10 Amazing Pressure Cooker Recipes to Make Tonight
We may earn a commission through all links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Pressure cookers are often misunderstood kitchen appliances, relegated to the dusty shelves of memory after a single failed attempt to cook a tough cut of beef. But fear not, dear cooks, for the pressure cooker is a game-changer, capable of transforming even the humblest of ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece. With its ability to accelerate cooking times and extract maximum flavor from every ingredient, the pressure cooker is the perfect tool for busy home cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
In this article, we’ll share pressure cooker recipes, from hearty stews and soups to tender meats and exotic international dishes, and provide you with the inspiration and confidence you need to unlock the full potential of your pressure cooker.
Pressure Cooker Perfection: 100 Foolproof Recipes That Will Change the Way You Cook
(as of February 15, 2026 15:43 GMT -05:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala
Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala is a rich and flavorful dish that combines marinated chicken pieces with a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. This pressure cooker version significantly reduces cooking time while retaining the traditional essence of the recipe. Perfect served with basmati rice or naan, this dish is sure to satisfy any curry craving.
1. Begin by marinating 1 pound of boneless chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and garam masala) for at least 30 minutes. 2. Set your pressure cooker to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of oil, followed by chopped onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are translucent. 3. Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and stir well, then add 1 cup of heavy cream and mix until combined. 5. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. 6. Once cooked, carefully release the pressure, stir the tikka masala, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Creamy Vegetable Risotto
Creamy Vegetable Risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and creamy Arborio rice, this risotto is both satisfying and nutritious. Using a pressure cooker significantly speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal in no time.
1. Start by sautéing chopped onions and garlic in your pressure cooker until they are translucent. 2. Add Arborio rice and toast it briefly before pouring in vegetable broth. 3. Close the lid and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes, then quick release the pressure. 4. Stir in your choice of diced seasonal vegetables, like zucchini and spinach, along with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra creaminess. 5. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving, garnished with fresh herbs.
Classic Beef Stroganoff
Classic Beef Stroganoff is a comforting and rich dish that combines tender beef strips with a creamy mushroom sauce. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights, and it’s full of flavor thanks to the addition of onions, garlic, and a hint of mustard. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love.
1. Begin by cutting 1 pound of beef sirloin into thin strips and season with salt and pepper. 2. Set your pressure cooker to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil; once hot, brown the beef in batches and remove from the pot. 3. Add 1 sliced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until softened. 4. Stir in 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and cook for a few more minutes. 5. Add the browned beef back into the pot along with 1 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. 6. Close the pressure cooker lid, set it to high pressure, and cook for 10 minutes. 7. Once done, carefully release the pressure and stir in 1 cup of sour cream until well combined. 8. Serve the stroganoff over cooked egg noodles or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Savory Lentil Soup
Savory Lentil Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that is packed with flavor and essential nutrients. This comforting soup features tender lentils, garden-fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, making it perfect for any season. Prepared in a pressure cooker, it offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a wholesome meal in under 30 minutes.
1. Start by rinsing 1 cup of lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. 2. In the pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced carrot, sautéing until softened. 3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. 4. Add the rinsed lentils, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 can of diced tomatoes (with juice) to the pot. 5. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Release the steam carefully. 6. Stir in 2 cups of chopped spinach or kale and let it wilt before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed and enjoy your delicious Savory Lentil Soup!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a buttery, sugary topping. This creamy casserole is often enhanced with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon, making it a delightful side for any meal or holiday gathering. Using a pressure cooker makes this dish not only quick to prepare but also yields the perfect texture for the sweet potatoes.
1. Start by peeling and chopping 2 pounds of sweet potatoes and placing them in the pressure cooker. 2. Add 1 cup of water and lock the lid. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, then allow for a natural release. 3. Once done, mash the sweet potatoes in the cooker and mix in 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. 4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. 5. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter to form a crumbly topping. 6. Spread the topping over the sweet potato mixture. 7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Serve warm.
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches are a delightful comfort food, perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Made tender through pressure cooking, the pork shoulder is infused with tangy barbecue sauce, creating a rich flavor profile everyone will love. Serve the succulent meat piled high on soft buns, topped with coleslaw for an extra crunch.
1. Start by trimming any excess fat from a 3-4 pound pork shoulder and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub. 2. Set your pressure cooker to ‘Sauté’ mode and brown the pork on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. 3. Remove the pork and add 1 cup of BBQ sauce and 1 cup of chicken broth to the pot, stirring to deglaze. 4. Return the pork to the pot, secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 60-70 minutes. 5. Once done, allow for a natural release, then shred the pork with two forks and mix it with the sauce. 6. Serve on toasted buns with slaw on top and enjoy!
Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa
Mushroom and Spinach Quinoa is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the vibrant freshness of spinach. This recipe, cooked in a pressure cooker, allows for quick preparation while preserving the rich nutrients of its ingredients. Perfect as a main course or a side, it is a delightful option for a healthy and satisfying meal.
1. Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water and set aside. 2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pressure cooker, then add 1 chopped onion and sauté until softened. 3. Add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes until they release their water. 4. Stir in the rinsed quinoa, 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. 5. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. 6. Close the pressure cooker lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 12 minutes. 7. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally before serving warm.
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs are a deliciously savory and sweet dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The pressure cooker infuses the chicken with flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables, making it a complete meal in under an hour.
1. In a pressure cooker, combine 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. 2. Season 4 chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the sauce in the pressure cooker, ensuring they are well coated. 3. Close the lid, set the pressure cooker to high, and cook for 10 minutes. 4. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. 5. Remove the chicken and let it rest. 6. For a thicker sauce, switch the cooker to sauté mode and reduce the sauce for a few minutes. 7. Serve the chicken with the sauce drizzled on top.
Chili Con Carne
Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground meat, beans, and a variety of spices to create a robust stew. It’s a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and is beloved for its warmth and comfort, perfect for cold evenings. Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while still maintaining the rich flavors that this dish is known for.
1. Begin by heating some oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they are soft. 2. Stir in minced garlic and ground meat (beef or turkey) and cook until browned. 3. Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt. 4. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and ensure there is enough liquid; add a bit of broth or water if necessary. 5. Close the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure for 15 minutes. 6. After the timer goes off, release the pressure carefully. 7. Stir well, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
Rich Pumpkin Spice Risotto
Rich Pumpkin Spice Risotto is a comforting and creamy dish that captures the essence of fall in every bite. Infused with warm spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin, this risotto is perfect for cozy evenings. With the help of a pressure cooker, you can achieve a delicious meal in a fraction of the time it typically takes.
1. Begin by setting your pressure cooker to sauté mode and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once heated, add 1 small chopped onion and cook until translucent.2. Stir in 1 cup of Arborio rice and sauté for about 2 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.3. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of pureed pumpkin, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine.4. Lock the lid in place and set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 6 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.5. Open the lid and stir the risotto, adding 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of heavy cream for extra creaminess.6. Serve warm, garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
