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If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with vibrant vegetables, lean ground turkey, and a perfect blend of spices, it delivers a comforting bowl of chili that’s both healthy and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe is designed to make your life easier without skimping on taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the sweetness of the onion to the hearty beans that provide texture and protein, plus spices that bring the whole dish to life. Gathering these basics means you’re well on your way to a fantastic meal.
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil: Offers a rich base to sauté your veggies and adds a silky texture.
- 1 sweet onion (finely diced): Brings natural sweetness and depth to balance the chili’s spices.
- 3 stalks celery (finely diced): Adds a pleasant crunch and fresh flavor that enhances texture.
- 1 green bell pepper (finely diced): Provides a mild, grassy note and beautiful color contrast.
- 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7): A lean protein that keeps the dish hearty without heaviness.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Gives moisture to the chili and helps build flavors together.
- 2 15-oz. cans red kidney beans: Adds bulk, fiber, and that classic chili bite everyone loves.
- 4 Tbsp. homemade chili seasoning: Delivers the warm, smoky, and spicy punch that defines this chili.
- 2 14-oz. cans diced tomatoes: Offer acidity and juiciness, keeping the chili bright and well-balanced.
- 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce: Enhances richness and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 1 Tbsp. sugar: A secret touch to round out acidity and highlight sweetness naturally present.
- Jalapeños (thinly sliced): Perfect for those who like a little kick and fresh heat on top.
- Sour cream (can use dairy-free): Adds cool creaminess to mellow the spice and enrich each bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (can use dairy-free): Brings melting, gooey indulgence as a finishing touch.
- Green onions (finely chopped): Provide a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the bowl beautifully.
How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Set your 6-quart Instant Pot to the sauté function and pour in the olive oil. Toss in the diced sweet onion, celery, and green bell pepper, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies soften and release their natural fragrance. This step unlocks a wonderful base flavor that sets the tone for the rest of the chili.
Step 2: Cook and Crumble the Turkey
Shift the sautéed vegetables to one side of the pot and add the ground turkey. Let it cook uncovered for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula or potato masher. You want the turkey browned but not fully cooked yet, as it will continue to simmer with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Broth, Beans, and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spatula to scrape the bottom of the pot, loosening any tasty browned bits. Now add the red kidney beans, your homemade chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a tablespoon of sugar. A little pro tip: Avoid stirring everything together at this point. Letting the tomatoes stay mostly on top during cooking keeps their texture nicely intact.
Step 4: Pressure Cook Your Chili
Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the pressure release valve is set to sealed. Select the high-pressure setting and cook for 12 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining steam. This slow release lets flavors meld perfectly while keeping your chili juicy and tender.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings and Serve
Your Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe is ready for its final flourish. Ladle it into bowls and top with thinly sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese. These finishing touches bring fresh, creamy, and spicy elements that make every mouthful a celebration.
How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving experience with fresh garnishes like thinly sliced jalapeños for a sharp heat, bright green onions for a bit of crunch, creamy sour cream for cooling, and melty cheddar cheese for richness. These toppings transform a simple bowl into a personalized feast full of layers and textures.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Crunchy cornbread is a classic companion that soaks up every bit of sauce, while a crisp green salad offers a fresh counterpoint to the chili’s warmth. For a comforting touch, try tortilla chips or even steamed rice to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your family or guests? Serve the chili in hollowed-out baked potatoes or crispy bread bowls. You can also layer it over baked sweet potatoes for a hearty twist. Turning chili into loaded nachos with your favorite toppings or building chili-stuffed peppers offers fun and visually appealing alternatives that keep dinner exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve its flavors and moisture. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the spices continue to marry, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the chili in portioned containers or freezer-safe bags for up to three months. Label with the date so you can enjoy a delicious, ready-to-go meal whenever you need it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth. If the chili thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Top again with fresh garnishes before serving to revive that just-cooked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the lean goodness of ground turkey, swapping in ground beef will give your chili a richer flavor and slightly different texture. Just keep in mind that beef is usually fattier, so you might want to adjust how much olive oil or broth you use.
Is this Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe spicy?
The chili seasoning brings a balanced warmth, but the spice level can be easily adjusted. If you prefer mild chili, reduce or omit the jalapeños and choose a milder chili seasoning. For a fiery kick, add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. You might want to add vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian. The seasoning blend still works perfectly to build a flavorful chili.
Do I need to soak the kidney beans before cooking?
Since this chili uses canned kidney beans, there’s no need to soak them. They’re pre-cooked and ready to go, which makes this Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe quick and convenient. Just be sure to rinse the beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
What if I don’t have homemade chili seasoning?
No worries! You can substitute with store-bought chili powder mixed with garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a touch of cayenne. Adjust the quantities to match your taste and create a seasoning that’s just right for your chili.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of chili that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, and this Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, made all the easier with your trusty Instant Pot. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this chili as much as I do—it’s a recipe that warms the soul and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
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Print
Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Using lean ground turkey paired with a medley of fresh vegetables, beans, and a homemade chili seasoning blend, this chili comes together quickly with the convenience of the Instant Pot. Topped with jalapeños, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and green onions, it offers a comforting and satisfying dish that serves six and can easily be customized to your taste.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 lb. ground turkey (93/7)
- ½ cup chicken broth
Beans and Tomatoes
- 2 15-oz. cans red kidney beans
- 2 14-oz. cans diced tomatoes
- 1 8-oz. can tomato sauce
Seasonings and Toppings
- 4 Tbsp. homemade chili seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. sugar
- Jalapeños, thinly sliced (for topping)
- Sour cream (can use dairy-free, for topping)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (can use dairy-free, for topping)
- Green onions, finely chopped (for topping)
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables: Set your 6-quart Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once heated, add the finely diced sweet onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and aromatic.
- Cook and Crumble Turkey: Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the Instant Pot. Add the ground turkey to the cleared space. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spatula or potato masher, until it’s mostly cooked through with no visible pink.
- Add Broth, Beans, and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits to avoid the burn warning. Without stirring the entire pot, add the red kidney beans, homemade chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sugar. It’s important not to mix everything together so that the tomatoes stay near the top during cooking.
- Cover and Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealed position. Select the high-pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 12 minutes. After the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure and opening the lid carefully.
- Finish with Toppings: Ladle the turkey chili into bowls and serve with your choice of thinly sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, dollops of sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess and a spicy kick. Enjoy your hearty Instant Pot turkey chili!
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- To make this chili gluten-free, ensure that your chili seasoning and canned products are certified gluten-free.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze excellently for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer less liquid chili, reduce the chicken broth to ¼ cup.
- Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream to make this recipe dairy-free.
