5 Easy Crockpot Pressure Cooker Recipes for Busy Cooks

Ever found yourself strapped for time but craving a home-cooked meal? If you're nodding yes, then you're going to love these 5 Easy Crockpot Pressure Cooker Recipes for busy cooks. Perfect for those hectic weekdays or when you're simply looking to make life a bit easier, these recipes turn the art of cooking into a breeze. With a pressure cooker, you can create delicious, nutritious meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Here's how to make the most out of your cooking experience with minimal effort.

Crockpot Pressure Cooker Basics

The beauty of a pressure cooker lies in its ability to transform basic ingredients into something special, quickly. Before diving into our recipes, here’s a quick overview:

• Versatility: From stew to risotto, and even desserts, a pressure cooker does it all.
• Time-Saving: Cook times are reduced significantly, often by 50% to 75% compared to traditional cooking methods.
• Flavor Enhancement: The sealed environment retains moisture and flavors, intensifying the taste of your dishes.

🔎 Note: Always ensure your pressure cooker has enough liquid to create the necessary steam for cooking.

Recipe 1: Beef and Vegetable Stew

Start with this comfort food classic:

• 1.5 lbs stewing beef, cut into chunks
• 3 cups beef broth
• 4 medium potatoes, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Season beef with salt and pepper, then brown in the cooker (if your cooker allows sautéing).
2. Add all ingredients into the pot, including the tomato paste and garlic powder.
3. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Use the quick release method to release the pressure. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

🔎 Note: Ensure you don’t overfill the pot to avoid a messy spillover.

Recipe 2: Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Here’s a delightful chicken dish that’s easy and packs a punch of flavor:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and dried thyme

Steps:

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
2. Heat olive oil in the cooker on sauté mode if available, or in a separate pan, brown the chicken.
3. Add lemon slices, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Place chicken thighs on top.
4. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release, then broil for 5 minutes for a crispy skin.

Recipe 3: BBQ Pulled Pork

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for sandwiches or tacos:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into large pieces
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp chili powder

Steps:

1. Mix BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chili powder in the cooker.
2. Add pork pieces, coating well with the mixture.
3. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
4. Natural release for 15 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure. Shred pork with forks and serve.

Recipe 4: One-Pot Pasta with Tomato and Basil

A quick, easy, and satisfying pasta dish:

• 1 lb pasta
• 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Steps:

1. Add all ingredients except basil and Parmesan into the pot, stir well.
2. Lock the lid, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Quick release, stir in basil, adjust seasoning, and serve with Parmesan cheese.

🔎 Note: Remember to check pasta doneness as it can cook quickly in a pressure cooker.

Recipe 5: Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake

Finish off with a dessert that’s sure to impress:

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• ¹⁄₂ cup butter, cut into pieces
• ³⁄₄ cup sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup flour
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Steps:

1. Melt chocolate chips and butter in the cooker on sauté mode or microwave until melted.
2. Stir in sugar, then flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour batter into individual heat-safe ramekins or a large heat-safe bowl.
4. Cover each ramekin with foil. Add 1 cup water into the cooker, place a trivet, and then the ramekins on top.
5. Lock the lid, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release, then carefully remove ramekins. Serve warm.

In conclusion, these 5 Easy Crockpot Pressure Cooker Recipes for busy cooks are perfect for simplifying your kitchen experience without compromising on taste or nutrition. They show how a pressure cooker can make meals in minutes, turning even the most hectic schedules into opportunities for enjoying great food. From stews and BBQ pork to a sophisticated dessert like chocolate lava cake, these recipes bring comfort and flair to the table, making dinner time a breeze.

Can I cook frozen meat in a pressure cooker?

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Yes, you can cook frozen meat, but cooking time will be longer. For safety, ensure the meat is submerged in liquid, and adjust the pressure cooking time accordingly.

How do I prevent overcooking when using a pressure cooker?

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Follow the recommended cooking times, and use the quick release method to stop cooking as soon as possible. Also, don’t overfill the pot, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

What’s the difference between natural release and quick release?

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Natural release allows the pressure to decrease on its own, useful for larger pieces of meat or tougher ingredients. Quick release manually lets out steam, which is better for delicate items like vegetables or pasta.