Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and ease of preparation.
I love how the spicy chipotle chiles meld with the hearty beef and sweet potatoes, creating a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out.
Plus, making it in the Instant Pot cuts down on cooking time, letting you enjoy a delicious meal without hours of effort.
You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings, and it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week.
Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Ingredients of Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
If you’re ready to plunge into a bowl of warmth and flavor, then gather up the ingredients for this delightful Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili. It’s a dish that feels like a big hug on a chilly evening—trust me, your taste buds will be doing a happy dance.
With tender beef, sweet potatoes, and a kick from chipotle chiles, this chili is both hearty and comforting. Plus, all you need is one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, finely chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
- 1 large sweet potato (or 4 small ones), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups water
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients a bit. You can really make this chili your own based on what you have in your pantry.
For example, if black beans aren’t your thing, feel free to swap in kidney beans or pinto beans—just make sure to rinse them well.
And that sweet potato? It’s not just for sweetness; it adds a lovely texture and balances out the heat from the chipotles.
Don’t have chipotle chiles? No problem! You could use smoked paprika for a milder flavor or even some cayenne for an extra kick.
Cooking is all about experimenting, so feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your taste. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious!
How to Make Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
Alright, let’s plunge into making this cozy bowl of Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili. If you’re anything like me, the thought of dinner prep can sometimes feel overwhelming—but fear not! This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also a cinch to whip up, especially with the magic of the Instant Pot.
First things first, grab your 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil and set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Toss in the chopped onion (yep, that whole onion) and the 2 minced garlic cloves. You’ll want to let them sizzle away until they soften up and become fragrant—think of it like a warm hug for your kitchen.
After a few minutes, it’s time to add in the beef. You’ve got 1 lb of beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes, along with 1 lb of ground beef. Brown them all together for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Here’s a pro tip: don’t rush this step; those little browned bits will add a ton of flavor later.
Once your beef is looking all nice and browned, pour in 2 cups of water and take a minute to deglaze the pan. This just means scraping up any delicious, stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot—trust me, you want every bit of flavor you can get.
Now, switch off the sauté mode and stir in the rest of your ingredients: the crushed tomatoes (1 can), tomato sauce (1 can), chili powder (2 tablespoons), ground cumin (2 tablespoons), oregano (1 teaspoon), paprika (1 teaspoon), and salt (1 teaspoon). Don’t forget the 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, finely chopped—that’s where the magic happens.
Give it all a good stir, and then let that pressure cooker do its thing by cooking on high for 20 minutes. After the timer goes off, let it naturally release for 5 minutes.
While that’s happening, peel and dice your sweet potato—just 1 large one (or 4 small ones if you’re feeling adventurous). After the initial pressure release, toss in your sweet potato and the rinsed black beans (1 can).
Then, cook on high pressure for another 10 minutes. This is the moment where you can practically smell the chili goodness wafting through your home. And when that timer goes off, do a quick release so the sweet potatoes don’t turn into mush.
Once it’s all done, give it a taste and adjust the salt if you feel it needs a little more love. Now, grab your favorite toppings—cheese, sour cream, or avocado—and dig in. You’ve just created something amazing, and your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy every spoonful of this hearty chili!
Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili Substitutions & Variations
After enjoying a hearty bowl of that delicious chili, you might find yourself wanting to customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Feel free to swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian, try using lentils or mushrooms instead of meat.
For a spicier kick, add more chipotle chiles or jalapeños. Canned beans can be replaced with fresh ones; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Get creative and make it your own—there’s no wrong way to enjoy chili!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili
Wondering what to pair with your Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili?
I love serving it with warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy contrast, while fresh cilantro brightens the dish.
For a crunchy element, some tortilla chips or homemade tortilla strips work beautifully. You might also consider a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the chili.
Finally, a revitalizing avocado salad complements the flavors perfectly. Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to find your favorite!
Additional Tips & Notes
When making your Instant Pot Chipotle Beef and Sweet Potato Chili, keep a few key tips in mind to enhance your cooking experience.
First, don’t skip the deglazing step; it adds depth to the flavors. If you like it spicier, add extra chipotle chiles or a dash of cayenne pepper.
For a thicker chili, mash some sweet potatoes after cooking. I also recommend letting the chili sit for a bit before serving; it allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, try topping it with avocado or cilantro for a fresh twist. Enjoy your delicious creation!