Daily Recipe Ideas

Easy Instant Pot Recipes That Make Weeknight Cooking a Breeze

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
instant pot recipes easy

If you've been looking for a way to get delicious, home-cooked meals on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, the Instant Pot might just be your new best friend. This versatile appliance handles everything from soups and stews to pasta and chicken, all in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in the oven. Whether you're brand new to pressure cooking or just looking to expand your recipe rotation, these easy Instant Pot recipes are great place to start. They're simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something good without lot of fuss.

50 Easy Instant Pot Recipes Perfect for Beginners

A collection of easy beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipes displayed in various bowls and dishes

Getting started with your Instant Pot doesn't have to feel overwhelming. This collection of beginner-friendly recipes covers a wide range of meals from hearty soups and tender pulled meats to creamy risottos and fluffy rice. Each recipe is designed to build your confidence with the appliance while delivering results that taste like you spent way more time than you actually did. Once you try few of these, cooking with your Instant Pot will start to feel completely natural.

  1. Season the chicken thighs on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert and add the diced tomatoes, stirring to combine.
  3. Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot, nestling them into the liquid.
  4. Secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
  5. Select Pressure Cook or Manual setting and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
  6. Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
  7. Remove the lid shred the chicken using two forks if desired, and stir everything together.
  8. Serve over rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley.

15 Quick and Easy Instant Pot Recipes to Skip the Heat

Quick and easy Instant Pot recipe ideas shown in a colorful recipe roundup graphic

When temperature outside is rising, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven and heat up your entire kitchen. That's where these quick Instant Pot recipes come in handy. Because pressure cooking traps heat inside the sealed pot, it generates far less ambient heat than a conventional oven or pot simmering away on the stovetop. These 15 recipes get dinner done fast while keeping your home comfortable and most of them come together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

  1. Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté function and add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
    2. Drain any excess fat from the pot then add the beef broth, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  2. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to prevent burn noticeCancel the Sauté function, secure the lid, and set the valve to the sealing position.
  3. Select the Pressure Cook or Manual setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  4. When the timer goes off, perform a quick pressure release by carefully switching the valve to venting.
  5. Stir the chili, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve hot with shredded cheese, sour cream, and your favorite toppings.

    7. The Instant Pot truly takes the stress out of meal prep. With just a little practice, you'll find yourself reaching for it several times a week. Start with one or two of these recipes to get comfortable with the settings and timing, and before long'll be experimenting with your own creations. Good food doesn't have to be complicated, and with right tools in your corner, it't have to take either.