Meatball Chili
Dinner can’t get much easier! You can use this recipe as a road map of sorts. Vary the salsa (maybe even a green salsa?) and the type of meatballs. We tested this with Italian-style meatballs, but there are lots of other varieties on the market. And it needn’t be beef meatballs. Consider turkey, even buffalo. Or make a vegan chili with vegan meatballs and vegetable broth. The only trick is to use frozen mini meatballs.
Servings Prep Time
6people 5minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
22minutes 5 minutes
Servings Prep Time
6people 5minutes
Cook Time Passive Time
22minutes 5 minutes
Ingredients
  • 3 cups chunky-­style mild or hot red salsa(24 ounce jar)
  • 3 1/2cups white, black, or navy beans (30 ounce) jar drained and rinsed
  • 2cups beefchicken, or vegetable broth
  • 8ounces frozen bell pepper strips or 2 medium red or green bell peppers; stemmed, cored, and cut into thin strips, 2 cups
  • 1/4cup chili powder
  • 1tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2tsp table salt
  • 25ounce frozen mini or bite-­sized meatballs 1 ounce each, even vegan and/or gluten-­free if that’s a concern (1 bag)
  • 2/3cup tomato paste1 can 6 ounce
Instructions
  1. Press the button for SAUTÉ and set it for HIGH, MORE, or CUSTOM 400°F. Set the time for 10 minutes,
  2. Mix the salsa, beans, broth, bell pepper strips, chili powder, cumin, and salt in an Instant Pot. Cook, stirring often, until many wisps of steam rise from the liquid. Turn off the SAUTÉ function and stir in the meatballs. Lock the lid onto the cooker.
  3. Option 1 Max Pressure Cooker
    Press Pressure cook on Max pressure for 5 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off.
  4. Option 2 All Pressure Cookers
    Press Bean/Chili, Pressure cook or Manual. Set if for High pressure for 8 minutes with the Keep Warm setting off. The vent must be closed
  5. Use the quick-­release method to bring the pot’s pressure back to normal. Unlatch the lid and open the cooker.
  6. Press the button SAUTÉ and set it for HIGH, MORE, or CUSTOM 400°F. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
  7. As the chili comes to a simmer, stir in the tomato paste until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until somewhat thickened, 1–2 minutes. Turn off the SAUTÉ function and set aside for 5 minutes to continue to blend the flavors and help the chili to set up.
Recipe Notes

Beyond

• Of all the chilis in this book, this one calls out most to be served over cooked, long-grain, white rice.

• Or go all out and serve it over cooked buckwheat (not kasha, but dried, plain buckwheat).

• Garnish the servings with sour cream, pickled jalapeño rings, minced fresh jalapeño, minced red onion, pickled onions, and/or shredded cheese, particularly sharp
Cheddar.