Best Instant Pot Recipes: 27 Recipes for the Instant Pot

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Best Instant Pot Recipes: 27 Recipes for the Instant Pot

Instant Pot recipes are very popular right now. You can find tons of recipes online, or even purchase cookbooks for recipes. Instant Pots are great for more than just making dinner. I was shocked at everything you can do with them; they are a pressure cooker and a slower cooker in one.

The Instant Pot can be a lifesaver for those days you need to put dinner on the table but don't have time. From breakfast dishes to hearty dinners, here are 27 of my favorite delicious and easy instant pot recipes!

What is an instant pot?

The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that can be used as a slow cooker, pressure cooker, yogurt maker, rice maker, cake maker, and more. It has many functions and settings to use on different types of food. The Pressure Cook/Manual button is typically the most common one to use because it offers two cooking methods: pressure cooking or manual cooking with no pressure.

If you are new to cooking with an Instant Pot, I recommend reading my ultimate Instant Pot guide post. It will walk you through using the Instant Pot and explains how amazing this kitchen appliance is.

There are also a lot of different accessories you can purchase for your Instant Pot. This makes it easier to cook a variety of different items easier. My favorites are the cake pan and silicone sling and egg cup molds.

What can you cook in an instant pot?

The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that has become popular in recent years for its many functions. The pot can be used to cook beans, rice, soup, and even steamed vegetables with just a push of a button. The pot is also quickly becoming the go-to for many busy families in need of an easy dinner solution.

How do you keep vegetables from getting mushy in Instant Pot?

Avoid using the Poultry setting when cooking vegetables in your Instant Pot. The poultry setting is designed to cook meat, not vegetables.

Fried rice made in the Instant Pot

Can you bake in the Instant Pot?

One common question that people have about the Instant Pot is whether or not it can be used to bake things.

It all depends on the recipe, but generally speaking, no. The Instant Pot is best suited for cooking food that cooks quickly because it has a very short cooking time.

How do you cook two things in an Instant Pot?

The Instant Pot can't cook two things at the same time. If you want to cook something that will take a long time, use either your stove or oven and then use the Instant Pot to finish off the cooking process.

The Instant Pot is a great cooking tool that can help you save time in the kitchen. It's also easy to use and inexpensive, making it an obvious choice for people who want to save time and money.

close up of peas being added to homemade fried rice

What cookware is safe for cooking in the pressure cooker?

The answer is that pretty much anything you would cook in a pan on the stove can be cooked in your Instant Pot.

Cooking with the pressure cooker is easy, but there are some considerations for what cookware to use.

Lids and rims of pots, pans, and dishes should be made from silicone or non-metal materials like ceramic, glass, or aluminum; metal lids and rims can cause dangerous sparks.

How do you stack food in Instant Pot?

There are two different ways to stack food in an Instant Pot.

The first way is by placing the ingredients on top of each other, with liquid below the solid. This method works well for things like lasagna, stove-top casseroles, and macaroni & cheese.

The second way is by placing ingredients one on top of the other in “layers” with liquid on the bottom and solid on top. This method works well for things like chili, stew, or soups with ingredients that are all mixed together during cooking time.

It is important to note that there is a “max fill line” on Instant Pot. Make sure to stop filling when you get close to the max fill line and keep in mind any ingredients that need space for stirring during cooking.

cut up carrots added to Instant Pot

Can you add food to Instant Pot while cooking?

Yes! The Instant Pot does all the cooking, so you can add additional ingredients to cook while it is already doing its thing. Just turn the steam release valve from “venting” to “sealing” and, if applicable, release the pressure according to your Instant Pot's instructions.

Can you put frozen meat in Instant Pot?

Yes! It will take a little longer to cook and it might not be fully cooked through, but you can put frozen meat in Instant Pot. It is important to note that there is no way to turn the Instant Pot on without pre-setting a cooking duration.

pressure cooker chicken curry recipe

Can you cook meat and vegetables at the same time in an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can cook meat and vegetables in the Instant Pot at the same time, but this will increase your cooking time.

Yes, you can cook frozen meat in the Instant Pot. You will need to make sure that your pot is filled with enough water or liquid, so it doesn’t burn and create a mess.

What should you not cook in an Instant Pot?

  • Cooking food with a high sugar content can cause your Instant Pot to boil over and make the contents of the pot dangerous.
  • Cooking food that is meant to be eaten raw will not cook the meat or vegetables well.
Instant Pot Recipes

What are some good Instant Pot Recipes?

The possibilities are endless on what you can make in the Instant Pot. Some recipes are more advanced but even a beginner cook can make them. Here are 27 different Instant Pot recipes to get you started.

Enchilada Soup

This Instant Pot Enchilada Soup is quick and easy to make with a few simple ingredients. The flavor of the soup is so delicious, you may not even notice you're eating a vegan dinner! It's a hearty Mexican-style soup made in an electric pressure cooker.

Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

This recipe for Instant Pot balsamic pork tenderloin will help you create succulent meat in a short amount of time. The ingredients are simple, and it's cooked with minimal effort. This savory dinner is great served alongside roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Mac ‘n Cheese

Mac ‘n Cheese is one of the most popular dishes at any time and is a gooey, comforting dish.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

One of the most popular Instant Pot Recipes is Broccoli Cheddar Soup. It's easy to make, inexpensive, and it comes with a creamy cheesy sauce that you can't resist.

French Onion Chicken

French onion soup is a delicious alternative for basic chicken breasts. The dish has the perfect blend of flavors, and it's an easy meal to make in your Instant Pot. Not only will you love this recipe as much as French onion soup, but it's also healthier than traditional versions!

Cheesy Beef, Veggie, and Rotini Casserole

Cheesy Beef, Veggie, and Rotini Casserole is a flavorful casserole that takes no time to make. It's also diabetic-friendly with its low-carb ingredients.

stuffed tomatoes in the Instant Pot

Italian Chicken

One-pot meals are easy to cook and require minimal clean-up. This Italian Chicken recipe is a great example of an easy, quick-to-prepare one-pot meal that can be customized to your liking. It's also gluten-free and low carb!

Chickpea Noodle Soup

Chickpea Noodle Soup is a recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, and low-fat. It's easy to make in the Instant Pot and will fill you up, satiate your hunger, and nourish your body.

Chili

This instant pot recipe for chili is a quick and easy dish that can be made quickly in the kitchen. It costs less than ten dollars, making it an affordable option for any budget. The ingredients are common to most households, so this dish can be whipped up with ease.

Coconut Porridge

This recipe for coconut porridge is one of the best low-carb, high-fiber recipes you can make. The perfect breakfast or snack that will keep your blood sugar steady and weight in check!

Congee

Congee is a porridge made from rice and water. This dish can be quickly prepared using the Instant Pot by adding a little bit of salt, soy sauce, and sugar to the cooked rice before you pour it into your cooking pot. It's full of flavor and nutrition that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Corn Chowder

Instant Pot Corn Chowder is a creamy and hearty meal that has all the flavor of a traditional pot but in just one pot. All you need to do is put your ingredients in the Instant Pot, set it for the appropriate amount of time, then serve! The perfect amount of creaminess without being too thick makes this recipe ideal for any day.

Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta

The Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta is an easy dinner recipe that takes about 20 minutes or less to be ready to eat. Friends and family will love this recipe!

Egg Bites

Egg Bites is a new and exciting way to cook with the Instant Pot. This quick, easy recipe takes just 20 minutes or less to be ready for dinner. Friends and family will love this dish!

pressure cooker stuffed sweet potatoes

Fajitas

Fajitas in the Instant Pot are the ultimate dump-and-go recipe. They are done in only 20 minutes and you don't have to stand at the stove stirring the entire time.

Frozen Chicken Legs Lemon Garlic

This is one of the most popular recipes on our site. It's an easy and mouthwatering recipe for chicken legs that are incredibly flavorful, but it only takes about 30 minutes to cook them!

General Tso Chicken

The General Tso Chicken Recipe is a healthier take-out option for those who enjoy the taste of Chinese food. This recipe adds fewer calories than deep-frying chicken pieces and takes just minutes to prepare. The General Tso Chicken Recipe is quick and easy, with great flavor that will please everyone in your family!

Ground Pork Pasta

This recipe will cook all the ingredients in one pot, getting lots of flavor from its spicy, sweet, peanut sauce.

Hamburgers

The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that allows you to prepare healthy and easy burgers in a minimal amount of time. These burgers are perfect when there is no time or too lazy to cook.

Hawaiian Chicken

Hawaiian chicken is a dish that is easy to make in an instant pot. The recipe requires 3 simple ingredients: chicken, sugar, and soy sauce. When you combine all of these ingredients into the pot, they create a delicious dish that is super quick and effortless!

Honey Mustard Chicken

This Instant Pot recipe is so easy to make, and the result is a juicy, tender chicken with a honey mustard sauce. It's also very easy to clean up after cooking, which makes it a great meal for any evening of the week.

Italian Chicken and Vegetables

This is a quick and easy dinner that tastes good. The Italian Chicken and Vegetable recipe takes only about 10 minutes to prepare, which makes it ideal for weeknight meals when you're short on time.

Instant Pot Recipe for Chicken Curry

Jerk Chicken and Vegetables

This recipe is an instant favorite for many people; not only is it quick and easy to make, but it's also delicious. The jerk flavor of this dish combines perfectly with the Instant Pot to create a scrumptious dinner that will wow your family and friends.

Kielbasa Mushroom and Potato Soup

The best part about this recipe is that it tastes great! With simple ingredients like onions, garlic, parsley, and thyme-seasoned kielbasa sausage cooked with mushrooms in a rich broth made from canned diced tomatoes and chicken stock; all you need to do is mix everything together before serving.

Lasagna

Lasagna has become one of the most popular Instant Pot recipes. It is layered with your favorite ingredients, and it takes less than 30 minutes to cook. The lasagna can be warm, cheesy, and delicious.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that can cook food in a fraction of the time. It's great for busy people who want to make healthy meals quickly and easily.

cup of brown rice and an Instant Pot

How do I manually set my Instant Pot pressure cooker?

The following steps will give you a basic understanding of how to set your Instant Pot manually. Remember, these pressure cookers have different models and options within the same model so the instructions may not be the same.

Step 1: Plug in your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Select the cooking level you prefer.

Press one of the four buttons on your pressure cooker until it shows a number between 1-4, each with its own corresponding cooking levels.

Step 3: Set the timer for how long you want to cook it.

Press the “+” button on your pressure cooker until it shows a number between 1-99 minutes.

Step 4: Add ingredients to your pot and close the lid.

Step 5: Put the lid on your pressure cooker and wait for it to beep. You’ll hear a sound that lets you know it’s done.

Step 6: Open the pressure cooker and release the steam before removing the lid.

dry rubbed pork shoulder in an Instant Pot

Can you put frozen meat in Instant Pot?

Yes, you can put frozen meat in Instant Pot. However, the cooking time will vary based on the type of meat and how it is packaged. For best results, thaw the food before adding it to the pot.

What should I do the first time with Instant Pot?

This is a guide for first-time users of the Instant Pot. If you are thinking about buying an electric pressure cooker, then there are some things that you need to do before your first use.

If you have never used an electric pressure cooker, then there are some things that you need to do before your first use. Make sure the vent at the top of your pot is clear and not clogged. Remove the inner pot from its outer container and wash it in warm soapy water with a soft cloth or sponge before using it for the first time to ensure all oils are removed, then rinse thoroughly.

Make sure there is adequate space in the pot for food and liquid.

How do you cook multiple foods in an Instant Pot?

 It is best to cook foods with similar cooking times in one pot.

What is the difference between a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot operates at higher temperatures than most traditional cookers. The higher temperatures cause the food to cook faster while retaining more vitamins and nutrients than other cooking methods.

Can you thaw frozen meat in Instant Pot?

Yes. You may thaw meat in the Instant Pot by placing it on a trivet and cooking for 5 minutes with an open steam vent at high pressure, followed by a 10-minute natural release.

I hope this post has convinced you to try cooking with an Instant Pot. If not, let me leave you with one last thought; it might be time for a change in your life. A new kitchen appliance can help make the process of making dinner easier and more enjoyable! Give yourself permission to take on something new that may surprise you with its benefits 🙂

Which of these Instant Pot recipes do you want to try first?

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The Instant Pot can be a lifesaver for those days you need to put dinner on the table but don't have time. From breakfast dishes to hearty dinners, here are 27 of my favorite delicious and easy instant pot recipes!
The Instant Pot can be a lifesaver for those days you need to put dinner on the table but don't have time. From breakfast dishes to hearty dinners, here are 27 of my favorite delicious and easy instant pot recipes!
The Instant Pot can be a lifesaver for those days you need to put dinner on the table but don't have time. From breakfast dishes to hearty dinners, here are 27 of my favorite delicious and easy instant pot recipes!

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