For the holidays, I make both ham and turkey. And, I always have leftovers. You can only eat so much leftover turkey and turkey sandwiches. So, I wanted to find some other way to eat that turkey that everyone would love. Then it came to me….Leftover turkey chili! This Instant Pot Turkey Chili is delicious and super easy to make with your leftover turkey.

Eating plain leftovers every lunch and dinner after a big meal can become monotonous, even to those of us who love leftovers. I love using leftovers and turning them into whole new meals. When I make ham in my Instant Pot, I make things like leftover ham pasta and it’s a fun new dinner without all the work!

What is Turkey Chili?

Instead of using ground beef or chicken in your chili, this recipe calls for turkey. You basically have all the same things you would have in a regular chili: beans, tomatoes, seasoning, and a meat (turkey). This is a great recipe to use leftover turkey from your big holiday meals!

Instant Pot Turkey Chili Ingredients

You should have all these ingredients in your cupboards already! As long as you have the leftover turkey, you are ready to make this super easy leftover turkey chili. Here is what you need:

• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed and sliced
• 3 cups chopped, cooked turkey
• 4 cups cooked beans (we used red kidney beans)
• 3 cups canned tomatoes, with juice (we used Rotel)
• 3 cups turkey broth
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons cajun seasoning

Meat – This recipe uses leftover turkey for the meat but any meat can be used here. You can use chicken, ground beef, ground pork or even ground turkey! Here is an easy ground turkey chili recipe.

I Don’t Have Turkey Broth

If you don’t have turkey broth, that’s ok. My suggestion for you is that the next time you make a turkey, save the juices that are left in the bottom of the pan. You can put the liquid in a container and place it in the fridge. Then, you can use it to make this recipe.

Instead of turkey broth, I would suggest using chicken broth. It isn’t going to taste exactly the same, but its a good substitute for this recipe.

Seasoning – I like to use Cajun seasoning when I make my chili since the spices are similar to that of traditional chili. You can always use your own spices or try a homemade chili seasoning.

How to Make Instant Pot Turkey Chili

This recipe is seriously one of the easiest. Follow these simple steps to have your meal on the table in about a half hour.

Step 1 Sauté your Veggies

Place olive oil in inner pot of Instant Pot and select the sauté setting. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes, until transparent. Add the garlic and continue to cook for 1 more minute.

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Step 2 Turn off Sauté

Turn off the sauté setting. Stir in the turkey, beans, tomatoes, turkey broth and cajun seasoning.

Step 4 Pressure Cook

Secure lid on Instant Pot and ensure valve setting is set to seal. Set to chili/beans setting and increase time to 25 minutes.

Step 5 Natural Release

When the pressure cooker beeps, you will allow the chili to naturally release. This means to let the pot sit there until the pin drops.

Related: Instant Pot Natural Release Vs Quick Release

Stove top turkey chili

If you want to make this recipe on the stove top, follow these easy directions for the best stove top turkey chili. You follow all the instructions below except you allow it to simmer on the stove. Easy peasy!

How to Store Leftover Turkey Chili

One of the best things about making chili is that it can easily be stored in the refrigerator for about a week. Store it in a Tupperware bowl with a lid.

If you are like me, I store it in smaller containers so I can send it with my hubby to work.

Can You Freeze Instant Pot Turkey Chili?

Absolutely. In fact, chili makes for great freezer meals. I let the chili cool before placing it in ziplock freezer bags. Only fill the bag about half full as it expands when it freezes.

Side Dishes to Serve

Chili is delicious and hearty served all by itself. However, if you want to add a little more variety to your dinner, here are some delicious side dishes you can make:

• Honey Skillet Cornbread
• Homemade Guacamole (with chips)
• Homemade French Bread
• Fiesta Ranch Salad
• Loaded Cheesy Potato Skins

Other Instant Pot Chili Recipes to Try

When the weather is cold, we like to eat a lot of chili. In fact, we try to make chili at least once per week. Its’s great for snacks, lunches, and even a second dinner. However, we do like a little variety. There are tons of chili recipes you can try. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Instant Pot Chili Mac-This is the kids favorite!
• Easy Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
• Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Chili
• Instant Pot Classic Beef Chili
• Pork Green Chili Stew in the Instant Pot

If you liked this easy way to eat up your leftover turkey, share this post to Pinterest for others to enjoy!