18 Beginner-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes That Always Work
If you’re new to the Instant Pot, these meals are the perfect place to start. They’re simple, reliable, and full of flavor that makes weeknight cooking feel effortless.
Each one shows just how easy it is to get great results with this kitchen favorite. With a few ingredients and the push of a button, dinner practically makes itself.
Potato Leek Soup
This Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup is wonderfully delicious and simple to make with just a few ingredients. It’s naturally vegan and contains no cream, making it a lighter yet satisfying option. The flavors meld beautifully in the Instant Pot, creating a creamy texture without the dairy. It’s a perfect dish for anyone looking for a comforting meal that’s both healthy and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Potato Leek Soup.
Ground Beef Tacos
These ground beef tacos begin with a slowly simmered ground beef sauce, resulting in a real treat for your taste buds. They are simple to make and extremely delicious. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any regular taco Tuesday. They can be made on the stove, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Tacos.
Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs
These instant pot beef ribs are a total game-changer. They have a rich, deep flavor and are incredibly tender, falling right off the bone in much less time than traditional cooking methods require. This easy dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Short Ribs.
Boiled Potatoes
This super-easy Instant Pot boiled potatoes recipe lets you enjoy fork-tender potatoes much quicker than boiling them on the stove. They turn out perfectly tender and delicious every time.
Get the Recipe: Boiled Potatoes.
Chicken Breast from Fresh or Frozen
One of the quickest meals we’ve discovered is using the Instant Pot to cook frozen chicken breasts. It only takes about 15 minutes to cook, making it a real time-saver. This method is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a variety of dinners. Whether you’re looking to toss it into salads, stir it into soups, or serve it as the main dish, these chicken breasts are a practical and speedy option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Chicken Breasts.
Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos make a quick and easy dinner for the family, perfect for those long days. You can cook the chicken from fresh or frozen, making it a convenient option any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tacos.
Sloppy Joes
Instant pot sloppy Joes are a breeze to make and taste so much better than anything you’d get from a can! You can whip them up quickly in your Instant Pot or even on the stovetop if you prefer. This homemade version is not only easy, but it also brings a fresher, more satisfying flavor to your meal. These sloppy Joes will become a new favorite, perfect for a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joes.
Sausage and Peppers
Use your Instant Pot for this easy comfort food recipe that everyone in the family will adore! Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers is ideal for those cool nights when you’re craving something satisfying yet delicious. We use Italian sausage to pack it with extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Peppers.
Lamb Stew
Instant Pot lamb stew showcases tender, fall-apart lamb braised perfectly in a rich, Guinness-spiked beef broth with veggies. This warm, flavorful dish is ideal for St. Patrick’s Day or any family dinner during the week.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Stew.
Meatballs
Short on time but have a craving for meatballs and sauce? Try this Instant Pot meatball recipe using ground beef. It only requires 12 minutes under pressure to create the tenderest meatballs simmered in a savory red sauce. They’re perfect stuffed into a meatball sub or served over pasta for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs.
Instant Pot Tortellini Soup
This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty meal packed with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and nutritious vegetables, making it a perfect one-pot dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes, this budget-friendly recipe is ideal for feeding the whole family without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of rich flavors and satisfying ingredients makes it an easy go-to option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortellini Soup.
Instant Pot Coconut Chicken Curry
This creamy chicken curry is whipped up in the Instant Pot, making it a fast and convenient option for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekends. Feel free to use any curry powder available to you, adjusting the spice level to your preference. It’s a great fit for various dietary needs, including paleo, keto, gluten-free, and low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry.
Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl
This Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl is one of the easiest meals you can put together. It’s a great option for meal prep for the week and makes an easy lunch or dinner. I am so excited to share this Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl. You can make everything just for this meal, or it’s a great way to use up leftover shredded chicken or rice. It’s got the classic buffalo spice, and it’s paired with a cabbage slaw that is coated in a tangy, dill dressing that is very similar to ranch dressing.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl.
Chicken Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Spaghetti is undoubtedly a classic Southern comfort food, but it’s not just for winter. This dish is light enough and so easy to make that you can enjoy it any time of the year. Its simplicity and delightful taste make it a staple that fits perfectly into any season’s menu.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pasta.
Instant Pot Sausage, Green Beans & Potatoes
This Instant Pot Sausage, Green Beans, and Potatoes recipe is a one pot meal that is ready to serve in only 20 minutes! Smoked sausage, fresh green beans, quartered potatoes, and Cajun seasoning combine into a meal the entire family will enjoy! Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage, Green Beans & Potatoes.
Pork Chops
These Instant Pot boneless pork chops are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. They cook perfectly in a creamy mushroom broth, making them an irresistible weeknight dinner that everyone will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
This simple Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is a family favorite that everyone will adore. Plus, there’s no need to fret over making too much; this macaroni dish tastes just as fantastic as leftovers the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese.
Chicken Cacciatori
This Instant Pot chicken cacciatore recipe puts a new spin on a classic Italian dish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender, juicy chicken is braised in a rich, tasty gravy and served over pasta or rice. It’s hard to find a more satisfying meal than this!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cacciatori.
