Instant Pot Chili Mac

Instant Pot Chili Mac is packed with flavor yet easy to make. Ground beef is sauteed with onions, green pepper, and garlic, then cooked in broth with dry pasta and spices. This simple dinner is a kid-favorite!

If you are new to the world of cooking with an instant pot – welcome! You will quickly learn that instant pot meals are a lifesaver. In just a short time, an entire meal can be prepped, cooked and served that the whole family enjoys. And if you are obsessed with your instant pot like us, get ready!

This instant pot chili mac recipe is definitely one of those meals that you will make time and time again. Inspired by our Chili Mac Casserole, a family favorite camping dish, the instant pot version is packed with just as much flavor!

Ready to start? Grab your instant pot and gather the ingredients then follow the step and step instructions.

Equipment

• instant pot
• large stir spoon
• cutting board
• chefs knife
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 ounce can tomato paste
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 16 ounce can pinto beans do not drain
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounce dry whole wheat elbow pasta
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

How To Make Instant Pot Chili Mac

1. Turn instant pot to sauté mode. Add ground beef, onion, peppers, and garlic to the bottom of the instant pot. Cook until beef is browned and onions are translucent.

Sautéing Tip: “Translucent” means that you should be able to almost see through the onions. Watch the onions turn from solid white in color to translucent while shrinking in size. The onions will also start smelling sweet because sautéing helps onions develop a sweet flavor.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the cheese). Stir the tomato paste into the ground beef. Add the crushed tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread the dry pasta across the top – DO NOT STIR. Add the chicken broth on top and do not stir. Cover and turn valve to sealing.

3. Cook. Set instant pot to high pressure and cook for 4 minutes. It will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure and start counting down. Once the 4 minutes are over, do a quick release. Add the cheese, stir and serve! Top with additional cheese and green onions if desired.

Instant Pot Guide

1. First, place the bowl into the base of the instant pot. After that, add the ingredients (it is important that there is at least a cup of liquid as an ingredient).
2. Next, check the lid of your Instant Pot to make sure the sealing ring is in place.
3. Then, secure the lid onto the base.
4. Turn the valve on the lid to “SEALING”.
5. The next step will differ for each model so check your manual! Press “PRESSURE” or “MANUAL”.
6. Press the PLUS or MINUS signs to set the cooking time.
7. The Instant Pot should say “ON“. When the machine first turns on, it is building pressure. The time that it takes for this pressure to build does NOT count toward the cooking time.  
8. Once the pressure is built, the cooking time will start counting down.
9. After the cooking time is complete, release the pressure. To release the pressure, you can wait for the natural pressure release (NPR) OR release the pressure manually by turning the valve to “VENTING“.
10. Lastly, take off the lid once it is unlocked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant Pot Pasta Tips

• Do NOT stir. Stirring the pasta could result in gummy noodles that are clumped together.
• Add enough liquid. Pour liquid into the instant pot until the pasta is completely covered to prevent the “BURN” message from appearing during cooking.
• Lower the cooking time. Cut the time on the back of the pasta box in half to prevent the noodles from being mushy and overcooked.
• Top with cheese. Add the cheese after the pasta is cooked.

More Tasty Instant Pot Meals

If you enjoy this instant pot recipe then you’ll have to check out our other top favorites!

• Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Instant Pot Chicken Stir Fry
• French Dip Sandwiches (Instant Pot)
• Instant Pot Beef and Noodles
• Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie

Other Simple Dinner Recipes

• Chicken Sausage & Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
• Cajun Shrimp and Rice Foil Packs
• Steak Skillet Nachos
• Whole Wheat Mac and Cheese (Low Sodium)
• Canned Tuna Pasta Recipe
• Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Seafood Pasta Salad

If you enjoyed the recipe make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!  Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe.  I love seeing what you come up with!