Instant Pot Three Bean Chili
Instant Pot Three Bean Chili
This Instant Pot Three Bean Chili is hearty, thick, flavorful, and packed with rich homemade comfort food flavor in every bite. Made with ground sirloin, three kinds of beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and bold chili seasonings, this easy Instant Pot chili recipe comes together in a fraction of the time while still tasting like it simmered all day.
Perfect for busy weeknights, football season, cold weather, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this homemade chili is filling, comforting, and loaded with classic chili flavor everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Instant Pot dinner
- Thick hearty chili
- Packed with flavor
- Perfect comfort food recipe
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Faster than stovetop chili
Jennie’s Thoughts
This Three Bean Chili is one of those classic cozy comfort food recipes that always feels satisfying and filling. I love how rich and flavorful it turns out in the Instant Pot because it tastes like it simmered for hours even though it cooks so much faster.
The combination of the different beans, stewed tomatoes, seasonings, and just a little brown sugar gives this chili such a delicious balance of savory flavor with a slight touch of sweetness. It’s thick, hearty, and perfect for loading up with toppings like cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crunchy Fritos.
This is definitely one of those recipes that gets even better the next day too.
Here’s What You Need
- 1 1/2 pounds ground sirloin
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can red beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can Ranch Style beans
- 2 large cans tomato sauce (about 16 ounces each)
- 1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
- 2 cans stewed tomatoes
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon coarse ground garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cups filtered water
How To Make Instant Pot Three Bean Chili
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Press the SAUTE button on the Instant Pot.
Add the ground sirloin and cook until fully browned and cooked through.
Remove the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the Instant Pot.
Cook until softened and caramelized.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
Turn off the SAUTE setting.
Step 3: Prepare the Beans
Drain the red beans and black beans.
Rinse the beans under cold water in a colander.
Step 4: Add the Ingredients
Return the cooked ground sirloin to the Instant Pot.
Add the red beans, black beans, and Ranch Style beans.
Pour in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, and ketchup.
Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and brown sugar.
Pour in the water and stir everything together well.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Place the lid onto the Instant Pot and lock it into place.
Make sure the pressure valve is set to SEALING.
Press the MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK button and set the timer for 18 minutes on HIGH pressure.
Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook.
Step 6: Release the Pressure
When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully turn the pressure valve to VENTING to release any remaining pressure.
Make sure the float valve is fully down before opening the lid.
Stir the chili well before serving.
Chili Topping Ideas
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Diced onions
- Fritos
- Tortilla chips
- Crackers
- Jalapeños
Tips For The Best Instant Pot Chili
- Brown the meat well for richer flavor
- Use stewed tomatoes for extra seasoning and flavor
- Adjust chili powder to your preferred spice level
- Let the chili sit a few minutes before serving to thicken
- Chili tastes even better the next day
What To Serve With Chili
- Cornbread
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Crackers
- Tortilla chips
- Side salad
- Garlic bread
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely. Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce for extra heat.
Why use Ranch Style beans?
Ranch Style beans add extra flavor and seasoning that makes the chili richer and more flavorful.
This Instant Pot Three Bean Chili is thick, hearty, flavorful, and packed with rich homemade comfort food flavor. The combination of ground sirloin, beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings creates the perfect cozy chili recipe for busy weeknights, football season, meal prep, or cold weather dinners. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy slow-simmered chili flavor in much less time.
