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    Urban Bliss Life » All Recipes » Soup Recipes » Best Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe

    Published: November 4, 2021 / Updated: October 28, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Best Instant Pot Turkey Chili Recipe

    522 shares
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    best instant pot chili
    bowl of the best instant pot chili! with title text
    instant pot chili with text overlay

    If you're looking for the best chili recipe, this Best Instant Pot Chili Recipe is super easy to make, packed with flavor, and is oh so satisfying. The ultimate comfort food! Recipe also includes instructions for making this chili in the slow cooker and stovetop.

    closeup of bowl of instant pot chili topped with jalapenos, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese,

    Comfort food season is the best. Soups, stews, and pastas. Comfy sweaters and boots, wine time by the fireplace, warm blankets, football games, and hot comfort food to fill our bellies.

    Chili is, for me, one of the ULTIMATE fall comfort foods. My husband, however, hasn't always been a huge fan. That is, until THIS, my best instant pot chili recipe!

    The first time I made this chili recipe, my husband went back for seconds. The next day, he had leftovers. I knew then that this was the best chili recipe that I've made so far! I've made it dozens of times since, and it always gets rave reviews from friends, family, and readers!

    Jump to:
    • 🌟What makes this the best Instant Pot chili
    • 🥓 Ingredient notes
    • 🧀 Substitution options
    • ✅ Step-by-step instructions
    • Kitchen tools and equipment
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
    • 🍽 Serving ideas
    • 🍷 Wine pairings for chili
    • More pressure cooker recipes
    • More hearty comfort food recipes
    • Instant Pot Turkey Chili
    • Pin it:

    🌟What makes this the best Instant Pot chili

    bowl of instant pot chili topped with jalapenos, sour cream, bacon, cheddar cheese, with green herbs on the side.

    Traditional chili recipes require the ingredients to simmer on the stovetop. Much like the traditional bolognese sauce that would simmer on your Nonna's stove all day long on Sundays, the meat, beans, and veggies in the chili would simmer for hours and create awesome flavor the longer they co-mingled.

    What's extra awesome about multi-cookers – like the Ninja Foodi and the Instant Pot – is that they speed up that flavorful co-mingling process by pressure cooking. And these kitchen tools give you the same mouthwatering, complex, hearty chili in a fraction of the time.

    If you're looking for a unique chili recipe, try my Dutch Oven Chili with Ground Turkey, Farro, and Stout.

    🥓 Ingredient notes

    ingrdients to make instant pot chili on top of a bright blue background.

    These ingredients help make this the best Instant Pot chili! Don't be intimidated by the amount of ingredients. Most of your prep work is simply dicing veggies, then opening cans :)

    Bacon - the flavor starts from a foundation of salty crunchy bacon.

    Red peppers, onions, and garlic - then the flavor builds with sauteeing diced red peppers, onions, and minced garlic.

    Ground turkey - It's best to use ground turkey meat that is around 85% lean/15% fat. You want some fat to help build flavors and to keep the meat from drying out.

    Beef broth - you can use your own homemade broth, or use one (14.5 ounce) can of beef broth. If you don't have beef broth, you can use chicken broth instead. Just be aware that it won't have the same depth of flavor as beef broth.

    Canned beans - I use a mix of one can each of pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans. Use your fave!

    Canned tomatoes - I love the extra flavor that canned diced fire roasted tomatoes add to this chili. You could also use regular diced tomatoes instead.

    Tomato paste - a small (6-ounce) can of tomato paste

    Worcestershire sauce - Worcestershire sauce is what gives this chili an extra rich umami flavor!

    Herbs and spices - The final touches to make this super flavorful, rich, hearty pressure cooker chili is in the herbs and spices. Use oregano, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    🧀 Substitution options

    bowl of chili topped with jalapenos, sour cream, bacon, and cheese, with a glass of red wine on white table with spoon.

    DAIRY OR DAIRY-FREE: On its own, this is a dairy-free chili recipe. However, for add-ins and garnish, I have used regular cheddar cheese and regular sour cream for the dairy lovers in my life. I simply sub those out for dairy-free sour cream and dairy-free cheddar cheese.

    SPICE: This is a milder (yet still super flavorful!) chili recipe. Most of my recipes are on the milder side, because it's much easier to spice up a recipe than it is to cool it down. Like it spicy? Add jalapeños in the chili and/or on top as a garnish. You can also adjust the spices to your preferred level of heat.

    VEGGIES: I like to add more veggies when I can into a dish. Diced carrots, green peppers, red onions, potatoes, and even small chunks of butternut squash would be yummy additions to this. You could even make this a vegetarian chili by subbing out the ground meat for butternut squash and more veggies. Just try to balance out the amount of veggies you put into the recipe for the amount of meat you are taking out of the recipe.

    ✅ Step-by-step instructions

    Here are step-by-step instructions and helpful cooking tips to making the best instant pot chili. Full ingredient measurements and instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

    cooked bacon sizzling in Dutch oven
    Crispy Bacon
    1. Press the Saute mode on your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi, then add the bacon.

    2. Sauté until the bacon is crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate or bowl lined with paper towels. Drain some of the grease, leaving about a tablespoon of grease in the pot.

    adding peppers, onions, garlic to the ninja foodi
    sauteed vegetables in ninja foodi

    3. Add the red pepper, onion, and garlic to the pot. Sauté, stirring regularly, until the peppers are slightly soft.

    breaking up ground turkey in the instant pot
    cooked ground turkey for instant pot chili

    4. Add the ground turkey and break up the meat with a wooden spoon. as you do so, mix the meat in with the veggies.  Cook until the meat is browned, about 4 to 5 minutes.

    beans in instant pot
    adding diced tomatoes to ninja foodi chili
    adding worcestershire sauce to chili

    5. Add the beans (make sure they are drained), tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.

    adding oregano to ground turkey chili
    adding salt and pepper to instant pot turkey chili

    6. Then sprinkle in the oregano, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    Stir the ingredients together gently just enough to mix in the herbs. You don't want all of the tomatoes and tomato paste at the bottom, as that may cause your Instant Pot to give off a BURN notice.

    scooped up cooked chili

    7. Seal and lock in the pressure lid, making sure the pressure release valve is in the SEAL/SEALING position. Press the Pressure Cooker/Manual setting on your Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. Set the timer for 20 minutes.

    8. Once the 20 minutes is up and the pressure cooker is done cooking, allow the unit to Natural Release for 10 minutes (in other words, don't touch it for 10 minutes), and then move the pressure release valve over to Venting to allow for Quick Release. Once all pressure has been released and the pressure release indicator knob is all the way down, very carefully twist and open the lid.

    Serve immediately and top individual servings with your choice of toppings. We love bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and/or sliced jalapeños. 

    Kitchen tools and equipment

    Ninja Foodi Cookbook with Foodi and pasta
    8 quart Instant Pot Duo
    slow cooker in temporary kitchen

    OPTION 1: Ninja Foodi - I make this chili often in my Ninja Foodi. I have the 8-quart XL Deluxe Foodi, but you can also make this in the 6-quart Foodi. And yes, that is my cookbook, The Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Meal Prep Cookbook, in that first photo! ;)

    OPTION 2: Instant Pot - We've also made this recipe several times in my 8-quart Instant Pot. And I have been told others have had great success making this recipe in their 6-quart Instant Pot.

    NOTE: While cooking times remain the same, the 8-quart multi-cookers can take a few extra minutes to come to pressure. And no matter what size multi-cooker you have, you want to be sure to never add ingredients above your Ninja Foodi/Instant Pot fill line.

    OPTION 3: Slow Cooker - If you don't want to make this in your instant pot, or if you don't have a pressure cooker, you can easily make this yummy chili recipe in a slow cooker. You can also make this in a dutch oven on the stove. You just need to make a few adjustments, which I've noted in the NOTES section of the recipe card below.

    To make this chili, you will also need:

    • Cutting board
    • Knife
    • Can opener
    • Strainer or colander
    • Wooden spoon

    👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

    What can I do with leftover chili?

    - Serve over tortilla chips and top with sour cream, chives, and bacon for chili nachos.
    - Three words: chili cheese fries.
    - Cook some frozen tortellini the next day and combine it with leftover chili for Tortellini Chili Soup. Just add a couple of spoonfulls of the starchy pasta water and mix together for more of a soup vs. chunky chili texture.
    - Chili breakfast scramble: add to scramble eggs, top with avocado and sour cream.

    How do I store chili leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 or 5 days. Or, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to two months.

    Can I make this vegetarian chili?

    Absolutely! You can either substitute your favorite plant-based meat alternative (like Beyond Beef Crumbles). Or, try using chopped mushrooms and potatoes instead of the ground turkey. Be aware that if you only use vegetables, you may have more liquid after it's cooked. You can either turn your Instant Pot/Ninja Foodi to sauté and stir regularly, allowing some of the liquid to cook off. Or you can simply spoon some of the excess liquid out.

    🍽 Serving ideas

    two bowls of instant pot chili on white and blue napkin with sides of cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and sour cream.

    Serve this chili along with Garlic Parmesan Knots or Garlic Rosemary Focaccia.

    Add some hearty veggies like Air Fryer Broccoli or Radish Carrot Salad.

    🍷 Wine pairings for chili

    two bowls of chili with glass of red wine.

    Chili does, indeed, pair so well with a cold beer. However, I also enjoy a big bold red wine with this ground turkey chili. Go for a medium- to full-bodied red that has high tannins and high acidity to help balance the spices in this dish.

    The Abacela Winery Tempranillo stands up beautifully to this hearty chili. A Malbec, such as the Misty Oaks Vineyard Malbec, would complement the mild spices and beans.

    You can also pair this with a classic California red, such as one of my faves, a Ridge Vineyards Zinfandel.

    More pressure cooker recipes

    • Instant Pot/Ninja Foodi Seafood Jambalaya
    • Ninja Foodi Shrimp Scampi Linguine
    • Instant Pot Lentil Soup
    • Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Instant Pot Potato Corn Chowder

    More hearty comfort food recipes

    • garlic rosemary sirloin tip roast with potatoes on a platter.
      One-Pan Garlic Rosemary Sirloin Tip Roast and Potatoes
    • close up of beef bourguignon in big bowl
      Classic Beef Bourguignon
    • bowl of Butternut Squash Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
      Butternut Squash Ravioli with Crispy Sage and Brown Butter Sauce
    • dutch oven pot roast with vegetables in a large white serving platter
      Dutch Oven Pot Roast

    Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

    instant pot turkey chili

    Instant Pot Turkey Chili

    5 from 11 votes
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Natural release time: 10 mins
    Recipe by Marlynn Schotland
    This chili with three beans, ground turkey, and bacon is hearty and satisfying - the ultimate comfort food!
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 276kcal
    PRINT PIN RATE

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi, or other electric pressure cooker

    Ingredients

    • 8 slices bacon, sliced into small pieces
    • 1 red bell pepper, cored, de-stemmed and diced
    • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 - 1½ lbs. ground turkey
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) black beans, drained
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) pinto beans, drained
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) kidney beans, drained
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes (do NOT drain first)
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) beef stock (should equal a little more than 2 cups)
    • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
    • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tsp ground oregano
    • 2 tbsp ground chili powder
    • 2 tsp ground cumin
    • 1 tsp ground paprika
    • 2 tsp salt
    • ½ tsp ground black pepper

    Add-ons and garnishes

    • sour cream (optional)
    • cilantro leaves, finely chopped (optional)
    • jalapeño (optional)
    • shredded cheddar cheese (I use Daiya non-dairy shreds)

    Instructions

    • Press the Saute mode on your instant pot, then add the bacon. Sauté until the bacon is crisp. Transfer bacon to a plate or bowl lined with paper towels. Drain some of the grease, leaving about a tablespoon of grease in the pot.
    • Add the red pepper, onion, and garlic and sauté until the peppers are slightly soft.
    • Add the ground turkey and ground beef and cook until the meat is browned, breaking up the meat and mixing with the veggies throughout. 
    • Add remaining ingredients and half of the cooked bacon. Seal the lid.
    • Press the Chili setting (or Manual/Pressure Cook) on your instant pot and cook for 20 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then quick release.
    • Optional: top individual servings with bacon, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and/or sliced jalapeños. 

    Notes

    TO MAKE THIS CHILI IN A SLOW COOKER:
    • Cook the bacon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
    • Sauté the red pepper, onion, and garlic in a large skillet. Add the meat and cook until browned. 
    • Add all ingredients (except for half the bacon) into the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours.
    TO MAKE THIS CHILI ON THE STOVE:
    • Follow the instructions as you would for the instant pot, but after combining all ingredients, bring the chili to a low boil and then turn down to a low simmer for 3-4 hours.
    DAIRY-FREE OPTIONS
    Instead of full dairy sour cream and cheddar cheese, I use Tofutti Sour Cream and Daiya Cheddar Style Shreds.
    ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER/MULTI-COOKER EQUIPMENT: I make this in my 8-quart Ninja Foodi or 8-quart Instant Pot. You can also make this in the 6.5-quart Ninja Foodi or the 6-quart Instant Pot. Do NOT attempt to make this recipe in a 3-quart multi-cooker unless you reduce the ingredient amounts. Regardless of size, always make sure your ingredients do not go above your multi-cooker's fill line.
     
    Tried this recipe?Please leave a star rating and comment! Then snap a pic of your dish and share it on social media. Tag @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 910mg | Potassium: 752mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1421IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.

    NOTE: This post was originally published on October 25, 2018. It has been fully updated with new content, an updated recipe, new step-by-step cooking tips, and new photos and republished on November 4, 2021.

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    522 shares

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Nancy says

        December 03, 2018 at 6:20 pm

        This is so good! My husband wants me to make it weekly!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          December 04, 2018 at 2:43 pm

          5 stars
          Oh Nancy that makes me so happy to hear! Glad you all love it! :)

      2. Felicity Frankish says

        October 30, 2018 at 11:22 pm

        5 stars
        Yum! This look so tasty!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          December 04, 2018 at 2:08 pm

          Thanks Felicity! I hope you get the chance to try it!

      3. Izzy says

        October 30, 2018 at 2:22 pm

        We haven't made chili in the slow cooker yet. This looks like such a yummy recipe and love that idea!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          December 04, 2018 at 2:08 pm

          Thank you, Izzy!

      4. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

        October 26, 2018 at 12:22 pm

        5 stars
        I love my Instant Pot and I love chili so I'm definitely excited to give your recipe a try Marlynn! Love your wine pairing suggestions for chili too!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:08 pm

          Thanks so much, Erin!

      5. jenifer says

        October 26, 2018 at 10:42 am

        I love my instant pot and am super excited to try your chili recipe!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:07 pm

          Yay! Thanks, Jenifer!

      6. Pam Greer says

        October 25, 2018 at 4:26 pm

        5 stars
        Now that fall is here I have been using my Instant Pot several times a week! I haven't tried chili yet though! This sounds wonderful!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:06 pm

          Instant pots are so great for fall dishes! Thank you, Pam!

      7. Joanna Stephens says

        October 25, 2018 at 3:33 pm

        5 stars
        I love that this makes cooking chili so much quicker! Pinning for later because my husband will love this!!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:05 pm

          Yay! Thanks, Joanna!

      8. Dannii says

        October 25, 2018 at 3:18 pm

        5 stars
        I can’t get enough chilli in this cold weather. I am going to have to try it in an instant pot.

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:03 pm

          Same! It's perfect chilly weather! Pun intended ;)

      9. Lisa Huff says

        October 25, 2018 at 2:54 pm

        5 stars
        CAN I JUST SAY I LOVE THAT YOU HAVE BACON IN YOUR CHILI. :)

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:02 pm

          Bacon is a must! Thank you, Lisa!

      10. Denisse | Le Petit Eats says

        October 25, 2018 at 2:35 pm

        I think I need to break down and finally get an instant pot!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:01 pm

          Agreed! They're so great!

      11. Jessica Formicola says

        October 25, 2018 at 2:30 pm

        5 stars
        This looks so comforting and delicious! I love Instant Pot meals like this!

        Reply
        • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says

          October 27, 2018 at 5:00 pm

          Thanks so much, Jessica!

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      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

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