Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili: Your Ultimate Guide to a Hearty & Flavorful Comfort Food

Craving a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and bursting with flavor? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili. This recipe transforms ordinary chili into an extraordinary culinary experience, combining the smoky, rich notes of authentic carne asada with the comforting warmth of a classic chili. It’s a truly hearty and meaty dish, making it the perfect antidote to chilly weather or any time you yearn for robust, soul-warming comfort food. Every spoonful delivers that unmistakable carne asada essence, promising a delicious adventure for your taste buds. This generously serves 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends.

There’s something uniquely appealing about the colder months, isn’t there? While some might long for the warmth of spring, this year, the cozy embrace of winter has been particularly delightful. Perhaps it’s the simple joy of nesting at home, but there’s an undeniable charm in this season that makes hearty meals all the more appealing.

And when we talk about hearty meals, chili inevitably comes to mind. My own journey with chili began during the demanding days of grad school. What started as a convenient, comforting meal to fuel late-night study sessions quickly evolved into a full-blown obsession. The rich flavors, the satisfying texture, and the endless possibilities for customization made it a go-to dish that has remained a favorite ever since.

While classic ground beef chili has its place, this year, I yearned for something even more substantial and flavorful. Plus, with a doctor’s recommendation to incorporate more red meat into my diet, it felt like the perfect opportunity to elevate my chili game. That’s how the idea for this Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili was born, and let me tell you, it does not disappoint.

This chili is packed with incredible depth of flavor. The combination of succulent beef, aromatic spices, hearty beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a touch of beer creates a rich, complex profile that is simply irresistible. The beer isn’t just for fun; it adds an unparalleled layer of depth and helps deglaze the pot, contributing to that robust flavor. This chili is the ultimate way to warm up during those lingering winter weeks, and here’s a bonus: it tastes even better the next day, making your leftovers a highly anticipated treat!

Why Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili?

The Instant Pot truly shines with recipes like this Carne Asada Chili. It’s not just about speed, though that’s a huge bonus. The pressure cooking method tenderizes tougher cuts of meat beautifully, infusing them with flavor like no other cooking method. This means you can achieve fall-apart tender steak that traditionally would take hours on the stovetop, all in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your delicious meal. The “carne asada” aspect comes from the careful seasoning and searing of the beef, creating a foundational layer of rich, smoky flavor that permeates the entire chili. It’s a game-changer for chili lovers looking for something beyond the ordinary.

Essential Tools for This Recipe

Having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference, especially when cooking in an Instant Pot. For this Carne Asada Chili, here are the must-haves that will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process:

• Instant Pot: This is, of course, the star of the show. I personally recommend the Instant Pot Ultra for its versatility and user-friendly features, though any Instant Pot model like the Instant Pot DUO will work wonderfully. Its ability to sear, sauté, and pressure cook all in one pot is what makes this recipe so convenient.
• Tongs: A good pair of kitchen tongs is indispensable for handling and searing the steak chunks without losing heat or making a mess.
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper: Essential for stirring ingredients and, most importantly, for degassing the bottom of the Instant Pot after sautéing. A flat-edged wooden spoon is particularly effective at scraping up any stuck-on bits, preventing the dreaded “burn” notice.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy organic bamboo cutting board is perfect for preparing your steak and vegetables, and later for shredding the cooked meat.
• Two Forks: These simple tools are all you need to effortlessly shred the tender, pressure-cooked steak into succulent strands that will perfectly integrate into your chili.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili!

Creating this rich and hearty chili is straightforward, especially with the help of your Instant Pot. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly flavorful and tender Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili:

Searing the Steak for Maximum Flavor

The first and arguably most crucial step for developing deep flavor in your chili is searing the steak. Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the Saute function and adding a tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the pot to heat thoroughly until the oil is shimmering. While it heats, season your steak chunks generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned steak pieces. Sear them on all sides until a beautiful brown crust forms, which typically takes about 5 to 6 minutes in total. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a complex flavor profile that will be the foundation of your chili. Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you might be able to sear all the steak in one batch. If you have a smaller model, or if you find the pot getting crowded, work in batches to ensure proper searing without steaming the meat.

Sautéing Aromatics and Deglazing the Pot

After the steak is perfectly seared, remove it from the Instant Pot and set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pot, followed by the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for a brief 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Once the aromatics are sautéed, turn off the Instant Pot to prevent further cooking.

Now comes a critical Instant Pot step: deglazing. Pour in the chicken stock, beer, and lime juice. Using a wooden spoon, preferably one with a flat edge, meticulously scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. It is essential to loosen and scrape up any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom during the searing and sautéing process. This step is vital because if anything remains stuck, your Instant Pot might trigger a “burn” notice during pressure cooking, stopping the process. Thoroughly deglazing ensures a smooth cooking cycle and incorporates all those delicious caramelized flavors into your chili.

Pressure Cooking to Perfection

Once the pot is deglazed, stir in all the remaining ingredients: chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder (a secret weapon for depth!), smoked paprika, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Add the canned hot chili beans, black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Give everything a good, thorough stir to combine all the flavors. Finally, nestle the seared steak chunks back into the mixture. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensure the vent is set to the sealing position, and set it to Manual (or Pressure Cook) on High pressure for 30 minutes. This cooking time allows the steak to become incredibly tender and all the flavors to meld beautifully.

When the cooking cycle is complete, do not immediately release the pressure. Allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This natural release helps the meat to reabsorb juices, resulting in an even more tender and flavorful outcome. After 10 minutes, you can carefully turn the vent to the venting position to manually release any remaining pressure. Be sure to use a kitchen towel or oven mitt to protect your hand from the steam.

Shred and Serve Your Delicious Chili

Once the pressure has been fully released, open the lid. Carefully remove the large chunks of tender steak from the chili and transfer them to a cutting board. Using two forks, easily shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. The steak should be so tender that it falls apart with minimal effort. Return the shredded meat to the Instant Pot and stir it well into the chili. This ensures every spoonful of chili is packed with that delicious carne asada flavor and texture.

Your Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and let everyone customize their portion with their favorite toppings. This chili is a true crowd-pleaser and will quickly become a staple in your cold-weather cooking rotation.

Need some more inspiration for tasty soups? Check out my soups and stews recipe page!

Choosing the Best Steak for Carne Asada Chili

The choice of steak is pivotal for achieving that authentic carne asada flavor and desirable texture in your chili. For this recipe, I highly recommend using either skirt steak or flank steak. These cuts are traditionally used for carne asada due to their robust beefy flavor and texture that responds beautifully to searing and slow (or in this case, pressure) cooking. They have a good amount of connective tissue that, when cooked under pressure, breaks down into gelatin, making the meat incredibly tender and juicy.

While ribeye can also be used for its tenderness and flavor, I find that skirt or flank steak offers a more economical option without compromising on taste or texture, especially when pressure cooked. Their fibrous nature helps them absorb the rich chili flavors, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Always cut against the grain when shredding to ensure maximum tenderness.

How to Customize the Spice Level

This Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili recipe typically yields a mild to medium spice level, appealing to a wide range of palates. However, if you’re someone who loves a fiery kick, it’s incredibly easy to amp up the heat to your liking:

• For Medium-Hot: Add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Taste and adjust as needed.
• For Hot: Consider adding a whole teaspoon (or more!) of cayenne. You can also incorporate finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onion, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra layer of heat.
• For Smoky Heat: A dash of chipotle powder or a finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce can add both heat and a wonderful smoky depth.
• To Serve: Offer sliced fresh jalapeños, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a dollop of spicy crema as toppings for individual customization.

Always add spices gradually and taste as you go to ensure you hit your perfect level of heat.

The Secret Ingredient: Which Beer to Use?

Yes, beer in chili! It’s not just a casual addition; it’s a secret weapon for depth and complexity. The beer not only contributes to the rich liquid base but also plays a crucial role in deglazing the pot, lifting all those caramelized brown bits from the bottom that are packed with flavor. For this Carne Asada Chili, I highly recommend using a lager, particularly a Mexican lager if you can find one. Brands like Modelo Especial, Pacifico, or even a good quality local craft lager work wonderfully.

Why a lager? Lagers typically have a crisp, clean flavor profile that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. They add a subtle malty sweetness and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the meat and spices, enhancing the overall savory character of the chili without making it taste distinctly “beery.” Avoid anything too dark or hoppy, like a stout or IPA, as their strong flavors can clash with the delicate balance of the carne asada spices.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili

A hearty and meaty chili with the bold carne asada flavor you love, made effortlessly in your Instant Pot!

Prep Time:
5 minutes mins

Cook Time:
40 minutes mins

Additional Time:
10 minutes mins

Total Time:
55 minutes mins

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Equipment

• Organic Bamboo Cutting Board
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Instant Pot Ultra
• Instant Pot DUO

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak cut into 4 large chunks
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 12 oz beer I like to use a lager
• 2 Tbsp lime juice
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 14.5 oz can hot chili beans
• 1 14.5 oz can black beans
• 1 28 oz can fired roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste

Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Fritos
• Lime wedges
• Sliced jalapeños
• Freshly chopped cilantro

Instructions

• Set Instant Pot to the Saute function and add 1 Tbsp oil to the insert.
• Season steak chunks with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add steak and sear on all sides. This will take about 5 to 6 minutes total. Remove steak to a plate.
• Add in remaining Tbsp oil and onion. Saute, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Turn off Instant Pot.
• Stir in chicken stock, beer, and lime juice. Use a wooden spoon with a flat edge to scrape the bottom of the insert well. Make sure you scrape up any browned bits that got stuck!
• Stir in all remaining ingredients and add the meat back to the mixture, nestling the chunks into the soup.
• Seal, set to Manual and cook on High pressure for 30 minutes. Let naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Remove the chunks of meat to a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the soup, stirring well to combine.
• Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!

Cuisine: Mexican

Category: Instant Pot

Serving Suggestions and Toppings

The beauty of chili lies in its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings! While this Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili is delicious on its own, a generous array of toppings can elevate it to a gourmet experience. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

• Classic Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are always winners.
• Creamy Goodness: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a refreshing tang.
• Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped cilantro brings a bright, herbaceous note that complements the Mexican flavors.
• Crunch Factor: Crushed tortilla chips, Fritos, or even homemade crispy tortilla strips provide a satisfying crunch.
• Heat Boost: Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños, a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy.
• Acidity: Fresh lime wedges squeezed over the top cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.
• Avocado: Diced or sliced avocado adds a creamy, healthy fat element.
• Onion: Finely diced red onion or green onions (scallions) for a sharp, fresh bite.

Serve your chili with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or even over rice for a complete and utterly comforting meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

One of the best things about chili, especially this Instant Pot Carne Asada Chili, is how wonderfully it stores and how its flavors deepen over time. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for days to come!

• Storage: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to leave some headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Transfer the desired amount of chili to a saucepan. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of chicken stock or water if it’s too thick.
  • Microwave: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until hot.
  • From Frozen: For best results, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat using the stovetop or microwave method. You can also reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, but this will take longer.

Enjoying this chili again will be just as delightful as the first time, if not more so!

More Instant Pot Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of Instant Pot cooking, there’s a whole world of recipes waiting for you. Here are some other fantastic Instant Pot dishes that are sure to become new favorites:

Other yummy Instant Pot recipes: IP BBQ Turkey Enchilada Soup | IP White Cheddar Mac and Cheese | IP BBQ Short Rib Tacos | IP Chipotle Chicken Tacos