We’ve all had those nights where figuring out what to make for dinner feels like a chore. After a long day, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen, right?
That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This handy gadget allows you to whip up delicious meals in no time, and I’ve got some amazing recipes to help you out.
With these Instant Pot recipes, you can whip up quick and delicious dinners that the whole family will enjoy.
Why I love the Instant Pot
- It Saves Time—The Instant Pot cooks meals in less time compared to traditional methods.
- It’s Incredibly Versatile—From soups and stews to pasta, rice, and even desserts, the Instant Pot can handle it all.
- One-Pot Cooking Means Less Cleanup—I’m all about anything that makes my life easier, and the Instant Pot does just that by allowing me to cook everything in one pot.
- Consistently Delicious Results—The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking magic locks in flavors and juices, so every meal is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
- It’s a Great Space Saver—With the Instant Pot, I don’t need a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, or yogurt maker taking up space in my kitchen.
31 Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights
Let’s dive into the Instant Pot recipes. Each one is designed to be quick, simple, and packed with flavor—perfect for those busy evenings!
Beef Instant Pot Recipes
1. Instant Pot Bolognese
My Instant Pot Bolognese is one of my favorite recipes and a total game-changer for busy nights. It’s rich and hearty and the perfect way to satisfy your pasta cravings without spending hours at the stove. Plus, your kitchen will smell like an Italian restaurant—who doesn’t love that?
2. Philly Cheesesteak Recipe
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak. Juicy, tender beef mixed with melty cheese and sautéed peppers, all packed into a crusty roll—this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
3. Asian Pot Roast
Elevate your dinner game with this Instant Pot Asian Pot Roast. It’s the perfect blend of savory and sweet, with tender beef that easily melts in your mouth. Pair it with some steamed rice, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
4. Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast
Imagine your favorite French onion soup but in pot roast form! This Instant Pot French Onion Pot Roast is a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for chilly nights. The best part? It’s all done in the Instant Pot, so you can kick back while it cooks.
5. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker French Dip Sandwich
If you’re a sandwich lover, this Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich is about to become your new favorite. The beef is so tender it almost falls apart, and when you dip it in that rich au jus—wow, just wow. Perfect for a casual dinner or game day treat!
6. Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
This Instant Pot Hamburger Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s packed with ground beef, veggies, and a flavorful broth that’ll have you feeling all cozy inside. Quick, easy, and totally satisfying—what more could you want?
7. Instant Pot 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Casserole
Busy nights call for recipes like this 5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas Casserole. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a cheesy, beefy, enchilada-inspired dish in no time. It’s the perfect dinner when you need something quick and delicious!
8. Instant Pot Beef Tips
These Instant Pot Beef Tips are the definition of comfort food. The beef is incredibly tender, and the savory gravy is just begging to be poured over mashed potatoes. It’s an easy, no-fuss dinner that’ll make everyone at the table happy.
Chicken & Pork Instant Pot Recipes
9. Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs and Rice recipe is a total winner for weeknight dinners. The chicken is juicy, the rice is perfectly cooked, and it all comes together in one pot—less cleanup, more time to relax.
10. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet and savory that’s sure to become a family favorite. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce that’s just the right balance of sticky and flavorful. Serve it over rice or with your favorite veggies for a quick and satisfying meal.
11. Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings. With tender chicken, fluffy dumplings, and a creamy, savory broth, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. The best part? The Instant Pot does it all, so you can enjoy this classic chicken and dumpling dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
12. Instant Pot Pork Chops
These Instant Pot Pork Chops are juicy, tender, and full of flavor. With just a few ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have perfectly cooked pork chops in no time. Serve them with some mashed potatoes or veggies, and you’ve got a delicious meal everyone will love.
13. Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Bring a taste of Mexico to your kitchen with these Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. The pork is seasoned to perfection and so tender it practically falls apart, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or just eating straight out of the pot. It’s a fiesta in your mouth, and it couldn’t be easier!
14. Instant Pot Ribs
These Instant Pot Ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and packed with smoky, savory flavor. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just craving some comfort food, these ribs are sure to impress. And the best part? They cook in a fraction of the time so that you can enjoy them without a long wait.
15. Instant Pot BBQ Honey Mustard Pork Chops
What I love about these Instant Pot BBQ Honey Mustard Pork Chops is that they are a perfect mix of tangy and smoky flavors. The pork chops come out incredibly tender, with a mouthwatering sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your favorite sides.
Pasta & Rice Instant Pot Recipes
16. Best Instant Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese
When you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, this Instant Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is your go-to. It’s rich, velvety, and so easy to make that you’ll never reach for the boxed stuff again. Plus, it’s ready in just minutes.
17. Instant Pot Stuffed Shells
These Instant Pot Stuffed Shells are a pasta lover’s dream come true. Stuffed with a deliciously cheesy filling and topped with your favorite marinara sauce, they’re a hearty and satisfying meal that feels fancy but is actually super simple to whip up.
18. Instant Pot Tuna Casserole
This Instant Pot Tuna Casserole is a nostalgic dish that’s been given a modern twist. Creamy, comforting, and filled with tender pasta and flaky tuna, it’s the perfect quick and easy dinner when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
19. Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
Say goodbye to the boxed stuff—this Instant Pot Hamburger Helper is homemade and so much better! It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty beef, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s ready in a flash, which is one of the reasons I love this recipe!
20. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Who says you need a ton of time to make a classic like Spaghetti and Meatballs? With the Instant Pot, you can have this Italian favorite on the table in no time. The meatballs are juicy, the sauce is flavorful, and everything cooks together for the ultimate one-pot meal!
21. Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
If you haven’t tried Crack Chicken Pasta yet, you’re in for a treat! This Instant Pot version is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory chicken—basically, it’s an instant hit at the dinner table.
Vegetable Instant Pot Recipes
22. Instant Pot Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side dish but now you can make it even easier using the Instant Pot. With the Instant Pot or slow cooker, you’ll get perfectly tender green beans in a creamy, savory sauce topped with crispy onions.
23. Vegan Instant Pot Burrito Bowls
If you are looking for something packed with flavor and veggies, these Vegan Instant Pot Burrito Bowls are for you! With a blend of rice, beans, and fresh toppings, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s both nutritious and delicious.
24. Brown Sugar Carrots Pressure Cooker Recipe
What I love about these Brown Sugar Carrots is that they are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and they cook up in no time in the Instant Pot. The carrots come out tender and glazed with a delicious brown sugar butter sauce that’ll have everyone asking for more.
25. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food side dish. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden top make this a dish everyone will love.
26. Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Making corn on the cob has never been easier, thanks to the Instant Pot. In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, juicy corn that’s great for a summer BBQ or a quick side dish. Just add some butter and salt, and you’re good to go!
27. Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes are fluffy on the inside and perfectly cooked every time. No need to heat the oven—just pop them in the Instant Pot, and in no time, you’ll have delicious baked potatoes ready for all your favorite toppings.
Instant Pot Desserts
28. Instant Pot Apple Crisp
Apple Crisp is like the best part of fall in a bowl, and the Instant Pot makes it so easy you can enjoy it anytime you crave a cozy dessert. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a little slice of heaven.
29. 2-Ingredient Instant Pot Cheesecake
Yes, you read that right—there are just two ingredients to make this dreamy Instant Pot Cheesecake! It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly simple.
30. Instant Pot Pumpkin Banana Chip Bundt Cake
What I love about this recipe is that it is the ultimate dessert mashup that you didn’t know you needed! The flavors of pumpkin, banana, and chocolate chips come together in a moist, delicious cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
31. Instant Pot Upside Down Pineapple Cake
You have to try this Instant Pot Upside Down Pineapple Cake! It is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. The sweet, caramelized pineapples and soft, moist cake make for a delicious treat that’s sure to impress.
Other Easy Recipes Using Slow Cookers
And if you like easy recipes using just your Instant Pot, you might be interested in my amazing slow cooker dump recipes!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re whipping up a cozy dinner, prepping meals for the week, or treating yourself to a sweet dessert, the Instant Pot really makes everything easier.
I hope these recipes inspire you to try something new and fall even more in love with your Instant Pot.
So, go ahead, have fun in the kitchen, and enjoy all the tasty meals you’re about to create with the Instant Pot!
