5 Paleo Pressure Cooker Recipes for Busy Cooks

Hearty Breakfast Egg Casserole

Begin your day with a filling breakfast, even when time is tight. The pressure cooker is your ally in the kitchen, especially when you're following the Paleo diet. This breakfast casserole offers the perfect blend of eggs, sausage, and veggies, all done in just minutes.

• 8 large eggs
• 1 pound pork sausage
• 1 diced bell pepper
• 1 diced onion
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• salt and pepper to taste

Here's how you do it:

1. First, cook the sausage in the pressure cooker set to sauté, crumbling it as you cook. Drain the fat.
2. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and spinach. Cook until they're just tender.
3. Whisk together the eggs, almond milk, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour this over the sausage and veggies in the cooker.
4. Cover the pressure cooker, set to cook for 8 minutes at high pressure, and let the steam release naturally for about 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
5. Open the lid, let the steam escape, and serve your hearty casserole!

🌟 Note: You can personalize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different sausage varieties for variety.

Tender Beef Brisket with Gravy

Beef brisket, when cooked properly, offers an irresistible tenderness that can elevate any meal. Here's how to make it with ease:

• 3-4 lbs beef brisket
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Follow these steps:

1. Season the brisket with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Turn the pressure cooker to sauté, heat some ghee or olive oil, and sear the brisket on all sides for 2-3 minutes each.
3. Remove the brisket, add onions and garlic to the pot, and cook until they soften.
4. Add the broth, vinegar, and coconut aminos to the pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.
5. Place the brisket back in the pot, secure the lid, and set to high pressure for 60-70 minutes, depending on the size of the brisket.
6. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure. Remove the brisket and slice against the grain.
7. If desired, thicken the gravy by sautéing it with some arrowroot or tapioca flour mixed with water.

Chicken and Vegetable Soup

A comforting bowl of soup is never out of place, and this chicken and vegetable soup is no exception. Here's what you'll need:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper
• Handful of fresh parsley for garnish

To prepare:

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add it to the pressure cooker along with all other ingredients except the parsley.
2. Seal the pot, set to high pressure for 8 minutes for breasts or 15 for thighs.
3. Use a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Stir, garnish with parsley, and serve.

🌟 Note: For a creamier soup, blend some of the vegetables after cooking and return them to the pot for thickness.

Short Ribs in a Rich Tomato Sauce

Short ribs are a carnivore's delight, and when braised in a rich tomato sauce, they become a meal to remember:

• 3 lbs beef short ribs
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine (optional, replace with broth if not using)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon each of dried rosemary, thyme, and oregano
• Salt and pepper

Follow these steps:

1. Salt and pepper the ribs. Heat olive oil in the pressure cooker on sauté mode and brown the ribs on all sides. Remove them.
2. Add onions to the pot, cook until softened, then add garlic and herbs, stirring until aromatic.
3. Stir in tomatoes, wine, and vinegar, scraping the bottom for the fond. Return the ribs to the pot.
4. Secure the lid, set to high pressure, and cook for 30-35 minutes.
5. Allow for a 10-minute natural release, then quick release. Remove ribs, reduce the sauce if necessary, and serve with ribs on top.

These recipes showcase the versatility of the pressure cooker for Paleo-friendly meals, saving you time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Chili with Butternut Squash

Nothing spells comfort like a warm bowl of chili, and this variation with butternut squash adds a sweet twist to the classic:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef or chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. Brown the meat in the pressure cooker on sauté mode, crumbling as you cook. Drain the fat.
2. Add onions, bell pepper, and garlic, sautéing until tender.
3. Stir in squash, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Secure the lid, set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Quick release the pressure. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

🌟 Note: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the squash into the sauce after cooking, or add some arrowroot or tapioca flour to thicken.

Crisp Apple and Cinnamon Pork Chops

Pork chops with a hint of sweetness and warmth make for an excellent dinner option. Here's how you can whip them up:

• 4 bone-in pork chops
• 2 apples, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Follow these steps:

1. Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
2. Heat coconut oil in the pressure cooker on sauté mode, then brown the chops for about 3 minutes per side.
3. Remove chops, add apple slices to the pot, sauté briefly, then place the chops back on top.
4. Pour in the cider vinegar and water, secure the lid, and set to cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Use a quick release. Serve the pork chops with the apples and sauce, garnished with thyme if desired.

In the world of busy cooks and Paleo diets, the pressure cooker has become a cornerstone for delivering fast, nutrient-dense meals. Each of these recipes offers a pathway to a healthier lifestyle without the time commitment often associated with gourmet cooking. From a comforting breakfast to an impressive dinner, the ease and efficiency of pressure cooking make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

Can I use a different meat in the egg casserole?

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Absolutely, feel free to substitute pork sausage with turkey, chicken, or beef sausage, or even shredded leftover meats for a quick and varied breakfast.

Is it possible to prepare these recipes ahead of time?

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Most of these dishes can be made ahead. Simply cool them down, store in airtight containers, and reheat when needed. The flavors will often improve with time!

What are good Paleo substitutes for some ingredients?

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Instead of traditional dairy milk, almond or coconut milk work wonderfully. Arrowroot or tapioca flour can replace conventional thickening agents, and coconut aminos can substitute soy sauce.