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Instant Pot Easy Meals – When you want dinner on the table but don’t have the time to stand over the range cooking it on busy weeknights, the Instant Pot can really save the day. Stumped as to what to make in your pressure cooker? Look no further! We’ve rounded up lots of different Instant Pot meals that are perfect for busy weeknights.
Instant Pot Easy Meals
Table of contents
Simplifying Dinnertime
If you struggle to get dinner on the table, you need two things:
Getting organized is key, and finding quick and easy recipes are my specialty! Instant Pot Meals are fast and often cheap, too. You can do so much more than just make soup with your Instant Pot.
Instant Pot FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about using an Instant Pot:
How is an Instant Pot Different from a Crock-Pot?
An Instant Pot is basically a pressure cooker that cooks food quickly while a Crock-Pot or “Slow Cooker” typically takes 4 hours or longer. Both devices make cooking easier for busy moms, but the slow cooker requires planning ahead and usually prepping the meal in the morning. Instant Pot meals are made just before mealtime and require less planning.
How is an Instant Pot Different from a Crock-Pot?
An Instant Pot is basically a pressure cooker that cooks food quickly while a Crock-Pot or “Slow Cooker” typically takes 4 hours or longer. Both devices make cooking easier for busy moms, but the slow cooker requires planning ahead and usually prepping the meal in the morning. Instant Pot meals are made just before mealtime and require less planning.
How do I set my Instant Pot to seal?
- Put the cooking vessel into the pressure cooker.
- Add your ingredients and liquid to the pot.
- After that, lock the lid into place.
- Place the vent in the sealing position.
- Next, select a button for cooking.
- Then, set the cooking time. After the machine beeps, it will begin cooking.
Note: It can take 5 to 25 minutes for the pressure cooker to come up to the desired temperature depending on the size of your pot and the ingredients inside.
What dishes can go in an Instant Pot?
An oven-safe bowl will work in the Instant Pot and you can use disposable aluminum pans also. Most pressure cookers come with a trivet also.
Can you put aluminum foil or parchment paper in the Instant Pot?
Yes, both aluminum foil and parchment paper are fine in the Instant Pot.
What is natural pressure release?
An Instant Pot works by building pressure up in the inner pot. Before you can open the lid, you need to release the pressure. NPR or natural pressure release is one way to do that.
Can you put frozen meat in an Instant Pot?
While you can put frozen meat into an Instant Pot, it is not recommended. It will take extra time for the pressure to build so your recipe will take longer than if the meat is thawed. Your meat may be uncooked or unevenly cooked, therefore I recommend always starting with thawed ingredients.
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Instant Pot Tips
- Just like any recipe, read through the entire thing before you begin making your Instant Pot recipe and follow the recipe as written.
- Cut your meat and/or vegetables into uniform sizes so that they cook evenly.
- Do not overfill your cooking pot.
- Take care in where you place your pressure cooker, keeping in mind where the steam will vent. It’s never a good idea to keep it underneath wooden cabinets.
- To keep your Instant Pot in good working order, you’ll want to replace the silicone sealing ring every 18-24 months because they stretch over time.
Check out these tips and resources from my friend Deb to help guide and simplify making Instant Pot Meals.
Instant Pot Easy Meals for Busy Moms
There are so many amazingly delicious meals that will work in a pressure cooker that will save you loads of time.
You may also want to check out my Busy Moms Survival Guide for more tips and ideas on how to get meals on the table without going crazy!
Pork Instant Pot Recipes
Using a pressure cooker for pork is really simple, and these are the recipes we think you should try right away:
- Pulled pork is one of my favorite foods in the world, but sometimes I don’t want to wait all day to enjoy it. This Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork recipe will let you enjoy it in under 2 hours!
Chicken Instant Pot Recipes
If you’re like me, you probably eat chicken several times a week, right? You are sure to find an Instant Pot Easy Meal on this list:
- As good as this Mongolian Chicken looks, it’s even better the next day making it the perfect dish to pull double duty for dinner and lunch.
- Speaking of comfort food, you don’t want to miss Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings! Look at how creamy and delicious it looks!
- How about a 15-minute recipe? Instant Pot Orange Chicken is not only super quick, but it’s kid-friendly, too. Pair it with rice and veggies to round out an easy meal.
- With only five minutes prep time, this Chicken Taco Bowl recipe is sure to save the day on those busy weeknights where you hardly have any time to make dinner.
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings will be a hit whether you’re making them as an appetizer for a party or as a quick meal.
- If you’re in a hurry, make this Asian Chicken in the Instant Pot. It’s also a wonderful recipe for the slow cooker, too, if you have more time.
Beef Instant Pot Recipes
The list of Instant Pot Easy Meals with beef are nearly endless, but here are some of our most favorite dishes:
- Mongolian Beef and Broccoli is a flavorful, easy dish with tender beef and lots of yummy sauce – it’s one of my favorite instant pot meals!
- We had pot roast for dinner on many Sundays when I was growing up, and it’s still one of my favorite comfort foods today. Pressure Cooker Pot Roast ensures you get your favorite “tastes like home” dish on the table in no time.
Meatless Instant Pot Recipes
Going meatless for one or two meals each week can save loads of money on your grocery bill. You’re going to love these easy recipes:
- You won’t even miss the meat with this Instant Pot Lo Mein. It’s chock full of veggies!
- What’s the one no-fail food that kids always eat? Spaghetti! Now you can make it with your pressure cooker.
- My Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (pictured below) is a favorite because it’s super quick and easy and SO darn good!
Instant Pot Soup Recipes
When it comes to Instant Pot Easy Meals, it doesn’t get much more simple than making soup! Here are some must-try recipes:
- Ham and White Bean Soup is a wonderful meal to make in a large pressure cooker. You’ll have lunch ready for days!
- And whether you’re sick or simply craving a familiar dish, there’s never a bad time to have a big bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Zucchini and Tomato Soup makes a great lunch when you’re looking for something light and healthy.
These recipes look really good … although for the Asian-style foods, try using roasted sesame seeds for better flavor.
I would be excited to try the chicken noodle soup!
I just got an instant pot for Christmas and I’ve been looking for some yummy recipes to make. thank you!
I love my instant pot. Thanks for the ideas!!
It’s such a time saver!! Thanks for stopping by!