The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking, making it possible to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals with minimal effort and time. Whether you’re juggling a busy work schedule, managing a family, or just want to spend less time in the kitchen, these Instant Pot recipes are your ticket to stress-free dinners. Each recipe below is designed to be as hands-off as possible—just add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the magic happen. From cozy soups and creamy risottos to tender meats and even breakfast-for-dinner options, these dishes prove that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Discover 15 Instant Pot meals that practically cook themselves and are sure to become staples in your weekly rotation.
Instant Pot Corn On The Cob
There’s nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob, and the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to enjoy this classic side. Forget about waiting for water to boil or worrying about overcooking—simply place the shucked ears on the trivet, add a cup of water, and set the timer. In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly tender, juicy corn every time. The pressure cooking method locks in the corn’s natural sweetness and moisture, resulting in kernels that burst with flavor. This technique is especially handy for feeding a crowd or when you want to keep your stovetop free for other dishes. Top with butter, a sprinkle of salt, or even a dash of chili powder for extra zing. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, Instant Pot corn on the cob is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing favorite. Get the recipe: Easy Corn Perfection
Instant Pot Ribs
If you crave fall-off-the-bone ribs but don’t want to spend hours tending the grill or oven, the Instant Pot is your secret weapon. These ribs cook in a fraction of the time, coming out incredibly tender and juicy. Start by seasoning the ribs with your favorite spice rub, then arrange them in the pot with a bit of broth or water. The pressure cooking infuses the meat with flavor and ensures it stays moist. Once done, a quick broil in the oven caramelizes the barbecue sauce, giving the ribs that irresistible sticky finish. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or cornbread for a meal that tastes like it took all day. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weekends, these Instant Pot ribs will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the recipe: Speedy BBQ Ribs
Instant Pot Copycat Bourbon Chicken
Bring the flavors of your favorite food court home with Instant Pot bourbon chicken. This recipe uses boneless chicken thighs, which become melt-in-your-mouth tender under pressure. The sauce is a sweet and savory blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and a splash of bourbon (or apple juice for a family-friendly version). As the chicken cooks, it soaks up all the delicious flavors, resulting in juicy, glazed pieces that are perfect over steamed rice. The Instant Pot makes this dish incredibly easy—just sauté, add the sauce, and let it cook. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights and is sure to satisfy picky eaters and adults alike. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a takeout-style meal at home.
Get the recipe: Mall Favorite Chicken
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Jambalaya is a classic Cajun dish that’s packed with flavor but often requires a lot of attention on the stovetop. The Instant Pot simplifies the process, allowing you to enjoy all the spicy, savory goodness with minimal effort. This version combines chicken, sausage, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes with long-grain rice and plenty of Cajun spices. Everything cooks together, so the rice absorbs all the rich flavors from the meats and vegetables. The result is a one-pot meal that’s hearty, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce for an authentic Southern experience. Get the recipe: Cajun Jambalaya Express
Instant Pot Risotto
Traditional risotto is delicious but notoriously labor-intensive, requiring constant stirring and attention. The Instant Pot changes everything by delivering creamy, perfectly cooked risotto with almost no effort. Arborio rice, broth, aromatics, and a splash of white wine cook under pressure to a velvety finish. Stir in parmesan and peas for a classic touch, or customize with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables. The result is a rich, comforting dish that’s ready in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect as a main course or a sophisticated side for any meal. Get the recipe: No-Stir Creamy Risotto
Instant Pot Butter Chicken
Butter chicken is a beloved Indian dish known for its creamy, spiced tomato sauce and tender chunks of chicken. The Instant Pot makes it possible to enjoy this restaurant favorite at home in under an hour. Chicken thighs are simmered in a sauce made from tomatoes, cream, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices like garam masala and cumin. The pressure cooker ensures the chicken is incredibly tender and the flavors are deeply developed. Serve with steamed rice and naan to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. Get the recipe: Weeknight Butter Chicken
Instant Pot Chili
Hearty chili is a classic comfort food, and the Instant Pot makes it easier than ever to enjoy a big, flavorful pot in less than an hour. Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices are cooked together under pressure, resulting in a thick, rich chili that tastes like it simmered all day. The Instant Pot’s sealed environment locks in moisture and flavor, ensuring every spoonful is packed with goodness. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a meal that’s perfect for game day or a cozy night in.
Get the recipe: Set-It-and-Forget-It Chili
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
A true one-pot wonder, Instant Pot chicken and rice is a comforting meal that practically cooks itself. Juicy chicken thighs and fluffy rice are cooked together with vegetables and seasonings, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The pressure cooker guarantees perfectly tender chicken and rice, with no risk of burning or sticking. This dish is endlessly customizable—add peas, carrots, or your favorite spices to make it your own. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Get the recipe: All-in-One Chicken & Rice
Instant Pot Pork Puttanesca
Inspired by the bold flavors of Italy, this Instant Pot pork puttanesca is a hearty, robust meal that tastes like it simmered all day. Pork shoulder is cooked with tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, and anchovies, creating a tangy, savory sauce that’s perfect over pasta or polenta. The Instant Pot tenderizes the pork and melds the flavors in a fraction of the usual time. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. Get the recipe: Italian Pork Night
Instant Pot Potato Soup
Creamy, comforting potato soup is a breeze in the Instant Pot. Potatoes, onions, and broth cook quickly under pressure, then are blended to a velvety texture. Stir in cream, cheese, and crispy bacon for extra richness, or keep it lighter with just a splash of milk. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings and can be topped with chives, shredded cheese, or sour cream for added flavor.
Get the recipe: Creamy Potato Comfort
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Shredded chicken for tacos has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot. Just add chicken breasts, salsa, and your favorite spices, then let the pressure cooker do the rest. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for stuffing into tortillas with all your favorite toppings. This recipe is a lifesaver for taco night and can be used in salads, burritos, or rice bowls as well. Get the recipe: Taco Night Made Easy
Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Classic beef stroganoff gets a modern makeover in the Instant Pot. Tender beef, mushrooms, and onions are cooked in a creamy sauce, then tossed with egg noodles for a rich, satisfying dinner. The pressure cooker ensures the meat is melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce is packed with flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal and reheats well for leftovers. Get the recipe: Quick Stroganoff Supper
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, Instant Pot lentil soup is both healthy and hearty. Lentils cook quickly under pressure, absorbing the flavors of tomatoes, carrots, celery, and herbs. The result is a thick, nourishing soup that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome. Get the recipe: Hearty Lentil Bowl
Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Yes, you can make a whole rotisserie-style chicken in your Instant Pot! The pressure cooker produces a juicy, tender bird with perfectly cooked meat and flavorful drippings for gravy. Simply season the chicken, place it on the trivet, and let the Instant Pot do the rest. Finish under the broiler for crispy skin if desired. This is a great way to prep protein for the week or serve an impressive main dish with minimal effort.
Get the recipe: Rotisserie-Style Chicken at Home
Instant Pot French Toast
Breakfast for dinner is a breeze with Instant Pot French toast casserole. Cubes of bread soak up a cinnamon-vanilla custard and cook to perfection in the pressure cooker, resulting in a soft, pudding-like texture. Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet treat any time of day. This recipe is perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy breakfast-for-dinner night. Get the recipe: Easy French Toast Bake
With these 15 Instant Pot meals, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked food without spending hours in the kitchen. Each recipe is designed to be as hands-off as possible, freeing you up to relax or tackle other tasks while dinner cooks itself. From comforting soups and creamy risottos to hearty meats and even sweet breakfasts, the Instant Pot proves that fast food can be wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Try a few of these recipes this week, and let your Instant Pot do the heavy lifting for you!
