If you’re looking for a delicious bean-free chili, this Instant Pot recipe is perfect! Whether you’re avoiding beans or following a low-carb diet, you’ll love the rich, hearty flavors. A hint of sausage adds incredible depth, while quartered mushrooms keep the classic chunky texture. This might just be the BEST chili ever!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz kielbasa sausage, sliced
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups white or cremini mushrooms, quartered
- 15 oz diced tomatoes in juice (no sugar added)
- 15 oz tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 2 dry bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Optional garnishes: sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, cilantro, crumbled cheese crisps
INSTRUCTIONS
- Set the Instant Pot to high sauté mode and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the ground beef and sliced kielbasa, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until the ground beef is browned.
- Stir in the diced onion, green pepper, mushrooms, and garlic.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bay leaves, salt, black pepper, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Mix everything well.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure (manual mode) for 20 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a 10-minute natural release, followed by a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
NOTES
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
- For a keto-friendly version, check labels to ensure canned goods and kielbasa are low in carbs.
- To include beans, replace mushrooms with one can of drained and rinsed kidney beans.
- Slow cooker and stovetop versions are available in the full recipe post.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 388 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 86mg
- Sodium: 1184mg
- Fiber: 3g
