I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.
Instant Pots are amazing kitchen tools that can save you time and effort. These handy devices can cook meals quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With an Instant Pot, you can make tasty dishes like beef stew, mac and cheese, and jambalaya in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Instant Pots are great for both beginners and experienced cooks. They can handle a wide range of recipes, from simple one-pot meals to more complex dishes. You’ll love how easy it is to create delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to discover some yummy Instant Pot recipes that will make your taste buds happy and your life easier!
Chicken and Rice
Ready to make a delicious chicken and rice dish in your Instant Pot? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cups white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Add garlic and herbs. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in rice and broth. Give it a quick stir.
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Place chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Don’t stir them in.
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Close the lid and set valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
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When done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the rest.
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Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your Instant Pot chicken and rice is ready! Enjoy this comforting meal with your family.
Beef Stew
Here’s what you’ll need for a tasty Instant Pot beef stew:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s make your stew!
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and brown the beef in batches.
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Remove the beef and add onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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Return the beef to the pot. Add carrots, potatoes, broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes.
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When done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
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Open the lid and give your stew a good stir.
Your hearty beef stew is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot with some crusty bread for a comforting meal.
Chili
Get ready to make some tasty chili in your Instant Pot! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef and onions for about 5 minutes.
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Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot. Give everything a good stir.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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When the time’s up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
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Open the lid and give your chili a stir. If it’s too thin, use the sauté function to simmer for a few minutes.
Serve your chili hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Enjoy your quick and easy Instant Pot chili!
Mac and Cheese
You’ll love this quick and easy Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Directions:
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Add the macaroni, water, butter, and salt to your Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
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When the timer beeps, do a quick release of the pressure.
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Open the lid and stir in the milk, cheese, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and you have a creamy sauce.
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Let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken before serving.
Your creamy, cheesy mac is ready! Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot mac and cheese.
Pulled Pork
You’ll love how easy it is to make tender, flavorful pulled pork in your Instant Pot! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons each: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon each: salt, black pepper
Directions:
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Mix the spices and brown sugar. Rub this all over the pork chunks.
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Brown the pork pieces on all sides.
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Pour in the broth and vinegar. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
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Let the pressure release naturally for 20 minutes.
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Remove the pork and shred it with two forks.
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If you like, you can add some of the cooking liquid back to the meat for extra flavor.
Your pulled pork is now ready to serve! Try it on sandwiches, tacos, or salads.
Vegetable Soup
Here’s a tasty Instant Pot vegetable soup recipe you’ll love:
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup green beans, cut
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
Directions:
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Turn on your Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add oil and cook onion, carrots, and celery for 3-5 minutes.
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Toss in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
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Add broth, potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, corn, and seasonings. Stir well.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
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When done, do a quick release.
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Open the lid and stir in kale or spinach. Let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
Your veggie soup is ready! Enjoy this warm, comforting meal any time you want. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, healthy dinner.
Mashed Potatoes
You’ll need:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup water or broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make yummy Instant Pot mashed potatoes:
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Put the trivet in your Instant Pot and add the water or broth.
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Place the potato pieces on the trivet.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
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When done, do a quick pressure release.
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Drain the potatoes and put them back in the pot.
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Add milk, butter, salt, and pepper.
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Mash the potatoes until they’re smooth and creamy.
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Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Your Instant Pot mashed potatoes are ready to serve! They’re so easy and tasty, you’ll want to make them all the time.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Ready to make a tasty meal in your Instant Pot? Let’s whip up some spaghetti and meatballs!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound frozen meatballs
- 1 pound spaghetti noodles
- 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Now, let’s get cooking:
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Pour the olive oil into your Instant Pot.
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Add the frozen meatballs.
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Break the spaghetti in half and place it on top of the meatballs.
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Pour the marinara sauce over the spaghetti.
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Add water, salt, and pepper.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
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Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
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When done, do a quick release of pressure.
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Stir everything together gently.
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Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like.
Enjoy your quick and easy Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs!
Hard-Boiled Eggs
You’ll need:
- 6-8 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- Instant Pot
- Trivet or steamer rack
- Ice bath
Directions:
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Pour 1 cup of water into your Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside.
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Gently put the eggs on the trivet. Don’t stack them.
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Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
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Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
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After cooking, wait 5 minutes before releasing the pressure.
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Carefully move the eggs to an ice bath. Let them cool for 5 minutes.
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Peel and enjoy your perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs!
This method gives you eggs that are easy to peel. The whites will be firm and the yolks creamy. You can adjust the cooking time if you prefer softer or firmer yolks.
Try making a big batch at once. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week. Use them for quick snacks, salads, or deviled eggs.
Chicken Noodle Soup
You’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make it:
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Turn on your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion, carrots, and celery for 2-3 minutes.
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Toss in garlic and thyme. Stir for about a minute.
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Add chicken, broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
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After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then do a quick release.
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Open the lid and remove the chicken. Shred it with two forks.
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Switch back to sauté mode. Add noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes until tender.
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Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Your comforting chicken noodle soup is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy the warmth it brings.
Pot Roast
You’ll love this easy Instant Pot pot roast recipe! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 lb chuck roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, quartered
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Season your roast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and brown the roast on all sides.
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Remove the roast and add onions. Cook until soft.
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Put the roast back in the pot. Add broth, carrots, and potatoes.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
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Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
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Take out the roast and veggies. Shred the meat if desired.
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For thicker gravy, use the sauté function to reduce the liquid.
Enjoy your tender, flavorful pot roast with minimal effort!
Risotto
Ready to make creamy risotto in your Instant Pot? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, let’s get cooking!
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt the butter and cook the onion for 3 minutes.
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Add garlic and rice. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the rice is coated.
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Pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pot.
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Add the broth and close the lid. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
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When done, quick release the pressure.
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Open the lid and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your risotto is ready to serve! It’s creamy, delicious, and so easy to make. Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot risotto!
Beef and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced thin
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Now, let’s cook!
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Mix the beef broth, soy sauce, and brown sugar in your Instant Pot.
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Add the sliced beef, garlic, and sesame oil. Stir to coat the beef.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
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While it’s cooking, steam your broccoli in the microwave for 3-4 minutes.
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When the time’s up, do a quick release of the pressure.
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Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl.
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Open the lid and turn on the sauté function. Add the cornstarch mixture and stir until the sauce thickens.
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Toss in your steamed broccoli and give it a good stir.
That’s it! Your beef and broccoli is ready to serve. Enjoy your homemade takeout-style meal!
Salsa Chicken
You’ll love this easy Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Pour the chicken broth into your Instant Pot. Add the chicken breasts.
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Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken. Pour salsa on top, making sure to cover the chicken.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
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When done, let the pressure release naturally for 5-10 minutes.
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Open the lid and shred the chicken with two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart.
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Stir the shredded chicken in the sauce. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Your Salsa Chicken is now ready to serve! Enjoy it in tacos, burritos, or over rice for a quick and tasty meal.
Lentil Soup
You’ll love this easy Instant Pot lentil soup! Here’s what you need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: spinach leaves
Directions:
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Turn on your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil and cook onions until soft.
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Toss in carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir for 2 minutes.
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Add lentils, broth, tomatoes, and spices. Mix well.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
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Let pressure release naturally when done.
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Open the lid and stir. Add spinach if using.
Your soup is ready! Enjoy this warm, comforting meal in no time. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a quick, healthy dinner.
Cheesecake
Ready to make a creamy cheesecake in your Instant Pot? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Graham cracker crust (pre-made or homemade)
Directions:
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Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
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Mix in sour cream, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
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Pour filling into graham cracker crust in a 7-inch springform pan.
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Cover pan with foil and place on trivet in Instant Pot with 1 1/2 cups water.
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Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes, then natural release for 10 minutes.
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Carefully remove and let cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Your Instant Pot cheesecake will be creamy, rich, and perfect for any occasion!
Oatmeal
Want a quick and easy breakfast? Try making oatmeal in your Instant Pot! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: fruit, nuts, honey, cinnamon
Directions:
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Put the oats, liquid, and salt in your Instant Pot. Give it a quick stir.
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Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
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When it’s done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
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Open the lid and stir your oatmeal. It might look a bit watery at first, but it’ll thicken as you stir.
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Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
That’s it! You’ve got creamy, perfect oatmeal in no time. Feel free to play around with the liquid amount to get the texture you like best.
Stuffed Peppers
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4-5 bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 diced onion
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
Now, let’s get cooking!
Cut the tops off your peppers and remove the seeds. Mix the ground beef, rice, onion, half the tomato sauce, half the cheese, egg, and seasonings in a bowl.
Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Place the trivet in your Instant Pot and add 1 cup of water. Arrange the stuffed peppers on the trivet.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the peppers. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 8 minutes if you pre-cooked the beef, or 16 minutes if it’s raw.
When done, do a quick release. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. If you want it melted, use the air fryer lid at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes.
Your stuffed peppers are ready to enjoy! They’re packed with flavor and so easy to make in your Instant Pot.
Barbecue Ribs
Ready to make tasty ribs in your Instant Pot? Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pounds pork ribs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Directions:
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Mix the dry spices in a bowl.
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Rub the spice mix all over your ribs.
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Pour the chicken stock and vinegar into your Instant Pot.
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Place the trivet in the pot and arrange the ribs on top, standing up in a circle.
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Close the lid and set to high pressure for 25 minutes.
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When done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release.
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For extra crispy ribs, brush with BBQ sauce and broil for 3-5 minutes.
Your ribs will be fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with flavor. Enjoy your homemade BBQ feast!
Yogurt
You’ll need:
• 1/2 gallon whole milk
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures
Here’s how to make it:
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Pour the milk into your Instant Pot.
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Close the lid and press the “Yogurt” button. Adjust until it says “Boil”.
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When it beeps, open the lid and check the temperature. It should be 180°F.
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Let the milk cool to 110°F-115°F.
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Mix a small amount of warm milk with the yogurt starter. Stir this into the pot.
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Close the lid and press “Yogurt” again. Set for 8 hours.
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When done, refrigerate your yogurt for at least 4 hours.
You can add flavors like vanilla or honey after it’s done. Enjoy your homemade yogurt!