If you’re craving a comforting and nutritious meal that comes together quickly, you’ll absolutely love this Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of warming spices, this chili is the perfect combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also melds the ingredients into a rich, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe makes chili night an absolute delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create a chili bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays its role in building layers of taste, from the mild sweetness of bell pepper to the tender creaminess of beans, and the bold spices that define every bowl.
- Ground Turkey (1.25 lbs): A lean protein that keeps this chili light but filling, providing a meaty texture without heaviness.
- Broth (1.25 cups): Adds depth and moisture, helping to create the perfect chili consistency.
- Large Onion: Sautéed to sweetness, it forms the flavorful base of the chili.
- Garlic Cloves (4, freshly minced): Provides a sharp, aromatic kick that balances the spices beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings bursts of vibrant color and a gentle, sweet crunch.
- Corn (1.75 cups): Introduces a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the chili.
- Kidney Beans (14 oz, drained and rinsed): Classic chili beans that add creaminess and protein.
- Cannellini Beans (14 oz): Their mild flavor and soft texture complement the other beans perfectly.
- Pinto Beans (14 oz): Rounded out the bean trio, giving a hearty bite in every spoonful.
- Chili Powder (3.5 tbsp): The soul of the chili, delivering warmth and spice.
- Cumin (1.25 tsp): Earthy and aromatic, it elevates the chili’s flavor profile.
- Oregano (1.25 tsp): Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that balances the heat.
- Paprika (0.75 tsp): Contributes smokiness and depth.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Diced Tomatoes (28 oz): A chunky, juicy base that adds both acidity and sweetness.
- Tomato Paste (6 oz): Thickens the chili and deepens the tomato flavor.
- Bay Leaf (1): Infuses subtle earthiness during cooking.
- Oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the aromatics and locking in flavor.
- Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds a mild, peppery crunch.
- Cilantro: Offers a burst of herbal brightness.
- Cheese (sharp cheddar recommended): Melts beautifully on top, lending a rich, tangy bite.
- Plain Yogurt: A creamy, healthy substitute for sour cream that cools down the spice.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by turning your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the oil. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper, cooking until they become fragrant and softened. Then add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. This foundational step builds layers of flavor and sets the perfect base for the chili.
Step 2: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and salt directly into the pot with the cooked turkey and vegetables. Stir constantly for about a minute to toast the spices slightly—this quick step amplifies their aroma and depth, making your chili truly irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and add the beans, corn, and bay leaf. Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors together. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits, ensuring nothing sticks during cooking.
Step 4: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely and set it to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. This rapid cooking melds all the ingredients, infusing the chili with rich flavor while keeping the beans tender and turkey juicy. When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to finish.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf, give your chili a taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. You’re now ready to enjoy this big, bold bowl of comfort.
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
One of the joys of this chili is customizing it with fresh, colorful garnishes. I love topping mine with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of creamy plain yogurt. These add freshness, richness, and a delightful contrast to the spicy warmth of the chili.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside buttery cornbread or warm tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch. A simple mixed green salad also pairs beautifully, balancing out the chili’s hearty richness with crisp, refreshing greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use your chili as a filling in baked potatoes or stuff into warm pita pockets. You can even ladle it over cooked quinoa or rice bowls to make a complete, protein-packed meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, chili freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy a homemade meal anytime without extra effort.
Reheating
Reheat chili gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or microwave it in a covered dish until heated through. Adding a splash of broth or water can refresh the chili’s consistency if it’s thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! While the recipe is designed with lean ground turkey for a healthier twist, ground beef will add a richer, more classic chili flavor. Just adjust the cooking times if your beef is fattier.
Do I need to soak the beans before cooking?
This recipe uses canned beans that are already cooked, so soaking is not necessary. Just be sure to drain and rinse them well to reduce sodium and improve flavor.
What can I substitute for plain yogurt as a garnish?
If you prefer a dairy-free or vegan option, try coconut yogurt or a dollop of guacamole. Both add creaminess and cool down the chili’s heat nicely.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a pleasant warmth from the chili powder and paprika but isn’t overpoweringly spicy. You can easily adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like it fiery.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
Definitely! After sautéing the aromatics and turkey on the stove, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and convenience that fills your home with irresistible aromas and your belly with warmth. Give it a try—you won’t regret falling in love with every spoonful!
Print
Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili is a flavorful, protein-packed meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Made with lean ground turkey, an assortment of beans, fresh vegetables, and robust spices, this chili is rich in taste and texture. The Instant Pot method ensures tender ingredients infused with bold flavors, all ready in just 30 minutes—a comforting dish ideal for family meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Protein & Beans
- 1.25 lbs ground turkey (preferably Butterball for leaner protein)
- 14 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed well
- 14 oz cannellini beans, drained and rinsed well
- 14 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed well
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1.75 cups corn (fresh or frozen)
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (Hunt’s preferred)
Liquids & Oil
- 1.25 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Spices & Herbs
- 3.5 tbsp chili powder
- 1.25 tsp cumin
- 1.25 tsp oregano
- 0.75 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
Garnishes
- Green onion, sliced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
- Plain yogurt (FAGE preferred as a sour cream substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic cloves, and rinse all the beans thoroughly. Measure out the spices and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ setting and add the oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and sauté until fully cooked and no longer pink, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula or spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and salt. Add the tomato paste and mix well to coat the turkey and vegetables evenly. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and enhance flavor.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, corn, and all three kinds of beans. Add the bay leaf and stir everything together, ensuring no ingredients are stuck to the bottom of the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Natural Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf and give the chili a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with sliced green onion, chopped cilantro, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of plain yogurt as a healthy sour cream alternative.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo or smoked paprika.
- Can be made spicier by adding cayenne pepper or jalapeños during the sauté step.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly for a lower sodium dish.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Customize the beans based on preference or availability.
