Vegan Instant Pot Chili

Vegan Instant Pot Chili is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by I Heart Vegetables on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $10.02 total, $2.50 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for sautéing)
  • 1 large Onion (peeled and diced)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (seeded and diced)
  • 1 Carrot (peeled and diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (regular tomato paste)
  • 1 28‑oz can Diced Tomatoes (no‑salt added)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 1 15‑oz can Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 15‑oz can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup Dry Lentils (rinsed; brown or green lentils)
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Chipotle in Adobo (optional) (finely chopped for smoky heat)

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the red bell pepper, carrot, and celery into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Select the Saute function on the Instant Pot, add olive oil, then add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices

    Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for 2 minutes to bloom the spices.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Deglaze the Pot

    Pour in the vegetable broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This prevents a burn notice.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Add Beans, Lentils, and Tomatoes

    Stir in the drained kidney beans, black beans, rinsed lentils, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Pressure Cook

    Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual/Pressure Cook on High for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  7. Natural Release

    Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Open the pot, stir in the optional chipotle if using, taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
12 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fat
5 g
Fiber
10 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, High‑Fiber

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Vegan Instant Pot Chili

Recipe by I Heart Vegetables

A quick and easy pressure‑cooker vegan chili that tastes like it’s been simmered all day. Packed with beans, lentils, and vegetables, it delivers plenty of protein and fiber for a satisfying, plant‑based meal.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
11m
Prep
27m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.02
Total cost
$2.50
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Deglazing after sauté to prevent a burn notice
  • Ensuring the lid is properly sealed before pressure cooking
  • Natural release timing to avoid over‑cooking the lentils

Safety Warnings

  • The Instant Pot builds high pressure; never open the lid until the pressure indicator shows it is safe.
  • Watch the steam vent when performing a quick release to avoid burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of vegan chili in American cuisine?

A

Chili has roots in the American Southwest and Texas, traditionally made with meat and beans. The vegan version reflects modern plant‑based trends, offering the same comforting, communal feel while aligning with health and ethical choices.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili in the United States and how does this vegan version compare?

A

Regional styles include Texas (no beans), Cincinnati (multiple beans and spices), and New Mexico (green chilies). This vegan Instant Pot chili blends the bean‑heavy Texas style with robust spices, delivering a universally appealing flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is vegan chili traditionally served in American households?

A

It is often served hot in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or onions. For a vegan twist, garnish with avocado, cilantro, or a drizzle of plant‑based yogurt.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chili traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Chili is a staple at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, potlucks, and winter comfort meals. Its one‑pot nature makes it perfect for feeding crowds at sports events or family reunions.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with this Instant Pot vegan chili?

A

Serve it alongside cornbread, baked potatoes, or a simple green salad. It also works great as a topping for vegan nachos or over rice for a heartier bowl.

cultural
Q

What makes this Instant Pot vegan chili special in the plant‑based cooking tradition?

A

The use of lentils adds protein and a meaty texture, while the pressure‑cooking method creates depth of flavor in minutes, mimicking the long simmer of traditional chili without the time commitment.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Instant Pot vegan chili?

A

Common errors include forgetting to deglaze, which triggers a burn notice, over‑filling the pot, and under‑seasoning before the pressure stage. Follow the deglazing step and taste after cooking to adjust seasoning.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a natural pressure release instead of a quick release?

A

A 10‑minute natural release allows the lentils to finish cooking gently, preventing them from becoming mushy and helping the flavors meld without splattering hot steam.

technical
Q

Can I make this vegan chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel I Heart Vegetables specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel I Heart Vegetables focuses on plant‑based, vegetable‑centric recipes that are quick, nutritious, and budget‑friendly, often featuring one‑pot meals and seasonal produce.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel I Heart Vegetables' approach to vegan cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

I Heart Vegetables emphasizes simplicity and speed, using everyday kitchen tools like the Instant Pot, and highlights the natural flavors of vegetables rather than relying heavily on processed meat substitutes.

channel
Q

What other vegan recipes is the YouTube channel I Heart Vegetables known for?

A

The channel is popular for recipes such as creamy cauliflower alfredo, quick lentil soups, roasted vegetable grain bowls, and plant‑based taco fillings that showcase fresh produce.

channel

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