10 Quick Pressure Cooker Recipes for Easy Meals

Pressure cookers have revolutionized home cooking, turning hours-long recipes into dishes ready in mere minutes. These efficient kitchen tools are perfect for anyone looking to reduce cooking time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Whether you're an experienced chef or a cooking novice, these 10 quick pressure cooker recipes will provide you with an assortment of easy, tasty meals that cater to various tastes and diets.

Beef and Vegetable Stew

The classic Beef and Vegetable Stew is transformed into a quick meal with a pressure cooker. Here’s how:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups beef stock
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup of frozen peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Brown the beef in the cooker pot with some oil, then remove and set aside.
2. Saute the onion and garlic in the pot.
3. Add beef back in with all other ingredients, then seal the pressure cooker.
4. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, then use natural release.

⏰ Note: Make sure to release the pressure naturally for the best texture of the meat.

Chicken and Rice Soup

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm bowl of Chicken and Rice Soup. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 quart of chicken broth
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place all ingredients except rice into the cooker, close, and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
2. Quick-release pressure, then stir in the rice.
3. Replace lid and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to let the rice cook in the remaining heat.

🔥 Note: For a creamier texture, mix in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream once the soup has slightly cooled.

Vegan Lentil Soup

For a hearty vegan option, try this Vegan Lentil Soup:

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper

1. Combine all ingredients in the pressure cooker.
2. Set for 15 minutes on high pressure, then natural release.

Instant Pot Potato Curry

Instant Pot Potato Curry is a vegan-friendly, flavorful option:

• 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained
• Salt to taste

1. Saute onion, garlic, and ginger in the cooker.
2. Add remaining ingredients, close the lid, and set to high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure.

🌶️ Note: Adjust the heat level with more or less curry powder.

Whole Chicken

Preparing a Whole Chicken in a pressure cooker is not only quick but also retains moisture:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cleaned
• 2 cups chicken stock or water
• 2 onions, halved
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste

1. Rub the chicken with oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs.
2. Add chicken stock or water to the pot, place chicken inside, and set for 25 minutes on high pressure.
3. Use natural pressure release, then broil for 10 minutes for crispy skin.

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea Curry is another quick and delicious option:

• 2 cans (14 oz each) chickpeas, drained
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Saute onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil.
2. Add spices and cook for 1 minute.
3. Mix in tomatoes, chickpeas, coconut milk, and stock, then set for 10 minutes on high pressure.

Baby Back Ribs

Baby Back Ribs can be made fall-off-the-bone tender in the pressure cooker:

• 2 lbs baby back ribs, cut into segments
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar or water
• 1 tbsp mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Season ribs with salt and pepper.
2. Place ribs in the pot with liquid, mustard, and barbecue sauce.
3. Set for 25 minutes on high pressure, then natural release.

🍖 Note: For an extra touch, you can finish the ribs under a broiler for caramelization.

Beef Stroganoff

A quick and easy version of the classic Beef Stroganoff:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Noodles or rice for serving

1. Brown the beef, then set aside.
2. Saute onion and mushrooms, then add garlic.
3. Add beef back in with broth, close lid, and set for 15 minutes on high pressure.
4. Mix in mustard and sour cream once cooked.

Southwestern Quinoa Bowl

For a nutritious and easy meal, try this Southwestern Quinoa Bowl:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 chopped red bell pepper
• ¹⁄₂ cup salsa
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

1. Add all ingredients to the pressure cooker.
2. Set for 1 minute on high pressure, then quick release.

🌿 Note: Serve this bowl with a side of avocado or guacamole for an extra flavor boost.

Pork Carnitas Tacos

These Pork Carnitas Tacos are the ultimate in easy meal prep:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas and taco toppings of your choice

1. Season pork with salt, pepper, oregano, and cumin.
2. Add all ingredients to the cooker, set for 30 minutes on high pressure, then natural release.
3. Shred the pork, and serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

With these 10 quick pressure cooker recipes, you now have an array of delicious, easy-to-make meals at your fingertips. From hearty stews to tender, flavorful pork for tacos, the pressure cooker not only reduces cooking time but also infuses the dishes with rich flavors. It's an essential tool for both busy weeknight dinners and impressive weekend feasts. Remember to explore the versatility of your cooker by adjusting spices and ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Can I use frozen meat in a pressure cooker?

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Yes, you can use frozen meat in a pressure cooker, but you will need to add extra cooking time to ensure the meat is cooked through. Always follow safety guidelines for your specific cooker.

Is there any food I should avoid cooking in a pressure cooker?

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Avoid cooking items like bread, pastry, and cakes in a pressure cooker, as they don’t benefit from the high pressure environment. Also, be cautious with pasta, which can become too mushy, and rice, which requires the correct ratio of liquid to avoid burning.

What’s the best way to release pressure after cooking?

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This depends on your recipe. Natural release is best for foods like stews or whole chickens to let flavors meld. Quick release is used for delicate foods to stop cooking immediately.

How do I adjust the recipe for altitude?

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At higher altitudes, the boiling point of water decreases, so you might need to increase the cooking time by about 5% for every 3000 feet above sea level.

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