If you are feeling hungry and want something warm, healthy, and satisfying, nothing can compare with a huge bowl of Instant Pot turkey chili. This instant meal makes you feel like you are wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly evening. This simple Instant Pot recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly without sacrificing flavor.
This healthy chili recipe includes lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and a perfect spice blend. What is the end result? It only takes a few minutes to prepare this family-friendly, high-protein dinner that tastes like it has been cooking all day.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Chili
It’s more than just a delicious dinner. You will reach for this freezer-friendly Instant Pot turkey chili time and time again, and it is a game day favorite and meal prep staple. It is satisfying and substantial, low in fat, and ideal for personalizing with your preferred toppings. You can modify this dish to suit your taste, whether you like it mild or want a little jalapeño heat.
After knowing about why you will love it, let’s take a step to know about its basic ingredients.
How to Prepare Instant Instant Pot Turkey Chili— Simple steps
The list of basic ingredients that you typically have in your kitchen is provided here and the rest of them you can easily get from superstores. Let’s learn it.
Required Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- One 15-ounce can of soaked and drained black and kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jalapeño (optional), finely chopped
Simple Steps to Cook It
I have broken down this recipe into simple steps. Hope you will get enough information to learn it.
Step 1: Sauté the Turkey and Veggies
Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté function. The ground turkey should now be cooked until it starts to brown after adding a small amount of oil. Combine the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. The vegetables should soften after 3 to 5 minutes of sautéing.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Switch off the sauté setting. Add kidney beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, corn, chicken broth, oregano, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, and, if using, jalapeño.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
After locking the lid, program the Instant Pot to operate at high pressure for fifteen minutes.After completion, allow 10 minutes for natural pressure release before performing a quick release.
Step 4: Stir and Serve
Give the chili a good stir. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add your preferred toppings, such as avocado, cheese, sour cream, or green onions, and serve hot.
Step 5: Keep Leftovers in Storage
Give the chili time to cool before storing it in airtight containers. Store for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
A Chili for Every Occasion
You can use this simple turkey chili for more than just weeknight dinners. It is also popular at potlucks and game day get-togethers. You can serve it ladled over baked potatoes or rice, or in a large bowl with sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.
Make a plan? When it comes to meal preparation, this chili is perfect. Prepare a large quantity and freeze it for later use or keep it in the refrigerator for easy lunches. The flavors continue to develop the next day, making it even better. It keeps well.
Make It Your Own
The best part of this chili? It’s customizable. Don’t eat beans? Leave them out. Want it spicier? Add some cayenne or chopped jalapeños. Do you like your chili thicker? Do not use as much broth. Trying to avoid dairy products? Use fresh herbs or sliced avocado in place of the cheese and sour cream toppings.
This classic comfort food fits in perfectly with your way of life.
Healthy Comfort Food
If you’re trying to eat lighter, this low-fat chili is just what you need. The lean ground turkey keeps it healthy with flavor, while the beans provide fiber and plant-based protein. Additionally, it is free of gluten, and with the correct toppings, it can be made dairy-free.
This recipe is popular among picky eaters and children alike. It is a family-friendly chili that will make everyone at the table happy and full.
Tips for Success
If you want the perfect chili texture, do not skip the sauté step. Cooking the turkey and vegetables helps to develop a deep flavor. If you want your chili thicker, leave it on “Keep Warm” for 10-15 minutes after cooking. As it rests, the sauce will thicken on its own.
Plan your meals by portioning out individual servings into containers so you can have lunches ready to go throughout the week. It is also a great chili to freeze for later use; simply reheat it for a quick and comfortable supper.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot turkey chili recipe is one that you will want to make again and again. It is delicious, nutritious, quick, and simple. This chili can be used as a weeknight lifesaver, your go-to meal prep recipe, or a weekend comfort food favorite.
Prepare to make a filling and cozy bowl of chili that will quickly become a kitchen mainstay by grabbing your Instant Pot and gathering your ingredients.
FAQs
Can I make Instant Pot turkey chili without beans?
Yes! You can skip the beans if you prefer. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn to keep it hearty.
How long can I store turkey chili in the fridge?
You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For up to three months, it freezes well as well.
What toppings go best with Instant Pot turkey chili?
For extra texture and flavor, mix in sour cream, shredded cheese, sliced avocado, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips.
Is this turkey chili spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can adjust the heat by adding jalapeños or cayenne pepper if you like it spicier.
Can I use frozen ground turkey in this recipe?
It’s best to thaw it first, but you can brown it in the Instant Pot directly if you’re short on time. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
