Pressure Cooker Ground Beef Chili

A warm bowl of chili is such a comforting meal on cold nights. Beef chili usually takes at least an hour and a half to simmer on the stove, but you can cut that time down by half when you use a pressure cooker!

Electric pressure cookers are having a renaissance these days. The newest models are programmable smart appliances that are safe and easy to use. They’re completely different than the traditional stovetop models many of us grew up with.

Find out just how great pressure cooking can be with this super-quick chili recipe.

The pressure cooker I use is an Instant Pot. I have both the 6- and 8-quart models (IP-DUO60 and IP-DUO80), and I find that the 6-quart size is plenty big for most meals. It handles recipes making 4 to 6 serving recipes easily, including this beef chili.

Using an Instant Pot isn’t any harder than cooking a pot of chili on the stove. You can sauté and simmer right in the appliance, just you would when cooking on the stovetop. The only difference here is that instead of turning a knob on the stove, you press a few buttons on the Instant Pot.

If you have another model of electric or stovetop pressure cooker, the sautéing instructions might be slightly different. Just check your user manual for guidance.

The most intimidating aspect of pressure cooking is probably releasing the pressure once your food is cooked, but it’s really not so tricky. There are two different ways to release the steam.

The quickest way to release the steam is with the “quick release” method. For this, protect your hand with a heat-proof oven mitt or use a pair of long-handled tongs, and nudge the pressure release knob on the top of the pressure cooker from “Sealing” to “Venting.” As you do this, a big plume of steam will issue from the pot, releasing the pressure.

The second way to release the steam is the “natural release” method. For this, just let your pot sit on the counter and do nothing. The pressure cooker will slowly depressurize on its own in about 20 minutes (you’ll see the float valve next to the pressure release knob go down), and you will be able to safely open the pot. Use this method if you’re scared of that plume of steam.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll know that the pot is depressurized when the float valve on the lid (right next to the pressure release knob) returns to its lowered position.

I’ve included stove-top instructions as well, in case you’d like to make this chili without a pressure cooker. No matter how you make it, serve the chili piping hot, with plenty of grated cheese and green onions on top.

Pressure Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe

If you have leftover tomato paste after making this recipe, you can freeze it in tablespoon portions for another recipe.

Note that no extra liquid needs to be added to this recipe. The liquid from the canned tomatoes is sufficient.

Stovetop Instructions: In a medium saucepan or soup pot, cook the bell pepper, onion, celery and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until the onions are softened and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Add the spices, tomato paste, tomatoes, and beans, along with a cup of water or broth. Bring to a simmer. then turn the heat down to low, cover the pot, and let simmer for one hour.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup shredded cheese, any favorite mix, to serve
• 2 green onions, sliced thinly, to serve

Special equipment:

• 6-quart Instant Pot, or other pressure cooker

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