Instant pot turkey veggie chili is your answer to busy weeknights when you need something warm, hearty, and wholesome on the table fast. This flavorful one-pot meal comes together in about 30 minutes, thanks to the Instant Pot, and is loaded with lean ground turkey, tender vegetables, fiber-packed beans, and a rich tomato base spiced just right. It’s healthy, filling, and kid-approved — the kind of meal you’ll put on repeat all season long.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Fast weeknight meal – Done in under 40 minutes
- 🥕 Packed with veggies – Bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and corn
- 🦃 Lean protein – Turkey makes it lighter but still satisfying
- 🥣 One-pot cleanup – Everything cooks in the Instant Pot
- ❄️ Freezer-friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (85–93% lean)
- 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10–15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 can water or broth (use empty tomato sauce can – 15 oz)
Instructions
1. Sauté the Turkey and Veggies
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté.
- Heat oil, then add turkey, garlic, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, and carrot.
- Cook 7–9 minutes until turkey is browned and veggies are softened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add Spices, Tomatoes & Beans
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and equal can of water or broth.
- Add black beans and corn. Stir to combine.
3. Pressure Cook
- Lock lid, set valve to sealing.
- Cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
- Naturally release for 10–15 minutes, then vent manually.
4. Serve
- Stir and taste for seasoning.
- Serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, or sour cream.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: 30–40 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American Chili
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: 15–18g
- Fat: 5–7g
- Carbs: 20–24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: ~600mg
Tips & Variations
- No ground turkey? Use ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeño or chipotle powder
- Make it vegetarian: Swap turkey for extra beans or lentils
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky depth
- Want it thinner? Add more broth after cooking
- Leftovers? Freeze up to 3 months in portions
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker instead?
Yes — brown the turkey first, then cook on LOW for 4–6 hours.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge (up to 5 days) or freezer.
What toppings go best?
Try sour cream, cheddar, green onions, avocado, or lime wedges.
Is this spicy?
It’s mild with a gentle kick from the green chiles. Adjust spice as needed.
Instant Pot Turkey Veggie Chili
Equipment
- – Instant Pot (6 qt or larger)
- Spatula
- – Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
- – 1 lb ground turkey
- – 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – ½ medium onion diced
- – 1 bell pepper diced
- – 1 small zucchini chopped
- – 1 medium carrot chopped
- – Salt & pepper
- – 2 tbsp chili powder
- – 1 tbsp ground cumin
- – 1 tsp oregano
- – 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- – 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes w/ green chiles
- – 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed
- – 1 cup frozen corn
- – 1 can water or broth 15 oz
Instructions
- Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat oil, brown turkey, onion, garlic, and veggies for 7–9 mins.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano.
- Add tomato sauce, water/broth, tomatoes, beans, and corn. Mix well.
- Seal lid. Cook on High Pressure for 8 mins.
- Natural release for 10–15 mins. Stir and serve.
Notes
– Swap turkey with lentils for vegetarian
– Freeze leftovers up to 3 months
Conclusion
This instant pot turkey veggie chili is everything a weeknight meal should be — fast, flavorful, healthy, and comforting. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking the freezer, it’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes. Don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation.