Wendy’s chili is a fan favorite, but it can be unhealthy and expensive to eat out.

Making chili at home is a lot better for you, and it can be less expensive than eating out. Plus, everyone should have an easy chili recipe in their cookbook.

This Instant Pot copycat recipe is just as delicious as the real thing, and it’s easy to make! The ingredients are pantry staples for most people, and it can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cans chili beans (kidney and pinto beans)
• 1 can diced zesty chili-style tomatoes
• 1/2 white large onion
• 1 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth (I like to use 1 teaspoon better than bullion with 1 cup water)
• 1 tbsp butter

What are some variations of this recipe?

There are lots of different options for serving this recipe. You could add some heat with diced jalapeños, or make it a bit earthy with mushrooms. Crushed-up tortilla chips would also be a great addition. You could add black beans instead of or in addition to the beans that have already been added.

What if I can’t find chili beans?

You can use two cans of dark red kidney beans and two cans of pinto beans mixed with a little bit of McCormick’s chili seasoning as a substitute.

What kind of meat is used in Wendy’s chili?

Wendy’s chili is made with ground beef. You can use any kind of ground beef that you like for this recipe. We prefer to use 93/7 so there is less grease to deal with.

What brand of tomatoes do you use?

We used Del Monte’s brand for this recipe, which can be found at most major grocery stores.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

If you want to make this recipe vegetarian, you will want to remove the ground beef and replace the beef broth with vegetable broth.

Can I use tomato juice instead of tomato sauce?

I wouldn’t recommend this substitute for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Honestly, it isn’t horrible to begin with! But if you want less fat and red meat, you could use ground turkey instead of ground beef.

Directions

1. Set instant pot to the saute feature and brown grown beef – drain excess grease and deglaze the bottom of the pot.
2. While cooking, chop the green pepper and onion
3. Add in all the rest of the ingredients except for the butter and stir with a wooden spoon
4. Cook for 15 minutes on the Chili setting
5. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then quick release the remaining pressure
6. Mix in butter and enjoy

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I think it tastes best the next day.

Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, this chili can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure you freeze it in an airtight, freezer-safe container. We really love Souper Cubes for freezing chili. You can use the code TBM10 for 10% off.

What can I serve with this chili?

This chili is delicious on its own, or you can top it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, or jalapeños. It’s also great served over rice or pasta.

We also really love serving it over a nice, big piece of cornbread! And of course, if you want to make it more like Wendy’s, make a delicious baked potato and serve this chili over it with sour cream and chives.

Can I make this in the slow cooker instead?

Yes! You can definitely make this in your crock pot. Cook the ground beef on the stove top before, and then put all the ingredients (except the butter) into a slow cooker. Cook on high for two hours or low for 5-6. Stir in butter before serving.

Can I make a double batch of this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully – and you’ll probably want to because everyone is going to gobble up this yummy recipe.

What’s the best way to reheat this chili?

The best way to reheat this chili is in a pot on the stove over low heat. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as thick and creamy. You may need to add some water if it’s too thick.

If you are reheating from frozen, you can do this in the Instant Pot! Just add 1.5 cups of beef broth and heat for 20 minutes on manual high pressure.

Is Wendy’s chili real beef?

Yes, Wendy’s chili is made with real beef. However, some employees have reported that the beef used in the chili is from hamburgers that were grilled too long and couldn’t be served as burgers to customers.

Does Wendy’s put sand in their chili?

No, Wendy’s does not put sand in their chili. However, it does have silicone dioxide, which is silica. This is an anti-caking product that might be used in Wendy’s chili. All the reasons to make it yourself at home!

Does Wendy’s put beans in their chili?

Yes, they have a combination of beans in their chili.

Instant Pot Wendy's Chili

Yield: 8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 cans chili beans (kidney and pinto)
• 1 can diced zesty chili-style tomatoes
• 1/2 white onion
• 1 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Set instant pot to saute and brown grown beef – drain excess grease
2. Add in all the remaining ingredients except for the butter and stir
3. Cook for 15 minutes on the Chili setting
4. Natural pressure release for 5 minutes
5. Mix in butter and enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1587mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 23g

Other Recipes You May Enjoy:

• Easy Instant Pot Butternut Squash Apple Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Beef Stew
• Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

The chili from Wendy’s is always a fan favorite – and now you can make it at home using your Instant Pot and this recipe. You will definitely want to print of this instant pot wendy’s copycat chili for the future – it’s a great recipe you will want to use over and over again. Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!

The post Copycat Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Copycat Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili Recipe appeared first on What's in the Pot.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, this is it! This recipe is perfect because it combines all the flavors of Hamburger Helper with pasta in just one pot – and it’s a lot better for you since it’s homemade. You can’t go wrong with that. It’s easy to put together, cooks quickly, and tastes delicious. Who could ask for more?

There are just those meals that you look back on with fondness from childhood – and Hamburger Helper is one of them.

However, if you aren’t as pleased with the idea when you look at the ingredients on the box, you might feel a little disappointed…until you realize you can make something that tastes even better at home and you can feel a little bit better about feeding your family.

This pressure cooker Hamburger Helper is absolutely delicious. It has tons of flavor, it’s so easy to throw together quickly, tastes amazing, it’s a recipe the whole family will love. This one definitely has a place in my permanent Instant Pot recipes cookbook!

The cooking time for this recipe in under 30 minutes, and it’s something your entire family will be asking you to make over and over again (picky eaters included).

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Turn instant pot to the saute setting and heat olive oil.
2. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink and drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with a little bit of beef broth.
5. Add ketchup, mustard, seasonings, macaroni, and brothe to the pot and stir well.
6. Place lid on top and set to manual high pressure for four minutes.
7. When the time goes off, quick release all the pressure.
8. When pressure is released, take the lid off and mix in the cheese. Serve immediately

Can I use different kinds of pasta?

You can use different kinds of pasta in this recipe, just make sure they are the same size so they cook evenly.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are a few swaps you can do to make this recipe a little bit better-for-you

• Use a healthier ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground chicken
• Choose an extra lean ground beef
• Use black beans instead of ground beef
• Choose a low fat sour cream
• Use low fat cheddar cheese
• Use whole wheat macaroni noodles

Why is this better than boxed Hamburger Helper?

This is better than the boxed version because you know exactly what’s in it and it’s made fresh. The homemade version has lots of the flavors and texture that we all know and love from the boxed stuff – it’s just better for you!.

What are some variations for this recipe?

Some variations for this recipe include:

• Using different kinds of cheese
• Adding in vegetables, such as onions or green peppers
• Using a different type of pasta.
• Add Worcestershire sauce.
• Use tomato paste instead of ketchup.
• Add in some taco seasoning
• Use fresh herbs

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

This should be fine. It may change the flavor ever-so-slightly, but it shouldn’t be very noticeable!

Are the noodles mushy?

The noodles should be cooked al dente, but not mushy. The best way to prevent them from getting mushy is to make sure you do the quick pressure release as quickly as possible when the timer goes off.

How can I store the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

You can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper

Yield: 7 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Check out one of our favorite easy Instant Pot dinner recipes - homemade hamburger helper. This easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights - it features a cheesy beef and pasta mixture that comes together in a snap!

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Turn instant pot to the saute setting and heat olive oil.
2. Add ground beef and brown until no longer pink and drain excess fat.
3. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Deglaze the pot with a little bit of beef broth.
5. Add ketchup, mustard, seasonings, macaroni, and brothe to the pot and stir well.
6. Place lid on top and set to manual high pressure for four minutes.
7. When the time goes off, quick release all the pressure.
8. When pressure is released, take the lid off and mix in the cheese. Serve immediately

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 7 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 977mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 29g

What does it mean to deglaze the bottom?

Deglazing the pot is essential for making sure your food doesn’t burn. When you use the saute feature to brown the ground beef, pieces of the meat get stuck to the bottom of the pot.

So before you add the rest of the ingredients in, you need to deglaze! You can do this very simply by following these instructions:

• Add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of the bottom
• Using a wooden spoon, crape the bottom of the pot until it looks like there are no more bits and pieces of meat stuck to it.

Why did I get a burn notice?

There are two main reasons you will get a burn notice:

• You did not put in enough liquid
• You did not deglaze the bottom of the pot.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

We have not made this recipe dairy-free, but you could try using your favorite dairy-free cheddar shreds and a dairy-free sour cream.

What should I serve with this recipe?

You can make this a complete meal with some delicious sides dishes including steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or garlic bread.

More Weeknight Dinner Recipes:

• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Easy Instant Pot Tomato Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Ham Potato and Cheddar Soup

This Instant Pot homemade hamburger helper is quick, easy and delicious – perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also healthier than boxed Hamburger Helper, since it’s homemade. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or variations.

Plus, the leftovers are freezer-friendly, so you can make ahead and have a quick meal ready to go. Who knew making a delicious meal like this could be so easy? We love this cheesy pasta dish, and we know that it will be one of your family favorites for years to come.

The post Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Easy Homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Helper appeared first on What's in the Pot.

Everyone loves homemade fajitas, but they can be a little time-consuming to make the traditional way. That’s why this Instant Pot steak fajitas recipe is so perfect for an easy dinner-it’s easy to follow and only takes a few minutes in the pressure cooker. The fajitas turn out juicy and full of flavor perfect for a quick and easy delicious meal in no time! We really think the Instant Pot version is the BEST method for making easy fajitas!

You can also easily use chicken instead of steak, if you want as well. Either way, you will end up with a delicious Mexican dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced into thin strips
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally for 5 minutes, and then quick release the rest of the pressure.
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

Why make fajitas in the Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot fajitas are perfect for super busy weeknights when you have so little time to spend in the kitchen, and it’s one of these “dump and go” recipes that all IP fans love

The fajitas cooked in the electric pressure cooker turn out so delicious, they’re juicy and full of flavor

You should know that the fajitas cooked in the IP are not the same as chargrilled fajitas made on the grill. They don’t have the same grilled taste and it doesn’t usually result in crisp veggies. If you want this caramelization, you may want to throw everything on a sheet pan afterward and broil for a minute or two OR you can saute the veggies beforehand and not cook them with the rest of the ingredients.

What to serve with fajitas?

I think fajitas are best when served with warmed corn tortillas or flour tortillas, refried beans, pico de gallo, and rice. For a lower-carb option, you could use cauliflower rice. Here are a few recipes you might enjoy:

• No Soak Instant Pot Refried Beans
• How to Make Refried Beans Taste Better
• Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice

What toppings are best on fajitas?

My favorite toppings are fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, salsa and shredded cheese. You can also try adding cooked rice or quinoa if you want to bulk up your meal prep with healthy carbs.

What is a good homemade fajita seasoning?

If you want to make a homemade fajita seasoning, combine:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper

If you don’t have all of these spices on hand, substitute with a store-bought fajita seasoning or just salt and pepper. When using store-bought fajita spice mixes, make sure you read the label because some have added sugar, which you don’t want.

Can I make these in the crock pot?

Crockpot steak fajitas are delicious too! I love cooking in my slow cooker on days when I have to leave the house in the morning, come home tired for late lunch or dinner and need a meal to be ready.

You can make them with the same ingredients as the Instant Pot recipe. All you need is to add the steak, bell pepper and onion to a slow cooker and add the seasonings.

Can I make these on the stove?

Yes, you can! Just follow all the steps as instructed and cook over medium heat in a large skillet until the vegetables are tender.

What cut of steak should I use?

I used skirt steak because it’s a fattier cut, but you can use sirloin or flank steak as well. Just make sure the steak is a little over a pound and thinly slice it into strips.

Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe

Yield: 8 fajita sized tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally. 
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

Can I use chicken instead?

Yes, you can make Instant Pot chicken fajitas by using thin-sliced chicken breasts. I would also use chicken broth instead of beef broth. However, if you are looking for an easy pressure cooker fajita recipe with steak, this is the best choice!

How can I prevent the vegetables from turning out mushy?

If you want to make Instant Pot fajitas that have a slightly crisp texture, I recommend sautéing the vegetables in the Instant Pot in a little bit of olive oil. Remove them before adding the steak and other ingredients.

After the meat is done cooking, you can add them back together with the meat.

Alternatively, you can throw everything on the pan and crisp it up under the broiler.

Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe

Yield: 8 fajita sized tacos

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 lb. skirt steak, sliced
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 1/2 TBSP favorite fajita seasoning

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients in the Instant Pot. Stir well.
2. Close your Instant Pot lid by twisting it on and closing the valve by pushing it away from you. 
3. Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow it to release naturally. 
4. Once the pressure has completely released, stir the fajitas once more. You can eat by itself for a low carb meal, or in a tortilla shell topped with sour cream, cheese, cilantro, and more! Enjoy!

How can I prep these for a freezer meal?

To make this Instant Pot fajitas recipe into a freezer meal, simply follow all the steps in the recipe except for cooking in an Instant Pot. Instead, place the steak, bell peppers and onions in a large ziploc bag with 1 tablespoon of oil and seal tightly. Store it in your freezer for up to 3 months

How should I store the leftovers?

Store the cooked Instant Pot fajitas in an airtight container or wrap with aluminum foil for up to three days. They can be stored in the fridge for up to five days, so enjoy your meal throughout the week!

Can you make this recipe ahead of time?

This fajitas recipe is the perfect meal prep idea! You can make it ahead of time by following all the instructions except for cooking in an Instant Pot. Instead, place the steak, bell peppers and onions in a large ziploc bag with 1 tablespoon of oil and seal tightly. Store it in your fridge up to 3 days.

How can I reheat the leftovers?

I recommend microwaving the vegetables with a splash of water for 1 minute. Then, add steak slices on top, sprinkle with some water and cover the container tightly. Microwave for another minute or two until warmed through. You can also reheat in an oven, skillet or Instant Pot!

To reheat the leftovers, simply place them in a skillet over medium heat and stir until warmed through. You can also store it in a large ziploc bag and microwave for 1-2 minutes depending on how much you’re reheating.

More Instant Pot Recipes You Might Enjoy:

• Easy Instant Pot Chicken, Potatoes, and Carrots
• Chicken Tikka Masala
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

These amazingly tasty and easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas only take 10 minutes to cook in your pressure cooker that the whole family will LOVE. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight when you don’t have time to wait around the kitchen stove top all day! We hope we see you soon, but if not — enjoy these fajitas. Bon Appetit!

The post Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe first appeared on What's in the Pot.

The post Easy Instant Pot Steak Fajitas Recipe appeared first on What's in the Pot.