13 Easiest and Most Delicious Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Instant Pot recipes always feel like a smart shortcut, especially on days when time is tight but you still want real food on the table. I love how everything cooks fast while still turning out rich and comforting, and even when I toss ingredients in without much planning, it usually works out. These meals give me the same dependable feeling I get from ground beef casserole or chicken thigh crockpot dinners, where ease and flavor go hand in hand.

I like building Instant Pot meals with a mix of hearty mains and simple sides, such as rice or mashed sweet potatoes to soak up sauces. Pulling from earlier ideas, they also pair really well with roasted sweet potatoes or baby potatoes for extra comfort. For new ideas, I enjoy serving Instant Pot dishes with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli with lemon, or warm naan bread, because those sides balance the richness and keep the meal feeling complete without extra effort.

13. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

This creamy tomato basil soup is an easy Instant Pot recipe that combines fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil with cream for a smooth and comforting flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner while being simple and quick to make, so anyone can enjoy it without stress. It’s a healthy choice for cozy days because it’s rich and satisfying, and you can pair it with bread or enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil with onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add tomatoes and vegetable broth and stir everything together.
  3. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  4. Quick release the pressure and blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

12. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

This chicken tikka masala is a flavorful, easy Instant Pot recipe where tender chicken cooks in a creamy tomato sauce with rich spices. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and quick to prepare because the Instant Pot does most of the work. Serve it with rice or naan for a restaurant-style meal at home, making it a family favorite because everyone enjoys the bold and comforting flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp tikka masala spice mix
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Marinate chicken with yogurt and tikka masala for 20 minutes.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat olive oil, and cook onion and garlic until soft.
  3. Add marinated chicken and cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
  4. Pour in tomato puree, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Quick release, stir in heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

11. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

This easy Instant Pot recipe for beef stroganoff features tender beef and mushrooms in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for dinner with family and friends because it’s rich in flavor while being simple to prepare, as the Instant Pot cooks the beef quickly. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for a comforting meal that everyone loves.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown beef in olive oil, then remove and set aside.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
  3. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms and stir well.
  4. Add beef broth and browned beef, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  5. Quick release, stir in sour cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve over noodles.

10. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

This pulled pork Instant Pot recipe makes juicy, tender pork that shreds easily. It’s perfect for sandwiches or tacos and simple to prepare because the Instant Pot cooks it fast while keeping it moist and flavorful. It’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings because everyone will love the smoky, savory taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Rub pork with spices, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot and add pork.
  3. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
  4. Quick release, shred pork with two forks, and stir in BBQ sauce.
  5. Serve hot on buns or tortillas.

9. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This easy Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is creamy and cheesy, perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s quick to make and loved by kids and adults alike, stress-free since the Instant Pot cooks the pasta perfectly without sticking. Customize it with different cheeses or toppings for a simple yet delicious comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk

Directions

  1. Add macaroni, water, butter, and salt to the Instant Pot.
  2. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  3. Quick release, stir in milk and shredded cheese until creamy.
  4. Serve hot immediately.

8. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This easy Instant Pot chicken and rice recipe is a one-pot meal that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice. It’s ideal for busy nights and simple to make because the Instant Pot cooks everything evenly while keeping it flavorful and moist. You can also add vegetables or spices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add chicken and cook until lightly browned.
  3. Stir in rice, chicken broth, and frozen vegetables.
  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  5. Quick release, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

7. Instant Pot Chili

This easy Instant Pot chili recipe is hearty and full of flavor, perfect for cozy nights. The Instant Pot cooks beans and meat together perfectly, so you don’t need to soak or simmer for hours. Adjust the spice level or add toppings like cheese and sour cream for a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can black beans, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add ground meat and cook until browned.
  3. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and spices.
  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  5. Quick release and serve hot with toppings.

6. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

This butter chicken Instant Pot recipe has tender chicken in a creamy, buttery tomato sauce. It’s perfect for dinner and simple to prepare because the Instant Pot does most of the work. Serve with rice or naan bread for a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 cup tomato puree
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp garam masala
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onion and garlic in butter until soft.
  2. Add chicken and brown for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato puree and spices.
  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Quick release, stir in heavy cream, season, and serve.

5. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This easy Instant Pot lentil soup recipe is healthy, filling, and comforting. The Instant Pot cooks lentils quickly and evenly while keeping the flavors rich. You can add vegetables or spices for extra taste, making it a nutritious meal for meal prep or a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onion and garlic until soft.
  2. Add carrots and celery and sauté for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in lentils, broth, and spices.
  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  5. Quick release, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

4. Instant Pot BBQ Ribs

This easy Instant Pot BBQ ribs recipe makes tender, flavorful ribs. It’s perfect for dinner or a weekend treat because the Instant Pot cooks them quickly while keeping them juicy and moist. You can finish them under the broiler with BBQ sauce for a perfect caramelized crust, and everyone will love the smoky, savory flavor, making it a favorite family meal that’s stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs pork ribs
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Rub ribs with spices, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour water into the Instant Pot and place ribs on a trivet.
  3. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  4. Quick release, brush with BBQ sauce.
  5. Broil for 5–10 minutes until caramelized and serve.

3. Instant Pot Risotto

This easy Instant Pot risotto recipe is creamy, rich, and satisfying. It’s perfect for dinner or a side dish while being simple to make because the Instant Pot eliminates constant stirring. You can add vegetables or mushrooms for extra flavor, making it a comforting dish that feels gourmet yet comes together effortlessly.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Arborio rice
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onion and garlic in butter until soft.
  2. Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Add broth and wine, seal lid, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
  4. Quick release, stir in Parmesan, season, and serve hot.

2. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

This easy Instant Pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a complete meal, perfect for dinner and quick to make. The Instant Pot cooks pasta and meatballs together in the sauce so everything is flavorful and tender. It’s family-friendly since kids and adults love spaghetti, making it a stress-free, satisfying dinner that tastes like homemade comfort food with less effort.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 oz spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Mix beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper, and form meatballs.
  2. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown meatballs for 2 minutes.
  3. Add spaghetti, water, and marinara sauce over the meatballs.
  4. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
  5. Quick release, stir gently, and serve hot.

1. Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake

This easy Instant Pot chocolate lava cake recipe is rich, decadent, and perfect for dessert. It’s surprisingly quick and simple to make because the Instant Pot cooks it perfectly without drying it out. The center stays molten and chocolatey, making it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or whenever you want a warm, indulgent treat that’s effortless yet impressive.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Melt butter and chocolate together and let cool slightly.
  2. Whisk eggs and sugar, then stir in the chocolate mixture and vanilla.
  3. Fold in flour gently until smooth.
  4. Pour batter into greased ramekins and cover with foil.
  5. Add 1 cup water to Instant Pot, place ramekins on a trivet, seal lid, and cook on high pressure for 9 minutes.
  6. Quick release, carefully remove ramekins, and serve warm.

Conclusion

These easy Instant Pot recipes make meal planning simple, quick, and delicious. You can enjoy comforting dishes without spending hours in the kitchen, covering everything from soups and main dishes to desserts. There’s something for everyone and every occasion. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for more amazing Instant Pot recipes, tips, and weekly inspiration to make cooking fun and stress-free.

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