Instant Pot Turkey Chili

why make this recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Chili is an easy and wholesome dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, something to warm you on a chilly day, or a dish to impress your friends at a gathering, this chili fits the bill! Using ground turkey makes it leaner than traditional chili, and adding sweet potatoes and quinoa gives it a healthy twist packed with nutrients. Plus, cooking it in the Instant Pot saves you time and cuts down on the hassle of cooking on the stovetop.

Another great reason to embrace this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize the ingredients according to your taste or what you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Add different spices or extra vegetables! Want it mild or spicy? Adjust the chili powder or add jalapeños. The possibilities are endless, and you get to make it your own. Besides, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal that is delicious and leaves very little mess to clean up?

how to make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Making Instant Pot Turkey Chili is simple, and it’ll take you less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing

Directions:

1. Prepare the Instant Pot: Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. While it heats up, gather all your ingredients.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once the pot is hot, pour in a little olive oil. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as you cook. Keep stirring until it’s fully browned.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Next, stir in the diced sweet potato, rinsed quinoa, drained black beans, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well mixed.

5. Cook Under Pressure: Close the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. It might take a little time to come to pressure before the timer starts.

6. Release the Pressure: After the 15 minutes are up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.

7. Final Stir and Serve: Open the lid and give the chili a good stir before serving. The sweet potatoes should be tender, and everything should be well combined.

Enjoy your warm and comforting Instant Pot Turkey Chili!

how to serve Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Serving Instant Pot Turkey Chili is easy. You can dish it out into bowls and top it with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh flavor.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melt nicely on top.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy deliciousness that balances the spices.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime will brighten up the flavors.

You can also serve the chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. It’s hearty enough on its own, but a little side can elevate the meal even further.

how to store Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Storing Instant Pot Turkey Chili is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Cool Down: Before you store your chili, let it cool completely at room temperature. This helps prevent condensation in the container.

2. Use Air-tight Containers: Place the cooled chili into airtight containers. This will help keep your chili fresh and flavorful.

3. Refrigerate: You can keep the chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it is well-sealed!

4. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the chili. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date.

When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up, as the chili might thicken when it cools.

tips to make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Here are some handy tips to make your Instant Pot Turkey Chili even better:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: It’s essential to rinse quinoa before cooking it to remove the natural coating called saponin. This helps avoid a bitter taste.

2. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, consider adding a chopped jalapeño or increasing the chili powder. If you like it milder, reduce the amount of chili powder.

3. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just chop them up and add them with the other ingredients during the cooking process.

4. Add More Texture: If you want a meatier chili, consider substituting the ground turkey with a blend of ground turkey and ground beef, or add in some shredded chicken.

5. Garnish Creatively: Use your favorite toppings to make each bowl of chili unique. Fresh herbs, crunchy toppings, or creamy dollops can enhance the taste.

variation

Here are a couple of variations you can try with Instant Pot Turkey Chili:

• Vegan Option: You can swap the ground turkey for lentils or more beans, such as chickpeas, kidney beans, or more black beans. Keep the other ingredients the same for a hearty vegan chili.

• Sweet and Spicy: Add in a tablespoon of brown sugar with the spices, or mix in some diced sweet bell peppers for added color and sweetness.

• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of or in addition to chili powder for a smoky twist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is a healthy option, but you can easily substitute it with ground chicken or beef if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as different meats may require different handling.

Can I add more beans?

Absolutely! If you love beans, feel free to add more types or increase the amount. Kidney beans, pinto beans, or any beans you enjoy would work well in this recipe.

How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure?

The time varies based on how much food you have inside. Usually, it can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes for the Instant Pot to reach pressure before the cooking time starts.

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes, this chili is perfect for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick meal throughout the week. Just reheat before serving.

Is this chili gluten-free?

Yes, this Instant Pot Turkey Chili is gluten-free! Just make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check that all other ingredients do not contain gluten.

What should I do if the chili is too thick?

If you find your chili is thicker than you would like, simply add a little more chicken broth or water and stir it in until you reach your desired consistency.

With this simple guide, you have everything you need to make Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Your cooking adventure awaits, and soon you’ll have a warm bowl of chili ready to enjoy!