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If you’re craving a robust and comforting meal, this Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining lean ground turkey with a medley of beans, vibrant veggies, and warming spices, it’s a filling and nutritious twist on classic chili that cooks up in under 30 minutes using your Instant Pot. Every spoonful delivers deep, layered flavors with the convenience of one-pot cooking, making it a go-to weeknight favorite that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this chili lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each bringing unique taste, texture, and color to the pot. From the lean protein of ground turkey to the colorful crunch of red bell pepper and sweetness of corn, every component contributes to making this chili a hearty, wholesome dish.
- 1.25 lbs ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey like Butterball for a healthier protein base that stays tender.
- 1.25 cups broth: Adds depth and moisture, creating a luscious chili consistency.
- 1 large onion: Freshly diced for sweetness and an aromatic foundation.
- 4 garlic cloves: Minced fresh to infuse robust flavor that wakes up the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper: Provides vibrant color and a subtle natural sweetness.
- 1.75 cups corn: Adds a pleasant pop of texture and a hint of sweetness.
- 14 oz kidney beans: Drained and rinsed, contributing hearty substance.
- 14 oz cannellini beans: Creamy and soft, balancing the chili’s texture.
- 14 oz pinto beans: Earthy and full-bodied, perfect for a chili mix.
- 3.5 tbsp chili powder: The bold spice base that defines this dish.
- 1.25 tsp cumin: Adds warm, smoky undertones.
- 1.25 tsp oregano: Brings a herbal brightness.
- 0.75 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and color.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
- 28 oz diced tomatoes: Use a dependable brand like Hunt’s for a consistent taste and texture.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds complexity to the aroma and flavor while cooking.
- 1 tbsp oil: For sautéing the aromatics and turkey without sticking.
- Green onion, cilantro: Fresh herbs for finishing touches that brighten the bowl.
- Cheese (sharp cheddar recommended): Adds a delightful bite and creamy melt.
- Plain yogurt (FAGE or similar): A healthy and tangy alternative to sour cream for topping.
How to Make Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heating the oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onions and garlic, cooking until they turn soft and fragrant—this builds a flavorful foundation. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it browns evenly. This process locks in moisture and sets the tone for that rich chili flavor.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Beans
Stir in diced red bell pepper and corn, letting their natural sweetness mingle with the turkey. Next, add the drained kidney, cannellini, and pinto beans. These beans not only bulk up the chili but also provide a varied and satisfying texture that makes your chili truly hearty and filling.
Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, followed by the broth. Then add your carefully measured chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and a bay leaf. Give everything a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed, enveloping each ingredient in their distinctive warmth and depth. This is where the chili comes alive.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. This timing lets all the flavors marry perfectly while infusing the turkey and beans with the spices. Once done, carefully release the pressure using the quick release method, then remove the bay leaf before serving.
Step 5: Final Touches and Taste Adjustments
Give your chili a final stir and taste to adjust salt and seasoning if needed. If you want it thicker, turn the Instant Pot back to sauté mode and simmer for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Now it’s ready for the best part—topping and enjoying!
How to Serve Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal brightness. A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese adds creamy richness, and a dollop of plain yogurt brings a pleasant tang that balances the bold spices delightfully.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. For a lighter side, a crisp green salad or a simple avocado slice offers freshness that complements the hearty stew without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chili over cooked rice or quinoa for an extra layer of texture. For gatherings, consider individual mini bread bowls or even chili-stuffed baked potatoes to impress your guests with flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve the fresh flavors and moisture, making for a delicious next-day meal or midday pick-me-up.
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible to maintain quality. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to restore its vibrant flavor. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, heating in 1-2 minute increments.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will give a richer, beefier flavor, but using ground turkey keeps the chili leaner and just as hearty and satisfying.
Do I need to soak the beans beforehand?
No need to soak here since canned beans are used—they save time and add great texture without extra prep.
Is this recipe spicy?
The Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe offers a moderate spice level balanced by the sweetness from veggies and beans. You can easily adjust the chili powder amount to suit your heat preference.
Can I make this chili without an Instant Pot?
Yes, though using a slow cooker or a stovetop pot will take longer. On the stovetop, simmer gently for about an hour to meld the flavors well.
What can I substitute for plain yogurt as a topping?
Sour cream is the traditional favorite, but Greek yogurt or a small scoop of guacamole add creaminess and complement the chili beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe that makes it a perfect dish to return to time and again. It’s quick, nutritious, and bursts with flavor, whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week ahead. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite chili that satisfies your soul and your taste buds all at once!
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Hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Instant Pot Ground Turkey Chili is a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground turkey, a trio of beans, vibrant vegetables, and bold spices, this chili is both nutritious and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes using an Instant Pot. Topped with fresh green onions, cilantro, sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of plain yogurt, it offers a deliciously comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Protein and Beans
- 1.25 lbs ground turkey (preferably Butterball for a 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, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1.75 cups corn kernels
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1.25 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (Hunt’s preferred)
- 6 oz tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings
- 3.5 tbsp chili powder
- 1.25 tsp cumin
- 1.25 tsp oregano
- 0.75 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 bay leaf
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil (such as olive or vegetable oil)
Toppings
- Green onion, sliced
- Cilantro, chopped
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Plain yogurt (such as FAGE for a healthy sour cream substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the large onion and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Drain and rinse the kidney, cannellini, and pinto beans thoroughly. Measure out the corn, broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices for easy access during cooking.
- Sauté aromatics and turkey: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and heat the oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Stir in the diced red bell pepper, corn, chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom and vegetables soften slightly.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, drained beans, and broth. Stir everything together thoroughly. Add the bay leaf.
- Pressure cook the chili: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select ‘Pressure Cook’ or ‘Manual’ mode and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Final touches and serve: Open the lid and give the chili a good stir. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve the chili hot, garnished with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey keeps the chili healthy but still flavorful.
- For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when sautéing.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days; flavor intensifies overnight.
- Freeze leftovers in meal-sized portions for up to 3 months.
- Substitute any type of beans you prefer or have on hand.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook in a large pot on the stovetop, simmering for at least 30 minutes until flavors meld and turkey is cooked through.
