Instant Pot Blue Ribbon Chili
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 1
- optional toppings:
- sour cream
- oyster crackers
- 1 tsp of italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp (1/4 stick) of salted butter
- 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp of crushed garlic
- 1.5 lbs of ground beef (or ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1-2 poblano peppers finely diced with seeds removed (t you can use a green bell pepper)
- 1 small jalapeã±o pepper finely diced with seeds removed (optional as this is a medium hot pepper)
- 1 small habanero pepper sliced in half with seeds removed (totally optional as this is a very hot pepper)
- 1/2 cup of beer (i used budweiser but you can really use any – and don’t worry, the beer will burn off and the kids won’t get drunk)
- 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
- 10 oz can of rotel
- 1 tbsp of hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup of taco sauce
- 1 tsp of worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp of kosher salt
- 1 tsp of dried cilantro
- 2 tbsp of cumin
- 1/2 tbsp of chili powder
- 1 tsp of seasoned salt
- 1 tsp of celery salt
- 1 tsp of tony chachere’s creole seasoning (optional)
- two 15.5 oz cans of red kidney beans drained & rinsed (leave this out if you want it “texas†style)
- 4 tbsp of chili better than bouillon (hard to find in sto but easy to find online. if it’s sold out, just keep searching online but do not pay more than $8 for an 8 oz jar. it’s not 100% necessary to use but it really sends this chili home!)
- shredded cheddar/taco cheese
- Carbohydrate 142.2832 g
- Cholesterol 23.4 mg
- Fat 22.3048 g
- Fiber 7.81400022506714 g
- Protein 19.563 g
- Saturated Fat 7.91536 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (1072g)
- Sodium 1905.62 mg
- Sugar 134.469199774933 g
- Trans Fat 1.33876 g
- Calories 852 calories
Instant Pot Blue Ribbon Chili: A Recipe for Comfort and Flavor
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, satisfying meals can feel like an uphill battle. Weeknights are a blur of school pick-ups, homework help, and the ever-present need to keep everyone fed and happy. That’s why I’ve become a huge fan of one-pot wonders, particularly my Instant Pot. It's my secret weapon for creating hearty, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen. This Instant Pot Blue Ribbon Chili is a perfect example; a dish so good, it's earned its name!
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its speed and simplicity, but in the incredible depth of flavor it achieves. The combination of spices—cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning—creates a complex flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. The addition of beer adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of unexpected depth. And the secret ingredient? Chili Better Than Bouillon. Trust me on this one; it elevates this chili from good to extraordinary.
I love how adaptable this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, adjust the spice level to your preference, and add your favorite toppings. One night, I might add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Another night, it's all about the crunchy oyster crackers. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe isn't just for busy weeknights; it's also perfect for game day gatherings or potlucks. It’s a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning chili aficionados. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for those who consider themselves kitchen novices. The Instant Pot does most of the work, leaving you free to focus on more important things – like spending quality time with your loved ones.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Home
For me, chili represents more than just a meal; it’s a connection to simpler times, a reminder of cozy evenings spent around the dinner table with family. It's a comfort food that transports me back to childhood memories, filled with laughter and the warmth of shared meals. This Instant Pot Blue Ribbon Chili captures that same essence – a comforting, familiar taste that brings a sense of home wherever it's shared.
This recipe isn't just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a story. It's a story of busy days and delicious nights, of finding joy in simple moments, and of sharing the warmth of a perfectly crafted bowl of chili with those you love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and prepare to be amazed. This chili isn't just good – it's truly exceptional.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and habanero peppers to control the spiciness. Omit them entirely for a milder chili.
- Bean Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans.
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Try avocado, shredded lettuce, or even a fried egg.
- Make it Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious Instant Pot Blue Ribbon Chili. Give it a try and let me know what you think! I'm sure it will quickly become a family favorite.
Step-by-step
- Add butter and vegetable oil to the Instant Pot and set to sauté.
- Once melted, add onions, poblano, jalapeño peppers and stir. Cook for 5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Remove and discard the habanero pepper.
- Add ground beef and stir until browned and crumbles (about 3 minutes).
- Add beer, diced tomatoes, Rotel, tomato sauce, taco sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot.
- Add kosher salt, Italian seasoning, cumin, chili powder, dried cilantro, seasoned salt, celery salt, and Tony's Creole seasoning (if using). Stir.
- Add drained and rinsed kidney beans; do not stir. Smooth them out on top.
- Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick release and let the pot stay on the keep warm setting.
- Stir, add Chili Better Than Bouillon, and stir again.
- Let cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese or sour cream.
