Instant Pot Beef Chili

Begin by activating your pressure cooker, such as an Instant Pot, and choose the Sauté mode. Next, add ground beef to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a browned and crumbly state, typically taking 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the cooked beef from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a separate container for later use.

Now, pour oil into the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, usually within 5 to 7 minutes. Create a small indentation in the center of the mixture and add a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Allow these spices to sit for 30 seconds before stirring them into the onion mixture.

Return the cooked beef to the pot and add water. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add canned beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste to the beef mixture. Close the lid of your Instant Pot and make sure it is securely locked in place. Select the Chili function on your pressure cooker and set the timer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 10 minutes. Allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up.

Once the cooking time has elapsed, release the pressure using the natural-release method as specified in your Instant Pot's user manual. This may take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, depending on your specific model.

Finally, unlock the lid and carefully remove it from the Instant Pot.