Name: Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 jalapeno pepper, minced (more or less to taste); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon cocoa powder; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices); 15 ounces canned kidney beans (drained); 8 ounces canned tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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This Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that comes together in just 45 minutes. Featuring lean ground turkey, tender beans, and a secret ingredient (cocoa powder!) that adds depth and richness, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy weeknight dinner. With minimal effort, you’ll have a bowl of comforting chili that’s bursting with spices and savory goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey chili is not only quick to make in the Instant Pot, but it’s also packed with flavor. The cocoa powder gives the chili an unexpected richness that pairs perfectly with the spices, while the turkey keeps it lean without sacrificing taste. It’s the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and comforting, and it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ideal meal when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground turkey
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced (more or less to taste)
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
3 tablespoons tomato paste
15 ounces canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
15 ounces canned kidney beans (drained)
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the turkey and vegetables: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the turkey, diced onion, and minced jalapeno. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the spices become fragrant and the flavors meld together.
Deglaze the pot: Pour in the beef broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any stuck bits from the bottom of the pot. This step helps avoid the burn error during pressure cooking.
Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, tomato paste, diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, tomato sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together well.
Pressure cook the chili: Place the lid on the Instant Pot and set the vent to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Release the pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Finish and serve: Remove the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, and corn chips or oyster crackers.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Pressure Build-Up & Release Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Chili: If you like heat, add more jalapenos, or use a hotter variety of chili peppers, like serrano or habanero.
Swap the Beans: If you don’t have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans would work great in this chili.
Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version.
Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra veggies and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This chili freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a little extra broth if the chili thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground beef is a great substitute for turkey, but it will add more fat to the chili. You can also use ground chicken for a leaner option.

What’s the secret ingredient in this chili?

The cocoa powder! It adds a rich, earthy flavor to the chili that deepens the taste and complements the spices.

Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can. Simply brown the turkey and vegetables in a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour until the flavors meld together.

How do I make this chili spicier?

For a spicier version, add more jalapenos, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste or hot sauce when adding the beans.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, this chili tastes even better the next day! You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick.

Can I add more beans?

Absolutely! You can add more beans or use a combination of different beans like black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the turkey and vegetables, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

Instant Pot Turkey Chili is the perfect quick and easy meal for a cozy dinner, especially when you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and healthy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a bowl of chili that’s rich, savory, and satisfying. The Instant Pot makes it fast, but the depth of flavor is definitely not sacrificed. Top it with your favorite garnishes and serve with a side of crunchy chips for a delicious meal everyone will love!