5 Quick Frozen Pre-Cooked Instant Pot Recipes

Are you looking to save time in the kitchen but still want to serve up delicious, homemade meals? An Instant Pot might just be the kitchen appliance you need. Known for its speed and versatility, the Instant Pot can transform a myriad of ingredients into a meal in no time, especially when you start with pre-cooked or frozen foods. Here's a detailed look at five quick, frozen pre-cooked Instant Pot recipes that can streamline your cooking process.

The Appeal of Using Pre-Cooked Ingredients

Pre-cooked ingredients are a lifesaver for those with busy lifestyles:

• Reduce Cooking Time: Pre-cooked foods can be reheated or further cooked much faster than raw ingredients.
• Convenience: No need for extensive prep work; just thaw or directly use in your recipes.
• Versatility: They can be transformed into various dishes with different seasonings or sauces.
• Nutritional Value: Many pre-cooked meals are designed to preserve nutrients, which can be beneficial for health-conscious individuals.

Recipe 1: Instant Pot Sausage & Peppers

Ingredients:

• 1 package of frozen pre-cooked Italian sausage
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot.
2. Set to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes.
3. Do a quick release after cooking.
4. Serve on rolls or over rice.

⚡️ Note: Remember to pierce sausages before cooking to prevent bursting.

Recipe 2: Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen pre-cooked chicken tikka chunks
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 2 teaspoons turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In the Instant Pot, sauté onion and garlic in some oil.
2. Add spices, tomato sauce, and chicken.
3. Stir in cream.
4. Cook on “Manual” for 6 minutes.
5. Quick release and garnish with cilantro.

🍛 Note: Adjust the heat level with more or less garam masala as per your taste.

Recipe 3: Instant Pot Beef & Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen pre-cooked beef
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• ¹⁄₂ cup soy sauce
• ¹⁄₃ cup beef broth
• ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Combine soy sauce, broth, sugar, garlic, and oil in the Instant Pot.
2. Add beef and stir to coat.
3. Place broccoli on top.
4. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

🌿 Note: For a healthier option, reduce the sugar content or use a sugar substitute.

Recipe 4: Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork

Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen pre-cooked pulled pork
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• 2 teaspoons mustard

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
3. Use natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
4. Shred with forks and serve on buns.

🍖 Note: If using raw pork, adjust cooking time significantly longer.

Recipe 5: Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen pre-cooked lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika
• Fresh spinach for topping

Instructions:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté, cook onion until translucent.
2. Add remaining ingredients except spinach.
3. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Stir in spinach before serving.

🥬 Note: Lentil soup can be frozen in portion sizes for future meals.

Wrapping Up

These five quick Instant Pot recipes prove that with the right ingredients, like pre-cooked frozen foods, even the busiest individuals can still enjoy homemade, nutritious meals. By leveraging the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot, you can cut down on prep time, make use of pantry staples, and adapt recipes to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients. The key here is to let technology work for you, freeing up time for other activities or simply to unwind.

Can I use fresh ingredients in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute frozen pre-cooked ingredients with fresh ones. However, adjust the cooking times accordingly as fresh ingredients might require longer or different settings.

How do I store leftovers from these dishes?

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Leftovers should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarians?

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Absolutely, many of these recipes can be modified. For example, in the Beef & Broccoli, you can use tofu or a meat substitute, and for the Lentil Soup, ensure your broth is vegetarian or vegetable-based.

What are the benefits of using pre-cooked ingredients?

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Using pre-cooked ingredients saves time on preparation and cooking, reduces the need for marinating or long cooking times, and can help preserve nutritional value when the ingredients are pre-cooked and frozen properly.

Related Terms:

• Instant Pot from frozen recipes
• Instant Pot freezer meals PDF
• Frozen dump Instant Pot Recipes
• Frozen Instant Pot