Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili  

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If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili is the perfect recipe for you. This delicious chili only takes 15 minutes of hands-on prep time, and then your Instant Pot® does the rest of the work. The combination of tender pork, robust spices, and savory beans creates a comforting dish that is sure to become a family favorite. 

What makes this recipe special is the unique blend of ingredients. The chili features a mix of dark cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, giving it a rich and complex flavor profile. The addition of strong black coffee enhances the depth of the taste, while the diced tomatoes with green chilies add a subtle kick. 

With its simple preparation and delicious results, Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Enjoy a bowl of this flavorful chili, and savor the warmth and comfort it brings.

What is Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili?

Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made by cooking tender pork loin with a rich blend of spices, beans, and tomatoes in an Instant Pot®. Foods that best pair with this recipe include cornbread, which adds a slightly sweet and crumbly texture that complements the savory and spicy flavors of the chili. A simple bowl of white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up the flavorful chili, while tortilla chips add a delightful crunch and are perfect for scooping. 

Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili Ingredients

Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili is a quick and delicious recipe that requires just 15 minutes of prep time and 55 minutes of active cooking. This dish serves 4-6 people and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty meal:

• Pork loin roast – Tender and flavorful pork that becomes the star of the chili.
• Sea salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the taste of the pork.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Used for sautéing and adding a rich, smooth flavor.
• Red onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
• Dark cocoa powder – Gives a subtle, rich chocolate flavor that deepens the overall taste.
• Chili powder – Provides the signature heat and spice of the chili.
• Ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.
• Smoked paprika – Gives a smoky depth to the chili, enhancing its overall flavor.
• Garlic powder – Infuses the chili with a robust garlic taste.
• Dried oregano – Adds a touch of herbal flavor that rounds out the spices.
• Strong black coffee – Enhances the richness and complexity of the chili.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies – Brings a mix of acidity and subtle heat.
• Dark kidney beans – Adds texture and protein to the chili.
• Great Northern beans – Offers a creamy texture that balances the other beans.
• Strained tomatoes – Thickens the chili and adds a deep tomato flavor.
• Mexican cheese blend and red onion – Serve your dish with these for more flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili?

Now that you have your ingredients, follow the steps below.

1. Take the pork roast out of the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, before cooking. Trim any excess fat and cut the roast into four equal pieces. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste, and set aside.
2. Turn on the Instant Pot® and select the “Sauté” function. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the diced red onion, dark cocoa powder, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Season with a bit more salt and black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens and the spices become very fragrant.
3. Pour the strong black coffee into the pot to deglaze it. Use a plastic spatula to gently scrape the bottom and loosen any browned bits stuck to the pot. This adds extra flavor to your chili. Turn off the Instant Pot® by pressing the “Keep Warm/Cancel” button.
4. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies, dark kidney beans, Great Northern beans, strained tomatoes, and the seasoned pork pieces to the Instant Pot®. Stir everything together to combine well.
5. Put the lid on the Instant Pot® and lock it into place. Make sure the vent is set to “Sealing.” Press the “Manual” button and set the cooking mode to “High Pressure” if needed. Adjust the time to 55 minutes.
6. When the cooking time is done, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. After that, carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Once the pressure pin drops, open the lid.
7. Use two forks to shred the pork directly in the pot. Stir the shredded pork into the chili and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
8. Serve the chili warm, topped with shredded Mexican cheese blend and diced red onion if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili! 

Tips For Making This Recipe

Here are some helpful tips for making Instant Pot® Pulled Pork Chili:

• For a thicker chili, mix one or two tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of the hot liquid from the Instant Pot® and stir it back into the chili.
• Don’t skimp on seasoning the pork with salt and pepper before adding it to the Instant Pot®; it enhances the overall flavor.
• Deglaze the pot with strong black coffee, making sure to scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the “Burn” warning on the Instant Pot®.
• When adding ingredients to the pot, layer them without stirring too much. This helps in preventing any potential burning at the bottom.
• This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my pulled pork tough in the Instant Pot?

One common reason why pulled pork is tough in the instant pot is insufficient cooking time, tougher cuts like pork loin or shoulder may need additional time to become tender, so try increasing the cooking time by 10-15 minutes. Another crucial step is allowing for a natural pressure release, as this helps the meat fibers relax and retain moisture—make sure to let the pressure release naturally for at least 15 minutes before doing a quick release. 

The quality of the meat can also impact the final texture, so opt for a well-marbled pork loin or shoulder to keep the meat moist and tender during cooking. Additionally, cutting the pork into smaller, uniform pieces can help ensure even cooking. 

What happens if you overcook pork in Instant Pot?

If you overcook pork in the Instant Pot®, it can become dry and tough despite the moist cooking environment. Overcooking causes the meat fibers to break down excessively, squeezing out moisture and leaving the meat stringy and chewy. To avoid this, it’s important to follow the recommended cooking times and use the natural pressure release method to ensure tender and juicy results.

Do you drain juices before pulling pork?

Draining excess juices before pulling pork is recommended for achieving optimal texture and flavor. After cooking the pork until tender and reaching the desired temperature, allow it to rest briefly to redistribute juices. Carefully drain any excess liquid from the cooking vessel to prevent the pulled pork from becoming too soggy. Using two forks or meat claws, shred the pork into strands, incorporating some of the natural juices for added flavor and moisture. 

Now experience how tender pulled pork blends perfectly with hearty chili flavors for a dish that’s comforting and delicious. Give it a try today, share it with loved ones, and let us know how you liked it! Your feedback means a lot to us. 

Happy cooking!