Between work, kids, and everything else, figuring out what to cook can feel like one more thing on an already long list.
That’s why Instant Pot dump meals are the way to go—they’re quick and simple and don’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
With just a few ingredients and little to no prep, you can let the Instant Pot take care of the rest.
And the best part? You still get a hot, homemade meal on the table without breaking a sweat.
I’ve put together this list of my favorite Instant Pot dump meals to make your evenings a whole lot easier!
Quick Prep Tips for Instant Pot Dump Meals
- Chopping Ingredients: You might need to chop vegetables, slice meat, or mince garlic before adding them to the Instant Pot
- Browning Meat: Some recipes suggest browning ground beef or searing chicken for added flavor before adding them to an Instant Pot.
- Mixing Sauces: You might need to stir together a sauce or seasoning mix in a separate bowl before pouring it over the other ingredients.
- Thawing Ingredients: If you’re using frozen items, like chicken or vegetables, you may need to thaw them slightly (although some recipes tell you to toss them in frozen).
- Layering Ingredients: Some recipes might ask for specific layering, like placing meat at the bottom of a slow cooker and veggies or sauces on top.
No-Prep Dump Recipes
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated, and these no-prep Instant Pot dump meals prove it! Each meal here is as simple as it gets—just dump in the ingredients, press start, and let your Instant Pot handle the rest.
1. Beef and Broccoli with Rice
You know those takeout cravings that hit when you’re too tired to cook? This Beef and Broccoli with Rice solves that problem. I love that everything, including the rice, cooks at the same time—just dump it all in, and boom, dinner’s ready! The beef comes out tender, and the sauce is better than takeout. It’s a weeknight win!
2. Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Cheesy, creamy, and loaded with savory ham—this dish is the ultimate comfort food. I love that I can skip the oven and let the Instant Pot do the work. Just toss everything in, and in no time, you’ve got a warm, hearty meal. It’s perfect for using up leftover ham, and my kids are always excited when they see this on the table.
3. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
When I want all the flavors of enchiladas but none of the work, this soup is my go-to. It’s creamy, a little spicy, and packed with chicken. Just dump everything in, and by the time homework’s done, dinner’s ready. Add some tortilla chips and shredded cheese on top, and you’ve got a family favorite.
4. Sweet and Sour Meatballs
I’m all about recipes that make dinner feel fun, and these sweet and sour meatballs do just that. The sauce is tangy and delicious, and you can use frozen meatballs to make it even easier. Serve it over rice, and dinner’s ready with minimal effort.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders
This one’s a family favorite in my house! I love how the Instant Pot makes pulled pork in a fraction of the time. Just dump in the pork and BBQ sauce and let it cook. Pile it onto slider buns with some coleslaw, and it’s like a backyard BBQ without all the work.
6. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers used to seem like a special occasion meal, but not anymore! The Instant Pot makes these peppers tender and flavorful with almost no effort. I just mix up the filling, stuff the peppers, and let the pressure cooker do its thing.
7. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy broth—all made without standing over the stove. I love how this recipe lets me dump everything in and still get that made-from-scratch taste. Perfect for chilly nights when you need something warm and hearty.
8. Korean Style Short Ribs
These short ribs feel fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. Just dump the ribs and sauce ingredients in the Instant Pot, and you’ll end up with fall-off-the-bone tender meat. The sweet and savory flavors are a hit in my house, and it’s perfect served over rice or noodles.
9. Instant Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese with a sneaky veggie twist? Yes, please! This recipe gives you creamy, cheesy goodness with some added broccoli for balance. It’s a one-pot wonder that keeps my kids happy and gives me a break from the usual dinner chaos. Bonus: no draining the pasta!
10. Sesame Chicken
Skip the takeout and make this sesame chicken instead! The sauce is sweet, sticky, and tastes just like your favorite restaurant’s version. I love how everything cooks in the Instant Pot while I handle other evening chaos. Serve it over rice, and dinner’s done with minimal effort.
11. Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
If you’re craving something creamy and comforting, this Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is a total winner. It’s rich, cheesy, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients. The best part? The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, so you can skip the boiling and stirring and just enjoy a cozy, no-fuss dinner.
12. Instant Pot Rice and Beans
This recipe is perfect when you need a budget-friendly, protein-packed meal that takes little effort. Just dump in the rice, beans, and spices, and let the Instant Pot do the rest. You’ll get a hearty, filling dish that works great as a main meal or a side.
13. Instant Pot 3 Packet Roast
Three packets of seasoning and one roast—that’s all you need! This dump-and-go recipe gives you tender, flavorful beef roast with almost no effort. It’s perfect for those days when you just can’t think about dinner but still want something tasty on the table.
14. Coconut Chicken Curry (Instant Pot)
Coconut chicken curry couldn’t be easier to make. It is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Just dump in the chicken, coconut milk, and spices, and let the Instant Pot do the rest. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like a kitchen pro, even when you’re short on time.
15. Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
For a juicy, flavorful dinner, this pork tenderloin is a must-try. The Instant Pot keeps the meat moist while infusing it with garlic and herbs. It’s a simple way to get a fancy-feeling meal on the table without a lot of effort.
16. Instant Pot Low Country Boil
Want to bring the flavors of a seafood boil to your table without the hassle? This Instant Pot Low Country Boil makes it super easy. Just dump in the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, and corn, and let the Instant Pot take care of the rest. In no time, you’ll have a hearty, flavor-packed meal that feels like a fun family feast.
17. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. This dump-and-go version makes it so easy! Just add your chicken, noodles, and broth to the Instant Pot and let it work its magic.
18. Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Creamy tomato soup with cheese-stuffed tortellini is so good! Just dump everything into the Instant Pot, and you’ll have a rich, velvety soup in no time. It’s a crowd-pleaser in my house, especially when paired with some warm, crusty bread.
19. Instant Pot Carnitas
Craving tacos without the takeout bill? These Instant Pot carnitas are so simple and taste amazing! Just dump in the pork and seasonings, and let the Instant Pot give you juicy, flavorful meat that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or nachos. I love crisping the pork under the broiler for a few minutes to get those irresistible crunchy edges.
20. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
This BBQ chicken is a go-to for busy nights. Just throw in the chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce, and let the Instant Pot handle the rest. In no time, you have tender, saucy chicken perfect for sandwiches, salads, or wraps. It’s so simple, and the whole family loves it!
21. Instant Pot Chili
Chili nights are the best, and the Instant Pot makes it so much easier. This beef recipe doesn’t even need to be sautéed first—just dump in the ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, and let it cook to perfection. The result is a hearty, flavorful chili that tastes like it simmered all day. Add some shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, and you’ve got a cozy, no-fuss dinner.
22. Chicken Taco Soup
When you need a quick, flavorful meal that everyone will love, chicken taco soup is a winner. Throw in the chicken, beans, corn, and taco seasoning, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. The result is a zesty, hearty soup that’s perfect with tortilla chips, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese.
23. Instant Pot Frozen Vegetables
Need a quick veggie side dish? The Instant Pot is perfect to use to cook frozen vegetables in minutes. Just toss in your favorite frozen mix, add a splash of water, and let it steam. I love how the veggies come out tender and perfectly cooked every time. Add a little butter, salt, and pepper, and you’re good to go!
24. Instant Pot Salmon
Salmon in the Instant Pot? Yes, it’s possible—and it’s amazing! Just place the salmon fillets in with some lemon, dill, and a bit of water, and you’ll have moist, flavorful fish in minutes. It’s a great option for a healthy, quick dinner that feels fancy but requires almost no effort.
25. Chicken Pot Pie
Nothing says comfort food like chicken pot pie, and the Instant Pot makes it easy! Dump in the chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce ingredients, and let the pressure cooker do its thing. Serve it with biscuits or puff pastry on top, and you’ve got all the cozy, classic flavors without the usual hassle.
Some Prep Needed Dump Recipes
Some dump recipes require a little prep, but it’s nothing that will take a lot of time. A quick chop, stir, or sprinkle is all it takes to bring even more flavor to these meals. They’re still super easy, and you’ll get dishes that taste like you spent way more time in the kitchen!
26. Asian Pot Roast
A little prep goes a long way with this Asian Pot Roast! Quickly sear the beef for extra flavor, then toss it into the Instant Pot with a savory sauce. The result is tender, juicy meat with rich, bold flavors. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got an easy, satisfying dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
27. Easy Instant Pot Bolognese
This Bolognese is worth the quick prep of browning the meat and veggies first. After that, just let the Instant Pot do its magic, and you’ll end up with a rich, meaty sauce perfect for pasta night. It’s hearty and flavorful and makes your kitchen smell amazing. My family loves this one, especially with a sprinkle of parmesan on top!
28. Cheeseburger Macaroni
Who doesn’t love a one-pot dinner that tastes like comfort food heaven? Brown the ground beef, then add in the pasta, seasonings, and cheese. The Instant Pot takes care of the rest, giving you a creamy, cheesy dish that’s way better than boxed versions. It’s like homemade Hamburger Helper—and the kids will love it!
29. Cabbage Roll Casserole
If you love the flavor of cabbage rolls but not the tedious work, this casserole is for you. Quickly brown the meat and onions, then put in the cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce. The Instant Pot blends everything into a hearty, comforting meal. It’s all the goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work.
30. Instant Pot Pepperoni Pizza Tortellini
Love pizza and pasta? This recipe is the best of both worlds! Packed with cheesy tortellini, pepperoni, and a flavorful sauce, it’s a hit for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the hassle. Even with a bit of prep, moms will love how quickly this dish comes together.
31. Burrito Bowls
These burrito bowls are a one-pot wonder! Load them up with rice, beans, and your favorite toppings for a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy as dumping everything in and pressing start. A little prep makes this a go-to for moms who need a fast, flavorful dinner for the family.
32. Beef Stew
There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of beef stew to make everything feel a little cozier. This Instant Pot version is packed with tender beef and veggies, and it comes together so much faster than the stovetop method. With just a bit of chopping, you’ll have a comforting dinner that’s perfect for those crazy, busy nights.
33. Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
This beef stroganoff is creamy, cozy, and just what you need on a busy night. Toss everything in the Instant Pot, and you’ve got tender beef and noodles covered in a rich, savory sauce. It’s comfort food made easy, with just a little prep to pull it all together.
34. Mississippi Pot Roast
Mississippi Pot Roast is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen pro without actually trying. A quick mix of pantry staples like ranch seasoning and pepperoncini brings it all together, and the Instant Pot takes care of the hard part. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is still easy enough for a weeknight.
35. Instant Pot Lazy Lasagna
Who says lasagna has to be complicated? This lazy version skips the layering and gets straight to the good stuff—cheesy, saucy pasta goodness—all in one pot. The Instant Pot makes it quick, and with just a little prep, you’ve got a family favorite ready to go in no time.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Looking for even more quick and easy dinner ideas? Check out these canned chicken dinner recipes for meals that come together in no time or these back-to-school dinner ideas that are perfect for busy weeknights.
They’re all about keeping dinnertime simple, stress-free, and delicious!
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot dump meals are such a relief on those days when you’ve got a million things going on, and you’re not sure what to cook for dinner.
They’re quick to throw together, take minimal prep, and taste amazing—perfect for busy moms who want to serve up something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
If you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy, cheesy and comforting, or just an easy family favorite, these Instant Pot dump meals deliver.
Plus, with everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—because who wants a pile of dishes at the end of the day?
So, dust off your Instant Pot, pick one of the Instant Pot dump meals that looks good, and give it a try!
