Easy Turkey Chili Instant Pot: Your Go-To Recipe

Whip Up Amazing Easy Turkey Chili in Your Instant Pot!

Craving a warm, hearty bowl of chili that’s packed with flavor, healthy, and super simple to make? Look no further! This Instant Pot easy turkey chili recipe is your new best friend for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Forget the long simmer times; your pressure cooker does all the hard work, delivering a rich, delicious chili in a fraction of the time. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this comforting classic!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Lightning-Fast: The Instant Pot slashes cooking time, making a deep-flavored chili ready much quicker than stovetop methods.
Effortless: With minimal hands-on time, you can relax while your Instant Pot works its magic.
Healthy & Lean: Ground turkey makes this a lighter option without sacrificing any of that satisfying chili goodness.
Packed with Flavor: A blend of classic chili spices, tender turkey, and hearty beans creates a taste sensation.
Perfect for Meal Prep: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or planning meals ahead.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this incredible easy turkey chili instant pot recipe:

Pantry Staples:

Olive Oil: Just a drizzle for sautéing.
Ground Turkey: 1 pound (90% lean recommended for flavor, but 93% or 99% works too).
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (yellow or white).
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder).
Bell Pepper: 1, any color, chopped.

Flavor Powerhouses (Spices!):

Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons (don’t skimp, it’s the star!).
Ground Cumin: 1 tablespoon.
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon (adds a lovely depth).
Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (or more if you like it spicy!).
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.

Liquid & Legumes:

Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained.
Tomato Sauce: 1 (8-ounce) can.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or water).
Kidney Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained.
Black Beans: 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained.

Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended!):

Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Sliced green onions
Avocado, diced
Tortilla chips or cornbread

Your Instant Pot Equipment

You’ll just need your trusty Instant Pot (a 6-quart or 8-quart model is perfect) and a wooden spoon or spatula.

Let’s Make Instant Pot Easy Turkey Chili!

Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:

Sauté the Aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Once hot, add the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Brown the Turkey: Push the veggies to one side and add the ground turkey to the pot. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess fat if there’s a lot.
Spice it Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas. This step adds so much depth!
Deglaze the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is super important to prevent a “Burn” warning!
Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Do NOT stir again after this point to help prevent a “Burn” warning, as the thicker ingredients are less likely to stick to the bottom if they aren’t directly touching it.
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the venting knob is set to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” and set the time for 10 minutes on High Pressure.
Natural Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Then, carefully switch the venting knob to “Venting” to quick release any remaining pressure.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the lid, give the chili a good stir, and ladle it into bowls. Top with your favorite fixings and dig in!

Tips for the Best Easy Turkey Chili

Don’t Skip the Sauté: Browning the turkey and toasting the spices builds a strong flavor foundation.
Deglaze Properly: Scraping up those browned bits is key for both flavor and preventing errors.
Adjust Spice Level: Love heat? Add more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Reduce the cayenne.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: High-quality, fresh spices and vegetables really elevate the taste.
Don’t Over Stir: After adding the thicker ingredients (tomatoes, beans) before pressure cooking, avoid stirring them into the bottom layer.

Flavorful Variations to Try

Sweet Corn Addition: Stir in 1 cup of frozen corn after the pressure cooking for a touch of sweetness.
Smoky Boost: Add a tablespoon of chipotle in adobo sauce (minced) for extra smoky heat.
Veggie Power: Toss in a chopped sweet potato or zucchini along with the bell peppers for more nutrients.
Bean Bonanza: Swap out or add other beans like pinto beans or cannellini beans.
Extra Zest: A squeeze of lime juice at the end brightens all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This easy turkey chili instant pot recipe is fantastic on its own, but here are some popular ways to enjoy it:

Classic Toppings: A dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro are a must!
With Bread: Serve alongside warm cornbread, crusty bread, or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
Over Grains: Spoon it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
Loaded Chili Nachos: Use it as a topping for tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and all your favorite nacho fixings.

Storing and Freezing Your Chili

Refrigerator: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: This chili freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs About Easy Turkey Chili Instant Pot

Q: Can I use frozen ground turkey?

A: Yes, you can! If it’s frozen in a block, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the sauté time to fully brown and break it up. For best results, it’s always ideal to thaw it first, but it can be done from frozen.

Q: How long does it take to cook in the Instant Pot?

A: The actual pressure cooking time is 10 minutes. However, you need to account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure (about 10-15 minutes) and the natural release time (10 minutes), so total time from start to finish is usually around 30-40 minutes.

Q: What if my chili is too thick?

A: After cooking, if your chili is thicker than you prefer, simply stir in a splash more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: What if my chili is too thin?

A: If it’s too thin, you can press the “Sauté” button after removing the lid and let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, stir it into the simmering chili, and cook until thickened.

Q: How can I make this chili spicier?

A: To kick up the heat, add more cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce (like Cholula or Tabasco) after cooking, or include finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers when you sauté the onions and bell peppers.

Q: Why did my Instant Pot give a “Burn” notice?

A: A “Burn” notice usually means there’s something stuck to the bottom of the pot. This often happens with thicker sauces or tomatoes. Ensure you thoroughly deglaze the pot after browning the meat and spices, scraping up all browned bits. Also, try to layer your ingredients without stirring after adding the thicker ones (like tomatoes and beans) before closing the lid for pressure cooking. The broth should be at the bottom.

Get Ready to Enjoy!

This easy turkey chili Instant Pot recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves delicious, wholesome food without the fuss. It’s incredibly satisfying, adaptable to your taste, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy meals throughout the week. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!