20 Pinterest-Worthy Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

The Instant Pot has revolutionized cooking with its time-saving and effortless meal preparation. From savory stews to decadent desserts, the versatility of the Instant Pot has made it a staple in modern kitchens. Here are 20 Pinterest-worthy recipes to explore, making your Instant Pot your new best friend in the kitchen.

1. Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of beef stew, especially when it takes only a fraction of the time to prepare. Here’s how to make a classic:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary

Process:

1. Sauté beef in the Instant Pot, remove.
2. Sauté onion and garlic, then add the beef back.
3. Add broth, vegetables, seasonings, and herbs.
4. Close the lid, set to "Meat/Stew" for 35 minutes.
5. Natural pressure release.

2. Quick & Easy Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, a beloved Indian dish, can now be whipped up in under an hour with your Instant Pot:

• 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, cubed
• 1 can tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp garlic-ginger paste
• Spices like garam masala, turmeric, coriander

Process:

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté, cook onion and paste.
2. Add spices, then chicken.
3. Stir in tomato puree and cream.
4. Close lid, set to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release, then serve with rice.

3. Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

This dish is perfect for those looking for something both tangy and savory:

• 6-8 chicken thighs
• Lemon zest and juice from 2 lemons
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper

Process:

1. Sear chicken on both sides in Instant Pot.
2. Add lemon zest, juice, garlic, and thyme.
3. Pressure cook for 10-12 minutes.
4. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.

4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup

A luxurious soup that's both creamy and hearty:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan

Process:

1. Sauté onion and garlic, add chicken, cook briefly.
2. Add broth, seasonings, and ingredients.
3. Set to "Soup" for 7 minutes.
4. Natural release, stir in cream, spinach, and serve.

5. Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

Indian comfort food meets Instant Pot convenience:

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cubed
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Spices like cumin, garam masala, coriander
• 2 tbsp butter or ghee

Process:

1. Sauté onion and garlic, add spices.
2. Add chicken, tomato sauce, and some water.
3. Cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
4. Stir in cream and serve with naan.

💡 Note: While these recipes are straightforward, feel free to experiment with spices or additional ingredients to personalize your meals. Remember to adjust cooking times if altering the volume of ingredients.

These recipes showcase the versatility and convenience of the Instant Pot, making delicious and Pinterest-worthy meals accessible for everyone, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs. Whether you're craving something hearty, creamy, or spicy, your Instant Pot can deliver amazing results in record time. Experiment with these recipes, tweak them to your taste, and enjoy the culinary journey that the Instant Pot offers.

Can I make all of these recipes vegetarian?

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Many of these recipes can be adapted for vegetarian diets by substituting the meat with plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or legumes, and adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

What’s the difference between Natural Pressure Release and Quick Release?

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Natural Pressure Release (NPR) lets the pressure dissipate on its own, which can take time but helps keep foods tender. Quick Release (QR) involves turning the valve to release the steam immediately, useful when you need to stop the cooking process quickly.

How do I prevent burnt food in the Instant Pot?

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Ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot; burnt food usually happens when there isn’t enough to create steam. Also, deglaze the pot after sautéing to lift any stuck bits, and avoid cooking thick, dense foods like rice without proper stirring or steaming inserts.

Is it safe to open the Instant Pot after Quick Release?

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After Quick Release, the lid can be opened safely once all the steam has escaped, and the float valve has dropped, indicating the pot is no longer pressurized. Always tilt the lid away from your face to avoid any residual steam.

Can I double the recipe?

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Yes, you can double the recipes, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Ensure not to exceed the maximum fill line, and be mindful of the pot’s capacity to maintain the correct pressure.