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65 Best Instant Pot Recipes to Make All of Your Favorite Family Meals

The clean-up is so much easier!

Headshot of Rebekah LowinBy Rebekah Lowin
instant pot recipes beef and bean chili
Will Dickey

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If you haven't tried cooking with an Instant Pot before, get ready to be amazed! It's impossible not to get hooked on this multi-cooker, which delivers slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. Even clean-up is easier with this one-and-done appliance. Plus, the Instant Pot can be useful for nearly every meal of the day: breakfast ideas, lunches, easy dinners, and even a few surprising desserts. Here, you'll find all those Instant Pot recipes and so much more. The fun of Instant Pot cooking, you see, is that the possibilities are nearly endless: Instant Pot soup recipes, chicken dinners, and quick sides are all within your reach.

Just like with slow cooker recipes and air fryer recipes, these Instant Pot recipes are meant to make dinnertime easier. The genius device is perfect for whipping up comfort food dishes that typically require longer cook times, like chili, pot roast, pulled pork, and beef stew. The sauté function also means that you can get all your cooking done without taking up space on the stovetop. Whether you've owned an Instant Pot for years or are just now discovering its wonders, these easy Instant Pot recipes will show you just how to make the most out of this handy kitchen appliance.

1

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

instant pot chicken thighs on platter with sauce
Will Dickey

These chicken thighs are seared right in the Instant Pot before being pressured cooked to tender, juicy perfection. It's a one-and-done dinner that's perfect when covered in the flavorful gravy.

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Thighs recipe.

SHOP INSTANT POTS

2

Instant Pot Chili

instant pot chili with sour cream and cheese
Will Dickey

Chili is one of those dishes that tastes better the longer it simmers. But if you need dinner ASAP, this Instant Pot chili will save the day.

Get the Instant Pot Chili recipe.

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3

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

instant pot mac and cheese in purple bowl
Ralph Smith

This mac and cheese recipe is everything you love about gooey, warm, and comforting dinners. And it has the added benefit of being made in an Instant Pot, so it's hands-free!

Get Ree's Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.

4

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

instant pot chicken noodle soup in blue bowls
Will Dickey

Not only are the chicken, broth, and veggies made right in the Instant Pot, but the noodles are cooked in the appliance, too!

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe.

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5

Instant Pot Refried Beans

instant pot refried beans with avocado and tomato
Will Dickey

There are so many fun ways to use these easy refried beans. Serve them up as a dip with diced avocado and tomato or use them as a base for burritos or tacos. The options are endless!

Get the Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe.

SHOP BOWLS

6

Instant Pot Chicken Breast

instant pot chicken breast on plate with side salad and lemon
Will Dickey

This fast and flavorful chicken dinner is about to become a weeknight staple. It has plenty of lemon pepper seasoning and it's ready in just 16 minutes!

Get the Instant Pot Chicken Breast recipe.

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7

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

instant pot lentil soup with spinach
Will Dickey

When the weather turns chilly, this cozy soup is sure to warm you right up. Just toss all the ingredients in and let the Instant Pot do its thing.

Get the Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe.

8

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

instant pot cranberry sauce in glass bowl
Ralph Smith

This hands-free and stovetop-free recipe let's you focus on the rest of your Thanksgiving menu without missing out on the popular side. It can also be made up to 5 days ahead.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.

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9

Instant Pot French Onion Soup

instant pot french onion soup in red and yellow crock bowls
Will Dickey

It doesn't get cozier than this cheesy, savory soup recipe. It's a favorite for those chilly fall and winter evenings.

Get the Instant Pot French Onion Soup recipe.

10

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

instant pot chicken and dumplings in light blue bowl
Ghazalle Badiozamani

This classic comfort food has never been easier. Both the chicken and dumplings are cooked in the Instant Pot until tender and piping hot.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

SHOP LADLES

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11

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

instant pot butternut squash soup with jalapenos in blue bowl
Will Dickey

You would never guess that this creamy, flavorful soup is vegan, but the recipes uses coconut milk and vegetable broth so it's perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Get the Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup recipe.

12

Instant Pot Potato Salad

potato salad instant pot recipe
Nicole Dubois

In Ree Drummond's opinion, there's a reason potato salad recipes have stood the test of time: "When made well, they really are perfectly delicious." This Instant Pot-friendly version features crunchy celery, tangy pickles, and perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs.

Get the Instant Pot Potato Salad recipe.

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13

Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps

instant pot lettuce wraps recipe
Danielle Daly

Think lettuce wraps are boring? Think again. Loaded with tons of flavorful ingredients—brown sugar, ginger, mustard, and rice vinegar, to name a few—this version is anything but.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Sticky Pork Lettuce Wraps recipe.

14

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Grain Bowls

instant pot bbq bowls
Ralph Smith

It's all about the toppings here: Avocado, mango, jalapeño, sliced radishes, and a smattering of cilantro add crunch, tang, and spice to these delicious grain bowls.

Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Grain Bowls recipe.

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15

Instant Pot Ribs with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

instant pot ribs recipe
Nicole Dubois

"I do love cooking with Dr Pepper," Ree says. "When it's cooked down, it's just a perfect mix of flavors." The soda helps to tenderize and flavor the meat, too.

Get the Instant Pot Ribs with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce recipe.

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16

Instant Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches

instant pot bbq beef sandwiches
Ralph Smith

A fluffy roll, hot sauce, coleslaw, and pickles give these sandwiches a nice of balance of heat and sweetness. Don't skimp on the chips!

Get Ree's Instant Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches recipe.

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17

Instant Pot Ancho Beef Stew with Cheesy Grits

instant pot beef recipe
Ralph Smith

There are few things better than beef stew on a cold winter's night...except maybe beef stew layered over cheesy, delicious grits. Mmm.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Ancho Beef Stew with Cheesy Grits recipe.

18

Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

instant pot chicken recipe
Ryan Dausch

Since you'll be using the pressure cooker function for this recipe, you'll want to use a wooden spoon to turn the steam valve to the venting position after cooking. It'll be incredibly hot!

Get Ree's Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore recipe.

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19

Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread

instant pot chicken recipe
Ralph Smith

Pro tip: Before serving, pop your carnitas under the broiler. They'll get extra crispy.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Carnitas with Cornbread recipe.

20

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

instant pot recipes soup
Ralph Smith

This cozy soup is the ideal date night dish. Loaded with veggies and chicken, it's hearty enough to work as an entrée.

Get Ree's Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe.

SHOP BOWLS

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instant pot recipes beef and bean chili
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