Quick & Easy Instant Pot Meals
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10 Quick and Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Weeknights

ByCate D.

Are you exhausted by the thought of getting dinner on the table after a long, busy day?

Well, grab your trusty Instant Pot: your kitchen superhero!

From hearty stews to tender roasts, these quick and easy Instant Pot recipes will save you time, energy, and money.

Whether cooking for picky kids or health-conscious adults, you’ll find something delicious on this list. Ready to reclaim your evenings? Let’s get started!

1. Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast with Veggies

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

  • 3 lbs chuck roast
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 lb baby potatoes
  • 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 onion, quartered
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)

Directions:

  1. Season the chuck roast with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Brown the roast on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
  3. Remove the roast and deglaze the pot with beef broth, scraping up any brown bits.
  4. Add Worcestershire sauce and place the roast back into the pot.
  5. Top with potatoes, carrots, onion, and thyme.
  6. Seal the lid, set to pressure cook on high for 60 minutes, and allow a natural release for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove and serve warm with the cooked vegetables.

2. Frozen Pork Loin Instant Pot Recipe

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs frozen pork loin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

  1. Mix salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to make a rub. Coat the frozen pork loin with olive oil and sprinkle the rub on all sides.
  2. Add chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the pork loin on a trivet inside the pot.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. Let it naturally release for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the pork loin, slice, and serve with your favorite sides.

3. Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat olive oil. Cook the chicken until lightly browned.
  2. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and penne pasta. Stir well.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy. Serve hot.

4. Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil and cook onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini until softened.
  2. Add all remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow natural release for 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese.

5. Quick Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup salsa

Directions:

  1. Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and pour in chicken broth and salsa.
  2. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  3. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir in the remaining liquid.
  4. Serve in taco shells with desired toppings.

6. Best Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef stew meat
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Heat olive oil and brown the beef. Add onions and cook until softened.
  2. Add beef broth, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir well.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  4. Add egg noodles and pressure cook on high for 4 more minutes. Quick release.
  5. Stir in sour cream before serving.

7. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Cook onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

8. Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup water

Directions:

  1. Place chicken thighs in the Instant Pot.
  2. Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and water, and pour over the chicken.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 12 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes.
  4. Serve over rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

9. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk

Directions:

  1. Add macaroni, water, salt, and butter to the Instant Pot.
  2. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 4 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  3. Stir in cheese and milk until creamy. Serve immediately.
  4. For a quick browned crumb crust,

Browned Crumb Crust for Mac and Cheese

Ingredients for Crumb Crust:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color and flavor)

Directions to Add Crumb Crust:

  1. Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Follow the original Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe up to the point where it is fully cooked and creamy. Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish if your Instant Pot insert is not oven-safe.
  2. Make the Crumb Topping: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). If desired, mix in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika for added flavor.
  3. Assemble: Spread the prepared mac and cheese evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the browned breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  4. Broil: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the crust is golden and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  5. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve with the crispy topping adding a delightful crunch to your creamy mac and cheese.

10. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 1 lb frozen meatballs
  • 2 cups water

Directions:

  1. Break spaghetti in half and layer in the Instant Pot.
  2. Add marinara sauce, meatballs, and water. Ensure pasta is covered.
  3. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Quick release pressure.
  4. Stir well before serving.

Conclusion:

Dinner just got a whole lot easier, thanks to these 10 quick and easy Instant Pot recipes. From hearty roasts to creamy pasta, there’s something for everyone on this list. Ready to transform your weeknight dinners? Pick your favorite recipe, dust off your Instant Pot, and start cooking tonight!

Don’t forget to Pin this collection so you’re always ready for a busy weeknight dinner!

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