Instant Pot Turkey Chili

why make this recipe

Instant Pot Turkey Chili is a fantastic dish that combines healthiness with heartiness. If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and packed with nutrition, this is it! Ground turkey is a lean meat option, making this chili significantly lower in fat than traditional chili recipes that use beef. Adding sweet potatoes and quinoa not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds great texture and flavor.

Moreover, cooking in an Instant Pot allows for a quick preparation time without sacrificing taste. The pressure cooking method helps to meld the flavors together beautifully, making each spoonful a delightful experience. Plus, whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is versatile enough to fit into any dietary plan. Serve it on a chilly evening or make it ahead for a satisfying lunch. Trust me, once you taste it, you will want to make it again and again!

how to make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

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 allows you to prepare your ingredients easily.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is hot, throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they turn translucent. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

3. Cook the Ground Turkey: Now, add the ground turkey to the pot. Cook it until it is nicely browned, which usually takes another 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to break it up into smaller pieces.

4. Mix in the Vegetables and Grains: Once the turkey is browned, it’s time to add the diced sweet potato, rinsed quinoa, drained black beans, canned diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir everything together until combined.

5. Add Spices: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the chile.

6. Seal and Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid securely. Set it to ‘Manual’ mode and adjust the timer to 15 minutes. The pot will take some time to build pressure before cooking begins.

7. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully do a quick release of pressure. This will let out the steam rapidly, letting you check the chili sooner.

8. Final Touches: Open the lid and give everything a good stir. Taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if necessary.

9. Serve Hot: Your Instant Pot Turkey Chili is now ready! Ladle it into bowls and enjoy it hot!

how to serve Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Serving Instant Pot Turkey Chili is easy and can be adjusted to each person’s taste. Here are a few popular serving suggestions:

• Classic Serving: Just serve it hot in a bowl. You can add some shredded cheese on top, such as cheddar, for that extra creaminess.
• Toppings: Consider garnishing with chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, or avocado slices. These toppings can enhance the chili’s flavor and give a refreshing contrast to the spices.
• With Accompaniments: Serve the chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. It also pairs nicely with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
• As a Meal Prep: Divide into meal prep containers for easy lunches throughout the week. It stores well and can be reheated easily.

how to store Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Storing Instant Pot Turkey Chili is straightforward and efficient. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Cool Down: After cooking, let the chili cool down for a bit. This helps to avoid condensation in the storage containers.

2. Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer the chili into airtight containers. It can stay in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to seal them well to keep it fresh.

3. Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze it. Pour the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. In the freezer, it will maintain its flavor for up to 3 months.

4. Reheating: To reheat, you can use the microwave or stove. If you’re taking it from the freezer, it’s best to defrost it overnight in the refrigerator first or use the microwave’s defrost setting.

tips to make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Here are some helpful tips to take your Instant Pot Turkey Chili to the next level:

• Spice Level: Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
• Texture Adjustment: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer in the Instant Pot on ‘Sauté’ mode for a few extra minutes after pressure cooking.
• Healthy Add-Ins: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients. You can throw them in with the sweet potato.
• Beans Alternatives: If you don’t have black beans, any kind of beans can work, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.
• Vegan Option: To make this chili vegan, you can substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein, like lentils or a meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

variation

While the Instant Pot Turkey Chili recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it based on your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few variations:

• Vegetarian Black Bean Chili: Skip the turkey altogether and add more beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian option. You can use black beans, pinto beans, and some extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach.

• Sweet Potato and Chickpea Chili: Replace the ground turkey with chickpeas. Sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and spices will create a delightful combination that is both filling and healthy.

• Spicy Turkey Chili: If you enjoy spicy flavors, add some diced green chiles or chipotle in adobo sauce during the cooking process for added depth and heat.

• Southwestern Spice: Incorporate corn and a dash of smoked paprika to give the chili a southwestern twist. This adds not just flavor, but a nice texture contrast too.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey! Just remember that the cooking time may vary slightly, and it’s best to cook it directly from frozen without thawing first.

2. Can I make this chili in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! Instant Pot Turkey Chili is perfect for meal prep. It stores well and can easily be reheated for a quick meal throughout the week.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure to double-check that your ingredients, especially the broth and canned goods, are labeled gluten-free.

4. How do I make it less spicy for kids?

If you want to make this chili less spicy for children, simply reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin or omit them entirely. You can add a bit of honey or brown sugar for sweetness if desired.

5. What can I do with leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days, or you can freeze them. Instant Pot Turkey Chili can also be used as a stuffing for baked potatoes, or served over rice for a change of pace.

With these details, you can make and enjoy Instant Pot Turkey Chili anytime. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, meal prep, or just a cozy evening at home. Enjoy making it and savoring every delicious bite!

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