Instant Pot Lentil Chili
User Reviews
4.8
Instant Pot Lentil Chili
Description
This Instant Pot Lentil Chili blends brown lentils with a flavorful tomato broth simmered alongside spices such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a touch of brown sugar to balance the acidity. Including optional ground beef or turkey browned with onions and garlic builds a savory foundation and adds richness.
Cooking under pressure in the Instant Pot shortens the cooking time while infusing flavors and softening lentils. The inclusion of diced green bell pepper adds freshness and texture. The chili's warmth is controlled through seasoning, allowing you to adjust salt and pepper after cooking. The result is a thick, stew-like chili with tender lentils and a rich tomato base perfumed by savory spices.
Serve with favorite chili toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or herbs to add creaminess and brightness. This chili works well as a filling main dish for cold days or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef optional, lean, or turkey
- ½ cup onion yellow or white, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 (28-ounce) (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 ½ cups brown lentils rinsed, picked through and drained
- 1 medium green bell pepper cored, seeded and small diced
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- All the chili toppings your heart desires
Instructions
- Instant Pot: Using the saute function, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes (if you are impatient, you can quick release right away, but liquid may sputter through the valve). After 10 minutes, quick release the remaining pressure.
- Stir the chili and add any additional broth if you want to thin out the consistency (it will thicken as it cools). Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.
- Stovetop: In a 5- or 6-quart pot over medium heat, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally and moderating heat so the chili doesn't burn on the bottom.
- Add additional broth, if desired, to thin out the chili. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.
- Slow Cooker: In a 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey/beef (if using) with the onions and garlic, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the ground meat to the insert of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, lentils, green bell pepper, chili powder, brown sugar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir the chili, and add any additional broth if you want to thin out the consistency (it will thicken as it cools). Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Serve with any and all chili toppings your heart desires.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 346kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 47mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 613mg | 26% |
| Fiber | 17g | 68% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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