Tired of the dinner struggle? You know, the one—when the kids turn their noses up at everything you make, and you’re left wondering if cereal counts as a balanced meal.
It’s time to ditch the drama and bring some fun back to dinnertime! With the Instant Pot, you can whip up kid-approved meals that are fast, easy, and downright delicious.
Think cheesy pasta, flavorful chicken dishes, and even soups. They’ll slurp up without a fight.
The best part? These recipes are so simple you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.
These kid friendly Instant Pot dinner recipes mean less time cooking, fewer dishes to clean, and a table full of happy eaters!
Key Takeaways
- Fast and Convenient: Using Instant Pot recipes saves time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Picky Eater Approved: These meals are designed with kid-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- One-Pot Cleanup: Minimal dishes mean less time spent cleaning up after dinner.
- Versatile Options: From cheesy pasta to tender chicken and hearty soups, there’s something for every taste.
- Healthy and Balanced: Many recipes include wholesome ingredients, helping you serve nutritious meals with ease.
30 Kid Friendly Instant Pot Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight
1. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This butter chicken is rich, creamy, and so full of flavor that it tastes like takeout—but better! My family loves dipping naan bread into the sauce, and I love that it’s so easy to make in the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal effort.
2. Cheeseburger Macaroni

If you love comfort food, this Instant Pot cheeseburger macaroni is a must-try. It’s like homemade Hamburger Helper but so much better—and healthier! My kids can’t get enough of the cheesy goodness, and I love how quick it is to throw together.
3. Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo

Creamy Alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli come together in this simple dinner. I like to serve it with a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce—it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Plus, it sneaks in some veggies without complaints.
4. Instant Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Say goodbye to the mess of traditional sloppy joes and hello to this easy, one-pot sloppy joe casserole! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal. My kids love the fun twist on a classic, and I love that it keeps cleanup simple.
5. Instant Pot Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes

What I love about this recipe is that you can skip the peeling and toss Yukon Gold potatoes into the bottom of your Instant Pot! Then, add a steamer rack on top for your meatloaf, and let everything cook together. You’ll end up with soft, buttery potatoes and a juicy meatloaf, all in one go.
6. Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Love chicken pot pie but not the hassle of making it? This soup has all the cozy, comforting flavors of chicken pot pie in an easy Instant Pot recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, veggies, and creamy goodness that warms you up from the inside out.
7. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs made in one pot? Yes, please! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights—no boiling water or extra pans required. My kids love twirling their spaghetti, and I love how easy cleanup is afterward.
8. Instant Pot Pizza Pasta

Pizza night just got a fun and different twist with this Instant Pot pizza pasta! It’s loaded with pepperoni, cheese, and all your favorite pizza flavors. My family loves adding their own toppings to their bowls, and it’s ready in a flash.
9. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Sliders

These BBQ chicken sliders are the perfect blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy. I love whipping them up for game nights or hectic evenings—they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist them!
10. Instant Pot Chili

You know those nights when you’re craving something hearty but don’t have hours to cook? Instant Pot chili is the answer—it’s quick, easy, and still tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up and hits the spot every time.
11. Instant Pot Italian Meatball Subs

Italian meatball subs are always a favorite around here! Tender, saucy meatballs loaded onto soft rolls with gooey melted cheese—it’s comfort food at its best. You’ll love how simple they are to whip up, even on a busy day.
12. Instant Pot Pizza Soup

If you love pizza but want something a little different, this low-carb pizza soup is perfect. It’s packed with all your favorite pizza flavors—pepperoni, sausage, cheese—in a warm and comforting bowl. I like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping!
13. Instant Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco night meets mac and cheese in this fun and flavorful dish! It’s creamy and cheesy and has just the right amount of Taco seasoning for a delicious twist. My kids can’t get enough of this one—it’s a go-to when we want comfort food with a kick.
14. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos don’t get easier than this! The chicken turns out so juicy and full of flavor, and you can throw it together in no time. They’re perfect for busy nights, and any leftovers make a great lunch.
15. Instant Pot Pulled Pork Nachos

Loaded nachos just got an upgrade with this pulled pork recipe. The Instant Pot makes the pork tender and flavorful, and when you pile it on chips with cheese and all the toppings? Total crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for family movie nights or casual dinners.
16. Instant Pot Taco Rice

Taco rice is the easiest way to turn simple ingredients like ground beef, taco seasoning, and rice into a flavorful meal. Serve it on its own or as a filling for burritos or stuffed peppers. It’s a family favorite that adds a fun spin to taco night!
17. Instant Pot Frozen Ravioli

Who knew you could cook frozen ravioli in the Instant Pot? It’s a lifesaver on those hectic days when you need dinner fast. Add your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a cheesy, comforting meal with almost no effort!
18. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

You can’t go wrong with sweet, smoky BBQ chicken that’s super easy to make. Throw it in the Instant Pot, and you’ve got dinner ready in no time. It’s the kind of meal that feels like you spent hours on it, but it’s ready in no time.
19. Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This chicken parmesan pasta combines tender chicken, a rich marinara sauce, and cheesy pasta in one dish. It’s everything you love about chicken parm without the hassle of frying.
20. Instant Pot Gumbo

You can’t beat a good gumbo loaded with shrimp, sausage, and fresh veggies. All those bold Cajun flavors come together so easily in the Instant Pot, and it still tastes like you spent all day on it. It’s cozy, hearty, and perfect for any night of the week.
21. Instant Pot Hamburgers

Yes, you can make juicy, flavorful hamburgers right in your Instant Pot! They’re perfect for busy nights when grilling isn’t an option, but you still want that classic burger taste. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a meal that’s a hit with both kids and adults.
22. Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas are so easy and full of flavor that you’ll feel like a kitchen superstar. The Instant Pot makes the chicken tender and perfectly seasoned, ready to be wrapped in tortillas and topped with melty cheese. I love serving them with a side of guacamole or sour cream for a little extra indulgence.
23. Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Pineapple Meatballs

Sweet and tangy pineapple sauce takes these meatballs to the next level. They’re perfect over rice for dinner or served up as a fun party appetizer. My family can’t get enough of them—they’re always a hit!
24. Instant Pot Ground Beef Burrito Bowls

Burrito bowls loaded with seasoned ground beef, rice, and beans are always a hit. Set out some toppings, and everyone can customize their own—so easy and fun! It’s a quick go-to dinner for Taco Tuesday or any night when time’s tight.
25. Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta

Creamy pasta, juicy chicken, and crispy bacon—what’s not to love? It’s one of those dishes that disappears fast because everyone’s coming back for more. Plus, it’s super simple to throw together, making it a weeknight favorite!
26. Instant Pot Goulash

There’s nothing like a warm, hearty bowl of goulash to bring a little comfort to the table. With ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato sauce, it’s a simple meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
27. Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

Nothing says comfort food like chicken and dumplings, and this recipe makes it quick and simple. The chicken is tender, the dumplings are fluffy, and the broth is rich and creamy. It’s a warm, satisfying dinner that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
28. Instant Pot Spanish Sausage and Rice

Smoky sausage and seasoned rice make the perfect combo in this hearty, flavorful dish. It’s super easy to throw together and uses stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
29. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a family favorite, and the Instant Pot makes them so quick and easy. The peppers come out perfectly tender, and the filling is packed with seasoned beef, rice, and sauce.
30. Pulled Pork Macaroni and Cheese

Take mac and cheese to the next level with tender, smoky pulled pork piled on top. It’s rich, cheesy, and downright good. Around here, it’s a dinner that disappears fast—and no one complains about having it again the next day!
More Easy Kid-Approved Recipes
Check out our collection of Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes for hearty, flavorful meals that are budget-friendly and perfect for busy nights.
Or, if you’re trying to stretch your grocery budget, take a peek at my Cheap Instant Pot Recipes filled with delicious, affordable options that don’t skimp on taste.
Final Thoughts
Kid friendly Instant Pot dinner recipes make feeding the family so much easier. Whether it’s a cheesy pasta or a hearty casserole, these recipes are quick, simple, and kid-approved.
You’ll spend less time cooking and cleaning up, which means more time to actually relax and spend time with the family.
They’re perfect for busy nights when you just need dinner to come together without any fuss.
If you’re searching for kid friendly Instant Pot dinner recipes, you’re going to love these ideas. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!