Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Why Make This Recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Chili is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Packed with protein from ground turkey and beans, it keeps you full and satisfied. Plus, the colorful veggies and quinoa add a nutritious twist that enhances the flavor and texture. The best part? You can make this in under an hour in your Instant Pot, cutting down your prep and cooking time significantly.

This turkey chili is perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or just a cozy night at home. The combination of sweet potatoes, quinoa, and spices creates a well-rounded dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for game day, a casual gathering, or a comforting solo meal, this chili will surely please!

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Making Instant Pot Turkey Chili is straightforward and doesn’t require any complex techniques. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring together a hearty and delicious meal. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious pot of chili ready in no time.

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. This will allow you to cook your ingredients before pressure cooking.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add a splash of olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the foundational flavor of your chili.

3. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot next. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until it’s browned, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Ensure the turkey is fully cooked through.

4. Mix in Vegetables and Grains: Once the turkey is browned, it’s time to add your diced sweet potato, rinsed quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly. The liquid from the broth and tomatoes will help the quinoa cook perfectly during the pressure cooking phase.

5. Add Spices: Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give everything another good mix to make sure the spices are well distributed throughout the chili.

6. Seal and Cook: After everything is mixed together, close the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the valve to the sealing position and select the ‘Manual’ setting. Set the timer for 15 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before it starts counting down.

7. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the steam that will escape.

8. Final Touches: After all the pressure is released, open the lid and give the chili a good stir. Taste it to check the seasoning, adjusting with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.

9. Serve Hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve it hot. You can add toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, or shredded cheese for even more flavor.

How to Serve Instant Pot Turkey Chili

There are many tasty ways to serve your Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Ladle it into bowls and serve hot, perhaps with some crusty bread or cornbread on the side to soak up the chili. Here are some additional serving ideas:

• Toppings: Enhance the flavor with toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, jalapeños, or fresh cilantro. These add texture and extra taste to your chili.

• Over Rice or Quinoa: For a more filling meal, serve the chili over cooked rice or additional quinoa for a hearty bowl.

• Chili Fries: Pour the chili over French fries for a fun twist. Add cheese and let it melt for a delicious loaded chili fry dish.

• Chili Burritos: Wrap the chili in a tortilla with cheese for a tasty burrito. It makes a perfect on-the-go meal.

How to Store Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Storing Instant Pot Turkey Chili is easy and convenient. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. The chili will keep well for up to 4-5 days. You may notice that the flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier on day two or three.

• Freeze: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the chili. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for 3-4 months.
  When you’re ready to eat it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Tips to Make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Instant Pot Turkey Chili comes out perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices make a significant difference in flavor. Try to use the freshest produce you can find.

• Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer your chili to be spicier, you can add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the mix. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of spices.

• Don’t Skip the Sauté Step: Sautéing the onion and garlic at the beginning is crucial. This step helps release their natural flavors and creates a more tasty base for your chili.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or beans you might have on hand. Bell peppers, corn, or kidney beans can also work well.

• Let It Rest: If time allows, let the chili sit for about 10-15 minutes after cooking before you serve it. This will let all the flavors meld together.

Variations

Instant Pot Turkey Chili is quite versatile, and you can easily customize it to your taste. Here are a few variations you might consider:

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground turkey for more beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a filling vegetarian dish.

• Spicy Chili: Add diced green chiles or hot sauce to increase the heat level. For those who enjoy a punch of flavor, consider adding chipotle pepper or smoked paprika.

• Sweet Corn Chili: Add a cup of frozen corn to the chili when mixing in the grains. The sweetness of the corn complements the spices perfectly.

• Different Proteins: Instead of ground turkey, you can use lean ground beef or chicken if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this chili on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps in a large pot. After sautéing the vegetables, add all the remaining ingredients and simmer for about 30-45 minutes until the sweet potatoes and quinoa are cooked and tender.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to soak the dried beans overnight and adjust the cooking time. Instantly cooking them may require a longer period under pressure to ensure they become tender.

How can I make this chili sweeter?

If you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance the spices, consider adding a tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup to the mix. The sweetness pairs well with the spicy and savory flavors.

What should I do if my chili is too thick?

If your chili turns out thicker than you like, you can stir in a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust the seasonings after adding liquid, as needed.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, you can double the ingredients. Just be sure not to fill the Instant Pot past the recommended maximum fill line. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

With these tips, variations, and easy-to-follow steps, your Instant Pot Turkey Chili will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and comfort each bowl brings, regardless of the occasion!

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