7 Easy Insta Pot Recipes for Busy Cooks

Welcome to your one-stop guide for transforming your busy lifestyle into a culinary adventure with Insta Pot recipes that are not just quick but also simple enough for beginners to follow with ease. Whether you’re a working professional, a student, or just someone whose time is at a premium, these recipes are crafted to help you eat healthy, homemade meals without the lengthy preparation time. Let's dive into these 7 easy recipes that will make your life easier and your taste buds happier.

Why Choose an Insta Pot?

The Insta Pot, or Instant Pot as it’s commonly known, is a modern marvel of kitchen technology. Here’s why you should consider adding one to your kitchen:

• Time-saving: Instant Pot cuts down cooking time significantly due to its pressure cooking method.
• One-Pot Wonder: From sautéing to steaming, everything can be done in one pot, reducing cleanup time.
• Nutrient Retention: Cooking under pressure preserves the vitamins and minerals in your food.
• Energy Efficient: It uses less power than conventional cooking methods, saving you money on your energy bill.
• Versatile: Capable of making a wide array of dishes from soups and stews to rice, yogurt, and even cakes.

Recipe 1: Quick Chicken Soup

Nothing soothes the soul like a bowl of chicken soup, especially when you can whip it up in just 30 minutes. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather 1 lb. chicken breasts, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 cup carrots, 1 cup celery, 1 onion, garlic, and herbs.
2. Saute Onions: Turn your Insta Pot to sauté mode, add a bit of oil, and cook onions until translucent.
3. Add Ingredients: Toss in the rest of your ingredients.
4. Cook: Secure the lid, set to “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes.
5. Serve: Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then quickly release any remaining pressure, shred the chicken, and serve.

💡 Note: Adjust seasoning to taste. You can also add noodles or rice if you want a more filling soup.

Recipe 2: Insta Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew might sound labor-intensive, but with your Insta Pot, you’ll get tender, flavorful meat in under an hour:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Use 1.5 lbs stew beef, beef broth, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and various spices.
2. Set Insta Pot: On sauté mode, brown the beef in small batches.
3. Add Ingredients: Add all ingredients except potatoes, then pressure cook for 25 minutes.
4. Add Potatoes: Quick-release the pressure, add potatoes, and pressure cook again for 5 minutes.
5. Serve: Let it naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then serve.

⏳ Note: If you prefer your beef more tender, consider extending the first cooking time by 5 minutes.

Recipe 3: One-Pot Chili

This is the chili recipe that you’ll come back to again and again:

1. Prepare Ingredients: Ground beef, canned tomatoes, beans, onion, garlic, and your choice of chili spices.
2. Cook: Saute ground beef in Insta Pot until browned. Add remaining ingredients, set to “Pressure Cook” for 15 minutes.
3. Serve: Release pressure naturally, and let the flavors meld for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe 4: Quick Risotto

Creamy risotto without all the stirring? Yes, please:

1. Ingredients: Arborio rice, chicken broth, white wine, garlic, onion, Parmesan, and butter.
2. Set Up: Saute onions and garlic, then add rice and stir until coated.
3. Cook: Pour in broth and wine, pressure cook for 6 minutes.
4. Finish: Release pressure quickly, stir in cheese and butter, then serve.

🔥 Note: For a vegan option, use vegetable broth and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Recipe 5: Curry Lentil Stew

Warm, hearty, and incredibly simple to make:

1. Ingredients: Lentils, vegetable stock, curry spices, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and spinach.
2. Pressure Cook: Add all ingredients, set to “Pressure Cook” for 15 minutes.
3. Serve: Quick release pressure, stir in spinach, and serve.

Recipe 6: Barbecue Pulled Pork

Enjoy tender pulled pork in just over an hour:

1. Ingredients: Pork shoulder, barbecue sauce, garlic, apple cider vinegar, spices.
2. Set Up: Season pork, add to Insta Pot with garlic and vinegar.
3. Cook: Pressure cook for 60 minutes.
4. Finish: Shred pork, mix with barbecue sauce, serve on buns or as desired.

Recipe 7: Instant Pot Yogurt

With just two ingredients, you can make your own yogurt at home:

1. Ingredients: Milk, yogurt with live cultures.
2. Heat Milk: Use the “Yogurt” function to heat milk to 180°F, then let it cool to 110°F.
3. Incubate: Mix in yogurt with live cultures, set to “Yogurt” for 8-10 hours.
4. Set: After incubation, strain for thicker texture.

These easy Insta Pot recipes offer you a way to enjoy delicious, homemade meals with minimal effort. Each dish utilizes the convenience and efficiency of the Instant Pot, making it the perfect tool for anyone looking to enhance their cooking repertoire while saving time. Whether you're a fan of soups, stews, or sweets, there's something here for everyone. Experiment with these recipes, adjust to your taste, and turn your busy lifestyle into a flavorful journey.

Can I cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot?

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Yes, you can cook frozen meat in an Instant Pot. It will take longer to reach pressure, but it’s safe as long as you ensure the meat reaches the appropriate internal temperature.

How do I clean my Insta Pot?

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The inner pot, lid, and most parts of an Insta Pot are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with warm soapy water. Avoid using harsh abrasives on the sealing ring.

Can I make baked goods in an Insta Pot?

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Absolutely, you can bake in an Instant Pot using specific containers like a springform pan or a special Insta Pot baking insert. Try making cakes or cheesecakes.