Instant Pot Wendy's Style Beef Chili with Kidney and Pinto Beans

Name: Instant Pot Wendy's Style Beef Chili with Kidney and Pinto Beans
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 large onion, peeled and diced; 1/2 cup green bell peppers, chopped; 1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced; 3 stalks celery, peeled and diced; 1 package chili seasoning; 1 cup water; 15 ounces dark kidney beans; 15 ounces pinto beans; 15 ounces diced tomatoes with green chillies; 15 ounces tomato sauce; salt and pepper, to taste

This hearty beef chili recreates the beloved flavors of Wendy's famous recipe using your Instant Pot for quick, hands-off cooking. Ground beef is sautéed with onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, and celery before being pressure cooked with kidney beans, pinto beans, and a rich tomato base seasoned with chili spices. The result is a thick, satisfying chili perfect for cold days, game day gatherings, or weeknight dinners when you want comfort food fast. The Instant Pot ensures tender vegetables and perfectly melded flavors in just 10 minutes of pressure cooking.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 10 min
Yield: 6 servings
Level: medium
Cuisine: American

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Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Nut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings

2 pounds lean ground beef
ground turkey1:1protein
slightly leaner flavor
Full guide →
1 large onion, peeled and diced
½ cup green bell peppers, chopped
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
3 stalks celery, peeled and diced
1 package chili seasoning
2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp oreganohomemade blendflavor
more control over spices
1 cup water
15 ounces dark kidney beans
black beans1:1beans
different texture and color
15 ounces pinto beans
15 ounces diced tomatoes with green chillies
regular diced tomatoes plus 1 diced jalapeño1:1 plus 1 pepperheat
control spice level
15 ounces tomato sauce
salt and pepper, to taste(optional)

Method

8 steps

1
Add ground beef to Instant Pot and press sauté button
2
Brown the meat while stirring continuously to prevent sticking
3
Add vegetables and sauté until softened
4
Add water and chili seasoning and mix well
5
Add beans and remaining ingredients and mix well
6
Secure lid with vent sealed and set manual high pressure for 10 minutes
7
Allow natural pressure release when timer beeps
8
Open lid, mix well and ladle into bowls

Tips

Tip 1

Stir meat frequently during browning to ensure even cooking and prevent burning on the bottom of the pot

Tip 2

Use natural pressure release rather than quick release to prevent the chili from splattering and to allow flavors to continue developing

Tip 3

Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking since chili seasoning packages can vary in sodium and spice levels

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 4 days in covered containers. Freezes well up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and reheated. Flavors improve overnight.

Serve With

Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cornbread.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the sautéing step to avoid watery chili

Watch

Use natural release to prevent splattering through the steam valve

Substitutions

ground beef→

ground turkey1:1protein

slightly leaner flavor

Full guide →

dark kidney beans→

black beans1:1beans

different texture and color

Full guide →

diced tomatoes with green chillies→

regular diced tomatoes plus 1 diced jalapeño1:1 plus 1 pepperheat

control spice level

chili seasoning→

2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp oreganohomemade blendflavor

more control over spices

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but you'll need to soak them overnight and increase cooking time to 35-40 minutes at high pressure.

What if my chili is too thin?

Remove the lid and use the sauté function to simmer and reduce liquid, or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

How long will leftovers keep?

Properly stored chili keeps 4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen in airtight containers.