10 Tasty Instant Pot Recipes to Revolutionize Your Cooking Routine
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.The Instant Pot – a kitchen game-changer for the busy home cook. With its ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more, this versatile appliance has taken the culinary world by storm. But with so many possibilities, where do you even begin?
In this article, we’ll share our favorite ideas to get you started with easy Instant Pot recipes. From hearty stews and soups to tender meats and flavorful sides, we’ll explore the endless possibilities of this incredible device.
Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or just starting to explore its capabilities, you’ll find inspiration and creativity to take your cooking to the next level. So let’s get started and see what wonders the Instant Pot can do!
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of garlic and buttery potatoes into a luxurious side dish. Prepared effortlessly in an Instant Pot, these mashed potatoes are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday feasts. With a velvety texture and a hint of garlic, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
1. Begin by peeling and cubing 2 pounds of potatoes evenly. Place the cubed potatoes in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of broth or water and add 4 cloves of minced garlic. 2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure. 3. Drain any excess liquid, then add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. 4. Mash the potatoes and garlic together until smooth and creamy, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Spicy Chicken Tacos with Slaw
Spicy Chicken Tacos with Slaw are a bold and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Cooked to perfection in the instant pot, the chicken is infused with zesty spices and served in warm tortillas. Topped with a refreshing slaw, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of heat and crunch for any taco night.
1. Begin by seasoning the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. 2. Set the instant pot to the ‘sauté’ function and add olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and brown on all sides for about 3-4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth or water, then close the instant pot lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’. 4. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then allow for a natural release. 5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing shredded cabbage, carrots, lime juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. 6. Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and mix it back into the juices. 7. Assemble tacos by adding the spicy chicken to tortillas and topping with the slaw.
Savory Beef Stew with Vegetables
Savory Beef Stew with Vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly nights. This Instant Pot recipe yields tender beef that melts in your mouth, along with a medley of colorful vegetables simmered in a rich broth. Quick and easy to prepare, this stew is sure to become a family favorite.
1. Begin by seasoning 2 pounds of beef stew meat with salt and pepper. 2. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then brown the beef on all sides. 3. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside. 4. In the same pot, add 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks, sautéing until softened. 5. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. 6. Stir in 6 cups of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the browned beef. 7. Toss in 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped, along with 1 cup of frozen peas. 8. Close the lid, setting the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. 9. Once finished, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes before using the quick release. 10. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and creamy cheese in one pot. This Instant Pot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, providing a hearty meal in a fraction of the time. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while indulging in rich flavors everyone will love.
1. Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they are translucent. 2. Stir in 1 cup of rinsed rice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. 3. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes. 4. Open the lid and stir in 2 cups of chopped broccoli and 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted. 5. Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup
Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup is a nutritious and filling dish that is perfect for chilly days. Packed with protein-rich lentils and a variety of colorful vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Made conveniently in an Instant Pot, it delivers a rich and satisfying flavor in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
1. Rinse and sort 1 cup of lentils, removing any debris. 2. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. 3. Add the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice), 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, set it to high pressure, and cook for 15 minutes. 5. Once cooking is complete, use the quick release valve to release pressure. 6. Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach until wilted, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot.
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops
Sweet and Sour Pork Chops are a delightful blend of tender pork and a tangy sauce that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table. This quick and easy Instant Pot recipe makes it simple to achieve restaurant-style dish at home. Perfectly paired with rice or steamed vegetables, this meal is sure to please any palate.
1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. 2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and brown the pork chops in a little oil, about 3-4 minutes on each side. 3. Remove the chops and add sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes. 4. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and soy sauce, mixing well. 5. Return the pork chops to the pot, ensuring they are coated with the sauce. 6. Close the lid, set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 10 minutes. 7. Allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. 8. Serve the pork chops with the sauce over rice or noodles.
Classic Beef Chili with Beans
Classic Beef Chili with Beans is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This one-pot meal combines ground beef, a variety of beans, and a rich blend of spices, creating a comforting experience with every bite. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or at a gathering, this chili promises to satisfy and warm your soul.
1. Press the ‘Sauté’ button on your Instant Pot and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, if necessary. 2. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 chopped green bell pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. 3. Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for another minute to toast the spices. 4. Add 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained), and 1 cup of beef broth. 5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. 6. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. 7. Stir the chili and serve hot, garnished with cheese or sour cream if desired.
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp is a delightful dish that bursts with flavor and can be made in minutes using an Instant Pot. The succulent shrimp are infused with the zesty combination of lemon and garlic, creating a rich and buttery sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe is both simple and satisfying.
1. Start by peeling and deveining 1 pound of shrimp, leaving tails on for presentation if desired. 2. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode and melt 4 tablespoons of butter; add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. 3. Add the shrimp to the pot along with the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper to taste; stir gently to combine. 4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ on high pressure for 2 minutes. 5. Once the cooking time is up, quickly release the pressure and open the lid carefully. 6. Serve the shrimp immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Butternut Squash Risotto Delight
Butternut Squash Risotto Delight is a creamy and comforting dish perfect for any season. This instant pot recipe brings out the natural sweetness of butternut squash, combined with rich Arborio rice and savory flavors. It’s an effortless, one-pot meal that’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
1. Start by peeling and chopping 1 medium-sized butternut squash into small cubes. 2. Turn on the instant pot and select the ‘Sauté’ mode; add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 1 chopped onion until translucent. 3. Add the squash cubes and 2 cups of Arborio rice, stirring for about 2 minutes. 4. Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth, and add salt and pepper to taste. 5. Close the lid, set the valve to ‘Sealing’, and cook on ‘Manual’ for 6 minutes. 6. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. 7. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of butter for added creaminess before serving. Enjoy your delightful Butternut Squash Risotto!
Rich Chocolate Lava Cake
Rich Chocolate Lava Cake is a decadent dessert that features a gooey chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. This indulgent treat is not only easy to make in your Instant Pot but also perfect for impressing guests at any dinner party. With its rich flavor and luxurious texture, it’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
1. Grease your ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. 2. In a bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate and 1/2 cup of butter together until smooth. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 1/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until well combined. 5. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of flour and a pinch of salt until there are no streaks. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins and cover them with foil. 7. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the ramekins on a trivet. 8. Lock the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. 9. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before doing a quick release. 10. Carefully remove the ramekins, let them cool for a minute, then invert onto plates and serve immediately.
