Instant Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Chili

Chili, a hearty and comforting dish, gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of bacon and cheeseburger flavors in this Instant Pot recipe. This Instant Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Chili combines the classic taste of a juicy cheeseburger with the warmth of a rich chili, all cooked quickly and easily in your Instant Pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or game day gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chili

This isn’t your average chili recipe. It’s a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why you’ll be hooked:

• Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of ground beef, bacon, cheese, and chili spices creates an irresistible savory profile. It’s like a cheeseburger in a bowl, but better!
• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making this a perfect meal for those evenings when you’re short on time. Say goodbye to hours of simmering on the stovetop.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is always a win! Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, minimizing the number of dishes you have to wash.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and tailor it to your dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party or just feeding your family, this chili is always a hit. It’s comforting, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

The Secret to Perfect Instant Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Chili

While the Instant Pot simplifies the cooking process, a few key techniques will elevate your chili to the next level.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best flavor and texture. You’ll want some fat for richness, but not so much that the chili becomes greasy.
• Bacon: Use your favorite type of bacon, but thick-cut bacon will hold its shape better during cooking. Consider hickory-smoked or applewood-smoked bacon for added flavor depth.
• Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic chili additions, but you can also use pinto beans or even white beans. Choose canned beans for convenience, or cook dried beans separately before adding them to the Instant Pot.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is a natural pairing with cheeseburger flavors, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a bolder taste.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes provide the base for the chili sauce. Canned diced tomatoes are perfectly fine, but fire-roasted diced tomatoes will add a smoky flavor. Tomato paste thickens the chili and adds depth of flavor.
• Broth: Beef broth enhances the savory flavor of the chili. Chicken broth can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano create the signature chili flavor. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired spice level. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Bacon and Beef: Cook the bacon in the Instant Pot using the sauté function until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Crumble the cooked bacon. Add the ground beef to the Instant Pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the Instant Pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.

4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

5. Stir in Cheese and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon until the cheese is melted and the chili is heated through.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chili

• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the bacon, ground beef, onion, and garlic before pressure cooking is crucial for developing flavor.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more or less chili powder depending on your preference for spiciness. A pinch of cayenne pepper can also add extra heat.
• Thicken the Chili: If the chili is too thin after pressure cooking, you can thicken it by simmering it on the sauté function with the lid off for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the chili.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup can balance out the savory flavors of the chili.
• Let it Simmer (If You Have Time): While the Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, allowing the chili to simmer on the sauté function for 30 minutes to an hour after pressure cooking will further develop the flavors.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or other spices to your liking.

Creative Variations and Topping Ideas

One of the best things about chili is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to create your own unique version.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and bacon and add more beans or vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Spicy Chorizo: Add spicy chorizo for a smoky and flavorful kick.
• Different Beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even lentils.
• Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or other vegetables to boost the nutritional value and add texture.
• Beer: Add a can of your favorite beer to the chili for extra depth of flavor. Dark beers like stouts or porters work particularly well.

Delicious Topping Combinations

• Classic Toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and a dollop of Greek yogurt are classic chili toppings that never disappoint.
• Avocado and Cilantro: Add diced avocado and chopped cilantro for a fresh and creamy topping.
• Jalapeños: Sliced or pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Crushed tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch.
• Hot Sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce will add extra heat and flavor.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Freshly diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness.

Serving and Storing Your Chili

Instant Pot Bacon Cheeseburger Chili is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of side dishes.

Serving Suggestions

• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic accompaniment to chili. Serve it warm with butter or honey.
• Crackers: Saltine crackers or oyster crackers are a simple and satisfying addition.
• Salad: A fresh green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
• Baked Potatoes: Serve the chili over baked potatoes for a hearty and filling meal.
• Hot Dogs: Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs for a fun and flavorful twist.
• Nachos: Load up tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerating: Allow the chili to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• • Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes, chili is a great make-ahead dish. In fact, the flavors often meld together even more when it's refrigerated overnight. Simply reheat it before serving.

• • Can I use frozen ground beef?

Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You may need to drain off more excess grease if you use frozen ground beef.

• • Can I add other vegetables to this chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or carrots. Add them along with the other ingredients before pressure cooking.

• • How do I make this chili spicier?

Add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the spice level. You can also add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

• • Can I make this chili without an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this chili on the stovetop. Simply brown the ground beef and bacon in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer for at least an hour, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.