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Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Chili

This Instant Pot Lentil Chili is a vegan recipe you never knew you loved! Even my kids will devour this quick and easy meal in 5 minutes flat!

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This delicious, vegan dish is simple and packed full of flavor. While making it, the most amazing aroma will fill your kitchen! This nutrient dense chili is full of delicious ingredients with amazing benefits. Lentils are low in calories, rich in iron, and folate. They’re also an incredible source of plant protein!

I’m a huge fan of meals that allow me to dump them in the pot and walk away. It frees me up to sweep the floor, answer emails, or fold a load of laundry instead of being tied to the stove. To make this simple chili, just toss all of the ingredients inside your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, set the timer, and go on your merry way!

Meal Prep Tip!

Chopping vegetables can be time consuming, so I frequently chop up a couple extra onions, peppers, tomatoes, etc. and portion them in freezer zip lock baggies. I store them in the refrigerator or if I know I won’t be using them soon, I toss them in the freezer. This cuts down so much prep time later!  You can store freshly chopped vegetables in the freezer for up to 18 months.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love my Vegan Sloppy Joes, Creamy Vegan Pasta, and Vegan Black Bean Soup.  You may also enjoy my Vegan Meal Plan that is jam packed full of some of my top secret vegan recipes that I ate during my weight loss journey.  You won’t want to miss these.

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If you make this delicious recipe, be sure to share a picture of it on Instagram with the hashtag #InstantLoss. I love seeing your kitchen creations! 

5 from 2 votes

Instant Pot Lentil Chili

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large orange or red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, divided
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
  • 16 ounces green or brown lentils
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Fine sea salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the Instant Pot using the SAUTE function.
  • When the display panel says HOT, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables brown and begin to stick to the bottom of the pot, about 6 minutes.
  • Stir in 3 tablespoons of broth and continue to cook, stirring, until onion is soft and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and chili powder. Cook 1 min, stirring continually.
  • Add tomatoes, lentils, and remaining broth. Place the lid on the cooker and make sure the pressure knob is in the SEALING position. Using the display panel select the CANCEL button. Then the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK function, high pressure, and use the +/- buttons until the display reads 15 minutes.

  • When the cooker beeps to let you know it’s finished, wait until the display reads LO:10 before switching the pressure knob from the sealing to the venting position.
 Remove the lid and stir the chili, add the cilantro and salt to taste. 

Notes

If you have a ripe avocado on hand, it makes a wonderful topper, and adds just the right amount of creaminess. 
Servings: 6
Author: Brittany Williams

52 Comments

  1. I’m an older IP Pot Head Emotional Eater, I have about 30 pounds to lose and I’m interested in good healthy food. If I will eat it, hopefully my hubby will eat it too and I’m interested in what everyone is doing . I have Fatty Liver Disease from Yo Yo dieting, yes really, non drinker! My Liver Diet consist of NO Breakfast Cereral, White Rice or Potatoes, Butter, High Fat Meats, Animal Fats, Cream, Cheese, Ice Cream and Shortening/Stick Butter. I’ve tried this once before and it worked great! Today I’m cooking White Northern Bean Soup with a Ham Bone, Onion and Chicken Stock for flavoring.

      1. 5 stars
        I love this recipe and have been making it since it came out as part of a meal plan 6+ years ago. I add a pound of ground beef for the people in my family who want it also.

        I’m wondering, can you cook this same recipe in a crockpot on low for 6-8 hours?

  2. This looks great! Great job on your weight loss! I’m trying to lose as well so I will be following your recipes

  3. Saw your first posts on your fantastic weight loss. Congratulations. You look great. Give us some ideas of what YOU are eating each day. Thanks

  4. Love that you don’t go thru a big story, filled with junk & Pictures for each recipe.. Makes it easier to follow while preparing them.

    1. ME, TOO!!! I LOVE the simplicity of your recipes. No back story about the invention of the soup ladle and how it inspired you to write this recipe. If I want to read about your life (which I do!), I’ll go to the section of the blog where you write about it. I’m glad you didn’t include it with the recipes.

      1. I agree so much!!! Love the simplicity of your blog. Thanks for the effort and time you’ve put into it.

  5. Looking forward to following your progress and recipes!! I’m getting ready to purchase my first Instant Pot!

  6. Looks really tasty! Congrats on the weight loss and thanks for letting us know what you are up to! (Or down to, depending on how you look at it.)

    Very inspiring. 😀

  7. This looks like it will be really delicious. And it’s simple, which I like. You are probably working on this already, but can I suggest putting a number of servings and nutrition facts on these recipes? I like how healthy this is, but knowing it will make 2 servings or 10 will make a difference. Also, with Instant Pot recipes, altitude makes a big difference. So it is always helpful to say at what altitude you are cooking. I am looking forward to trying this!

    1. I don’t keep track of nutrition facts but thank you for saying something about the serving size! I meant to post that earlier and forgot. And the altitude, I never thought about how that might change things. Thank you! 🙂

  8. Made this last night. It was great. And it made a ton! I used fire roasted tomatoes and chicken broth because that is what I had on hand. Forgot the cilantro. The family enjoyed it. I did make some buttermilk rolls to go with it and the chili was great with the roll dipped into it. Thanks for sharing your recipes.

      1. Made it tonight and we loved it! So simple and delicious. Looking forward to more vegetarian instant pot meals!

  9. I made this last night and it was easy to make and delicious. This will be a regular addition to my menu! I am making the refried beans as we speak, so I can’t wait to see how they turn out! I am looking forward to more recipes!

  10. This was delicious! I accidentally used taco seasoning instead of chili powder (thanks screaming toddler!), but it was still amazing. I served it over cornbread.

    The recipe makes a ton. My 5qt instant pot was completely full.

  11. I make this all the time! It is so quick, easy, and super yummy!
    I make a large batch and then freeze in pint jars for my lunches 🙂 my husband also likes this recipe. He prefers meals with meat in them so on occasion I will add some chicken to this as well, which is also tasty!

  12. I was really skeptical of this dish, as I’m particular about my chili. However, it was delicious. I did add two chicken breasts and shredded them and doubled the chili powder. Thank you!

  13. I just tried this last night and I was using the recipe from the meal plan I purchased. Mine came out a little too runny. I looked at my recipe and the one here and there is a cup difference in the vegetable broth. I guess next time I will use the seven cups instead of the eight cups and see if it is better. I think I might add some cumin as well. My family said it needed a little something.

  14. Hi! Your recipes look so good- so excited to be trying more of them. Did you use dry lentils for this? I made it using canned and it turned into a soup! Still smells delicious though. Thanks for all your inspiration!

  15. Want to try this recipe out, however I have never cooked with lentils, do I put them in dry? Or do I need to soak?

  16. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! It was so quick and easy. And a super affordable dinner. I have to go get your cook book tomorrow 🙂

  17. Loved this recipe so filling and tasty. My meat loving hubby even liked it! I wouldn’t be mad at all if there were more meatless meal options 😉 😉

  18. Sorry if this is a silly question. Are the lentils soaked beforehand or pre-made before hand?

  19. I’m assuming these are dried lentils? Just checking before I give this a try – looks yummy!!!

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