5 Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Meals

The Instant Pot has become an essential kitchen appliance for those seeking to prepare easy and nutritious meals in less time. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who loves efficient cooking, the Instant Pot can revolutionize your meal prep. Here are five must-try recipes that utilize the convenience of the Instant Pot to its fullest, making dinner preparation not only quick but also deliciously satisfying.

1. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder

Steps:

1. Place chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Layer rice evenly over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
3. Add mixed vegetables on top of the rice. Do not stir.
4. Secure the lid, set to sealing position, and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. After cooking, use quick release to release pressure.
6. Once the steam has completely released, open the pot, stir in the cheese, and let it melt from the residual heat.

🧑‍🍳 Note: Adjust the amount of liquid if you prefer a creamier or dryer casserole consistency.

2. Hearty Beef and Barley Soup

This comforting soup combines the rich flavors of beef and barley with vegetables, making it the perfect easy meal for cold evenings or when you crave something warming.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode, add a bit of oil, and brown the beef pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Remove beef, add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Return beef to the pot, add barley, beef broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Cover, seal, and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
5. Do a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.

This soup not only serves as an easy meal but also freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping.

3. Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Transform your taco night with succulent, pull-apart pork carnitas made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup beer or chicken broth

Steps:

1. Season pork with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the seasoned pork to the Instant Pot, followed by onion, garlic, orange juice, and beer.
3. Secure lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
4. After cooking, allow natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then quick release.
5. Shred pork and broil in the oven for a few minutes for crispy edges, if desired.

4. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of creamy tomato basil soup, and with the Instant Pot, it's ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, quartered
• 1 onion, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Add tomatoes, onion, garlic, broth, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot.
2. Close lid, set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
3. Allow natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure manually.
4. Blend until smooth, return to the pot, and stir in heavy cream. Warm gently before serving.

5. Instant Pot Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl

Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a healthy, easy meal, this quinoa and black bean bowl is a powerhouse of nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1.5 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 avocado, sliced for serving

Steps:

1. Combine quinoa, black beans, broth, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini in the Instant Pot. Season with cumin and paprika.
2. Seal the pot and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
4. Serve hot with slices of avocado on top for creaminess.

The adaptability of the Instant Pot in crafting diverse meals from various cuisines underlines its versatility in modern cooking. Each recipe highlights a different aspect of what the Instant Pot can do - from stewing, braising, to steaming, ensuring your kitchen adventures are both delicious and time-efficient.

Can I use frozen meat in my Instant Pot?

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Yes, you can. However, cooking time should be extended by about 50% for frozen meat, and make sure to use at least ¹⁄₂ cup of liquid to build pressure.

What if I don’t have all the ingredients listed?

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Instant Pot recipes are quite flexible. Substitute or skip ingredients where necessary; just remember to maintain the broth or liquid volume needed for the pot to come to pressure.

Can I double the recipes?

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Absolutely! Just be mindful of the fill line in your Instant Pot, especially with soups and broths, and ensure you maintain the liquid ratio for steaming.