bean Setting (if available)
Some newer Instant Pot models do come with a Bean or Chili setting. This setting automatically configures the cooking times to suit beans or chili.
If your Instant Pot has this, you can simply use the Bean setting instead of Manual when making your chili. It will pressure cook the beans until tender, usually around 30 minutes. Then you can quick or natural release the pressure and proceed with simmering.
Adjust the Time Yourself
If you don’t have a specific Bean or Chili function, you can still adjust the time yourself on another setting like Manual or Soup.
Simply increase the cooking time to ensure the beans cook through fully. Start with 35 minutes on Manual or High Pressure if your chili has a lot of beans. You can always cook it longer if needed.
The key is using high pressure and cooking for the time needed to properly soften the beans. Adjust cooking times as needed based on bean variety and quantity.
Soak the Beans First
No matter what setting you use, it’s important to soak dried beans for several hours (or overnight) before cooking. This allows them to begin rehydrating and reduces the final cook time.
Be sure to discard the water used for soaking and rinse the beans well. This helps remove compounds that make beans gassy or hard to digest.
Soaked, rinsed beans will cook faster and more evenly in the Instant Pot, resulting in tender and creamy beans in your chili.
Add Plenty of Liquid
Pressure cooking requires adequate liquid in order for the pot to pressurize properly. For chili, you’ll usually get enough liquid from the tomatoes, broth, and other ingredients.
But make sure to add at least 1 cup of liquid per 1 cup of dried beans. The liquid gets absorbed as the beans cook down, so sufficient liquid is key.
You can always reduce the liquid after cooking if the chili ends up too thin. Simmering the chili uncovered for 10-15 minutes will allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Get the Pressure Release Right
Releasing the pressure properly ensures the beans finish cooking through. A quick pressure release isn’t recommended as it can cause beans to split open.
Let the pressure release naturally for at least 10-15 minutes before doing a quick release to release the rest of the steam. You can also allow the pressure to come down fully naturally over 20-30 minutes.
After releasing the pressure, you may need to simmer the chili for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken up.
Check Seasonings and Adjust
Once your chili is done cooking, give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, etc. to suit your preferences.
You can also add more tomatoes, beans, or thickeners like tomato paste if needed. Simmer for 5-10 minutes for the flavors to blend.
The great thing about Instant Pot chili is that you can keep simmering it after pressure cooking to fully develop the flavors.
Toppings and Sides
A good chili is all about the toppings! Have fun topping your Instant Pot chili with:
- Shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Sour cream
- Chopped onions
- Diced avocado
- Tortilla chips
- Hot sauce
Delicious side dishes to pair with your chili include:
- Cornbread
- Corn muffins
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Tortilla chips and guacamole
- Green salad
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Chili
Here are some top tips for making stellar chili in your Instant Pot, no matter what model you have:
- Always soak and rinse dried beans before cooking.
- Use plenty of flavorful liquid like broth.
- Sear meats before pressure cooking.
- Add tender veggies at the end to avoid overcooking.
- Simmer chili after pressure cooking to meld flavors.
- Season to taste and adjust before serving.
- Garnish with lots of fun toppings.
Instant Pot Chili Recipe
This simple but tasty Instant Pot chili recipe works great with or without a designated bean setting:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb dried beans like pinto or kidney, soaked overnight
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions:
- Rinse soaked beans and add to Instant Pot.
- Add broth and crushed tomatoes.
- Set Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook for 35 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes then quick release.
- Add beef, onion, garlic, jalapeno, and seasonings.
- Simmer chili uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve chili with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I add tomatoes before or after pressure cooking?
For best results, add tomatoes after pressure cooking. Whole tomatoes may burst or get overcooked with long pressure cook times. Add them at the end when simmering the chili.
How can I thicken my Instant Pot chili?
If your chili ends up too thin, you can thicken it by simmering uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it reduces. You can also stir in a slurry of 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water and simmer 5 minutes.
My beans aren’t getting soft enough. What should I do?
Make sure to soak beans overnight, use plenty of liquid, and pressure cook for full 30-35 minutes. You can also try natural release method. If beans still aren’t softening, simmer chili uncovered until beans reach desired tenderness.
Do I need to adjust cooking time for different beans?
Yes, cook times can vary slightly by bean variety. Start with 35 minutes for pinto, kidney, black beans. Cook chickpeas for 40-45 minutes. Lentils take 20-25 minutes. Adjust as needed.
Can I make chili ahead of time in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Instant Pot chili stores and reheats wonderfully. Allow chili to cool completely then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate up to 4-5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop until hot.
Conclusion
Making delicious bean chili in the Instant Pot is easy even without a designated Chili or Bean setting. Just soak the beans well, use plenty of liquid, pressure cook for 30-35 minutes, then simmer to perfection. Adjust cooking times as needed for your preferred bean type and chili recipe. With the right techniques, you can enjoy tender beans and robust chili flavor in your Instant Pot.