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    Home » Recipes » Instant Pot » Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

    LAST UPDATED: November 2, 2021 • FIRST PUBLISHED: May 12, 2019 By Toni Dash 39 Comments

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes title image

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes are quick and easy for all meals of the day. They also are perfect for easy weeknight dinners!

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes title image

    Instant Pot and pressure-cooking recipes have become wildly popular online and on Pinterest over the past few years.

    If you own an Instant Pot, you get it.

    If you don’t, you may be scratching your head wondering what the fuss is about.

    The pressure cooker function of the Instant Pot multi-cooker cranks out delicious recipes; making lives easier by the meal.

    Jump to:
    • What is an Instant Pot?
    • Why Use an Instant Pot?
    • Which Size Instant Pot to Use
    • Delicious Easy Instant Pot Recipes
    • More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    What is an Instant Pot?

    An Instant Pot is an electric counter top multi-cooker; meaning it has multiple cooking functions all in one device.

    When people refer to an ‘Instant Pot recipe’, generally they mean the pressure cooking function.

    Remember the screaming stove-top pressure cookers our mother’s used? The Instant Pot is self-contained, electric and requires little monitoring.

    Instant Pot

    Why Use an Instant Pot?

    Once the lid is locked you can be on with other activities until the recipe is finished.

    Almost any recipe you can think of can be cooked in the Instant Pot.

    The food nutrients in pressure cooked food remain higher than in other forms of cooking.

    Cooking cycles are often shorter thanks to the pressure cooking.

    Recipe Examples

    • A recipe like short ribs can be reduced from hours to mere minutes!
    • Pot roast? Fast and flavorful in the Instant Pot. 
    • Comfort food like Beef Stew? So tender and juicy in the Instant Pot.

    Instant pot recipes are especially great for busy families (or couples!).

    Between school, work, and the chaos of busy weekends… you’ll love these easy Instant Pot recipes you can throw together quickly! 

    Which Size Instant Pot to Use

    To clarify, Instant Pot is an actual brand of multi-cooker which includes a pressure cooking function. 

    ‘Instant Pot’ has become a reference to all electric pressure cookers however.

    3-Quart, 6-Quart or 8-Quart

    Currently Instant Pot makes multi-cookers in 3-quart, 6-quart and 8-quart volumes.

    I use a 6-quart model and have found it to be ample. If you have a larger family the 8-quart may be a better size.

    NOTE: most recipes are developed for 6-quart models since that was the original volume of the Instant Pot.

    When adapting for a smaller or larger Instant Pot the cooking time generally does not need to be changed but the volume of liquid may.

    Here is a conversion guide that may be helpful.

     

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    Delicious Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    The recipes on this list were selected to a few criteria:

    1. They are truly EASY. Are an Instant Pot beginner? Or just want some simple delicious recipes? This list of easy Instant Pot recipes will be a great collection for you.
    2. They span Instant Pot recipes for all meals of the day.
    3. They are naturally gluten-free or can be easily adapted (notations on adaptations next to the recipe description).

    For all the Boulder Locavore Instant Pot recipes, check our Instant Pot Recipes.

    On To the Recipes…

    Blue bowls of Instant Pot Pina Colada Steel Cut Oats recipe with pineapple chunks, grated coconut and cherries
    Blue bowls of Instant Pot Pina Colada Steel Cut Oats recipe with pineapple chunks, grated coconut and cherries
    Instant Pot Pina Colada Steel Cut Oats
    Enjoy a tropical start to the day with this easy Instant Pot Pina Colada Steel Cut Oats recipe. Flavors of coconut, pineapple and rum (extract) recreate a favorite cocktail in the form of breakfast!
    Check out this recipe
    slice hard boiled eggs with shells
    Halved Instant Pot hard boiled egg recipe with blue knife
    How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
    This three part method of cooking hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is a proven success!  The cooking time is based on altitude and is rounded to a the nearest minute.
    Check out this recipe
     Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint in a white bowl
    Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint in a white bowl
    Instant Pot Baby Carrots with Mint Recipe
    This recipe for baby carrots with mint could not be easier, faster or more fresh-flavored. Using baby carrots removed any carrot prep. The only ‘work’ is chopping some mint. 
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Smoked Paprike & Garlic Chicken Legs
    Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter
    Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    Four simple ingredients create mouthwatering chicken legs in a flash. A simple trick at the end turns these flavor-packed drumsticks into crispy chicken you’ll love
    Check out this recipe
    Vegetable Beef Soup
    Vegetable Beef Soup
    Vegetable Beef Soup
    Vegetable Beef soup has never been easier or faster to make. Ground beef, loads of vegetables and potatoes in a rich broth. Some shortcuts give these great flavor and make it even faster!
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Sour Cream Garlic Mashed Potatoes in a white bowl with fresh chives, russet potatoes and garlic on a slate stone surface
    Instant Pot Sour Cream Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    Instant Pot Sour Cream Garlic Mashed Potatoes
    For creamy mashed potatoes made fast, the Instant Pot pressure cooker can’t be beat.  These potatoes cook for 8 minutes, are drained and the other ingredients added in the Instant Pot insert. No extra bowls to clean up. 
    Check out this recipe
    Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potaotes with Bacon crumbles in a gray glazed ceramic bowl
    instant pot chipotle mashed sweet potatoes
    Instant Pot Mashed Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
    Sweet, smoky mashed sweet potatoes are irresistible with a bit of spice too. Fast and easy in the Instant Pot.
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice
    Instant Pot Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice
    Instant Pot Coconut Lime Rice Recipe
    Coconut Lime Jasmine Rice is light, slightly sticky rice that pairs well with any main dish, especially Asian recipes, or bowl recipes. Jasmine rice is a faster cooking rice in the Instant Pot. 
    Check out this recipe
    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese title
    Instant Pot Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese with Green Chilies
    Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with Green Chilies
    This macaroni and cheese recipe is creamy and luscious with a great blending of flavors. Adding the diced green chiles give just a bit of spiciness and tang. It can be made leaving those out too since they are added at the end of the recipe.
    Check out this recipe

    More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    Click the recipe title in green to access the recipes.

    Instant Pot lasagna
    Instant Pot Lasagna Pasta from Big Bear’s Wife

    Easy Instant Pot Lasagna Pasta {Big Bears Wife}

    Could you imagine making lasagna in the Instant Pot?

    This ‘toss together and stir‘ recipe turns a regular pasta recipe into a copy cat lasagna with ease. While there’s a little prep involved, it only takes 5 minutes cooking time!

    PERFECT for those nights where you get home a little later than expected and want a hearty meal.

    Gluten-free adaptation: swap regular pasta for oven-ready gluten-free lasagna noodles.

    Crack Chicken recipe
    Instant Pot Crack Chicken from A Mom’s Impression

    Instant Pot Crack Chicken {A Mom’s Impression}

    There is no question where this recipe gets its name!

    Cream cheese, cheddar cheese, hot sauce and more make an addictive, irresistible chicken recipe.

    Perfect on a hamburger bun for an easy, delicious dinner recipe.

    Instant Pot Pork Chops
    Instant Pot Pork Chops from Must Have Mom

    Instant Pot BBQ Pork Chops {Must Have Mom}

    If you’re a big BBQ fan, you will love this recipe.

    It’s so easy and packed full of flavor. A quick broil at the end give the perfect pork chop texture!

    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup
    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup from Fearless Dining

    Instant Pot Vegetable Soup {Fearless Dining}

    This vegetable soup full of wholesome ingredients and fantastic textures.

    It features shredded chicken packed with loads of flavor, making it a must try soup recipe!

    Instant Pot Quinoa
    Instant Pot Quinoa from Happiness is Homemade

    Instant Pot Quinoa {Happiness is Homemade}

    Quinoa is a protein-packed grain that is great as a side dish or recipe ingredient. It’s naturally gluten-free too.

    It only takes 2 minutes to cook and is very full of flavor!

    NOTE: This recipe calls for bone broth but chicken broth or vegetables broth could also be used.

    Instant Pot buffalo chicken soup
    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup from Wholesome Yum

    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup {Wholesome Yum}

    If you’re looking for something low carb, creamy and delicious this is the recipe for you.

    The mouth watering flavors of buffalo chicken are rolled into a soup for one of most irresistible easy Instant Pot recipes!

    shredded chicken in a bowl
    Mexican Shredded Chicken from Girl In The Kitchen

    Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Chicken {Girl and the Kitchen}.

    This recipe for shredding chicken is a great Instant Pot staple recipe.

    The recipe really breaks it down perfectly to get the ideal result. This pressure cooker chicken is juicy and flavorful.

    The Mexican-style is perfect for tacos, sandwiches, salads, in soups and more!

    Gluten-free adaptation: use gluten-free Tamari instead of soy sauce.

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jacquelyn Hastert says

      May 16, 2019 at 11:16 am

      I am going to have to try this! Less dishes and hassle, yet all of them are so delicious! Where do I start?

      Reply
    2. Lindsay Cotter says

      May 15, 2019 at 8:41 pm

      I have loved going through these recipes for my IP dinners! Appreciate the gluten free adaptions being included!

      Reply
    3. REESA LEWANDOWSKI says

      May 15, 2019 at 7:08 pm

      I love how making a quick AND delicious meal becomes so easy thanks to instant pots! Thank you for all of these great ideas!

      Reply
    4. Heather says

      May 14, 2019 at 11:07 pm

      What a great list for Instant Pot meals! I can’t wait to give these a try! My meal planning is now done!

      Reply
    5. Melanie Bauer says

      May 14, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      They look fantastic! I can make these anytime of the day specially when we need something quick and easy, so excited to try these!

      Reply
    6. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      May 14, 2019 at 6:04 pm

      These are on my must-make list! I really love using instant pot!

      Reply
    7. Allyson Zea says

      May 14, 2019 at 3:16 pm

      I LOVE using my instant pot! Thanks for these recipes!

      Reply
    8. Rachel says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:19 pm

      I love my instant pot. Our favorites are pretty much any kind of pulled meat, boiled eggs, and mac and cheese.

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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