Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Parsnips Recipe
Introduction
This flavorful chili made in the Instant Pot is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any day. Packed with sweet potatoes, vegetables, and bold spices, it comes together quickly with minimal effort. Enjoy a warm bowl of this nutritious and satisfying dish any time you crave a cozy dinner.

Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 peppers, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 medium-large sweet potatoes, chopped into 1″ cubes
- 2 medium parsnips, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, undrained
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté setting. Add olive oil to the pot and heat it. Once hot, add the diced onion and peppers. Cook until the onions start to soften and become translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, black beans, corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Step 4: Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the vent is set to the sealed position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook function and set the timer for 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Step 5: When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Step 6: Once the valve drops, open the lid carefully. Stir the chili well, then serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the Worcestershire sauce or replace it with a vegan alternative.
- Add cooked ground meat or crumbled tofu for extra protein if desired.
- Adjust the chili powder amount to control the heat level according to your taste.
- You can swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or regular potatoes if preferred.
- For a thicker chili, simmer on Sauté mode after pressure cooking until desired thickness is reached.
Storage
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop by sautéing the vegetables and then simmering all ingredients together in a large pot for about 30-40 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Is this chili spicy?
This chili has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili powder. You can adjust the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers if you prefer more spice.
PrintInstant Pot Vegetarian Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Parsnips Recipe
This hearty and flavorful chili recipe is made quickly and easily using an Instant Pot pressure cooker. Packed with a variety of vegetables, beans, and spices, it offers a comforting, nutritious meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep. The combination of sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying dish with a balanced blend of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 peppers, diced
- 2 medium-large sweet potatoes, chopped into 1” cubes
- 2 medium parsnips, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
Beans & Canned Goods
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, undrained
- 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can tomato paste
Liquids & Oils
- 2 Tbs olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 Tbs minced garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: To the insert pot of an Instant Pot, add olive oil and use the Sauté setting to heat it. Add diced onion and peppers, then cook until the onions start to soften and turn translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about one minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, black beans, corn, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, broth (or water), and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Lock the Instant Pot lid securely and set the vent to the sealed position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting, and program it to cook at high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
- Serve: Once the valve has dropped and it is safe to open the lid, carefully remove it and stir the chili to combine. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Instant Pot chili!
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep this recipe vegetarian.
- For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when adding the spices.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze easily for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, use less broth or cook the chili for a few more minutes without the lid on after pressure cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce is optional but adds a depth of flavor; ensure it fits your dietary preferences.
Keywords: Instant Pot chili, vegetable chili, pressure cooker chili, hearty chili recipe, healthy chili, sweet potato chili

