15 Instant Pot Recipes That Make Dinner Easier (Tested + Weeknight-Ready)
I’ve gathered 15 Instant Pot recipes that make dinner time manageable. There’s a quick tip for each one and a direct link to the full recipe. I’ve written 4 Instant Pot cookbooks, and I tested about 1,000 recipes to get there. So when I say these Instant Pot recipes work, I mean they work in a real kitchen without complicated cooking steps.
Use the Quick Picks table to choose one based on time, leftovers, or for feeding a crowd. Then scroll the list, pick your protein, and get cooking.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer Box
What it is: A collection of 15 Instant Pot dinners that I actually have cooked and tested. Each one links to the full recipe so you can get what you need to make it.
Why you’ll love it: These recipes cut down hands-on time and still give you real flavor. You can pick quick chicken, cozy beef, or an assortment of pork dishes. Many are great for prepping ahead and having leftovers for the week.
How to make it: Pick one recipe, read the quick tip, if it fits what you are looking for then click through and follow the full recipe post. I used an Instant Pot for all of these, but they will also work in other brands of electric pressure cookers.
Quick Picks
| Outcome | Best Recipe | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest | Instant Pot Salmon and Asparagus for Two | Quick cook time and you have a complete meal in one pot |
| Best Leftovers | Instant Pot Pot Roast | Reheats well and makes great sandwiches |
| Freezer-Friendly | Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style) | Freeze in portions for quick weeknight dinners |
| Best For A Crowd | Instant Pot Carnitas | Taco night that feeds a group without stress |
Key Takeaways
- Instant Pot recipes typically need 10 to 15 minutes to come to pressure, so the total cook time is more than listed.
- Natural release can also take 10 to 15 minutes or longer, so add that in as the overall time it takes to get the recipe finished.
- Natural release keeps big cuts juicier. Quick release helps avoid overcooking. Each recipe will include which release method to use.
- If you sauté the meat in the pot, scrape up browned bits after sautéing so you don’t trip the burn notice.
- Thicken sauces after pressure cooking using sauté mode. Do not add any thickening agent to the pot for pressure cooking. I can clog the valve and lead to a whole bunch of problems.
- Just like any meat recipe, resting time is important. Pressure cooking doesn’t draw out the juices like other methods. But it is still a good idea to rest the meat before before slicing or shredding.
15 Featured Instant Pot Recipes
1) Instant Pot Pork Chops With Balsamic Fig Sauce
This is a weeknight dinner that feels special.The sauce may sound difficult, but it uses simple ingredients and steps.
- Time: 19 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: pork loin chops, broth, balsamic vinegar, dried figs, rosemary
- Quick tip: Sear the chops first, then scrape the pot clean before pressure cooking.
How to make Instant Pot Pork Chops With Balsamic Fig Sauce
2) Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
This is what to make when it’s too hot to turn on the oven but you want BBQ chicken. You get tender chicken and a thick, sticky sauce.
- Time: 25 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: chicken, BBQ-style sauce ingredients, seasonings, broth
- Quick tip: Don’t skip the deglaze step after sautéing.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
3) Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts (No Thawing Needed)
This one saves dinner when you forgot to thaw. Cook, rest, then slice or shred it for whatever you’re making. This recipe is perfect for making shredded chicken instead of buying rotisserie chicken.
- Time: 17 minutes total time, plus about 10 minutes to come to pressure and 5 minute resting before release
- Core ingredients: frozen chicken breasts, broth, simple seasonings
- Quick tip: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to test it registers 165°F. If not, continue pressure cooking on high for 2 minutes.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Breasts
4) Instant Pot Irish-Style Beef Stew
Cozy stew without an all-day simmer. It’s hearty, simple, and great on cold nights.
- Time: 25 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: beef, potatoes, carrots, broth, onions, seasonings
- Quick tip: Cut the beef into even pieces so it get done at the same time.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Beef Stew
5) Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Rich gravy, tender beef, and a creamy finish. This is comfort food that doesn’t require babysitting.
- Time: 45 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: chuck roast, mushrooms, broth, seasonings, sour cream
- Quick tip: Add sour cream off heat so it doesn’t break or curdle.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
6) Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Great Leftovers)
Rotisserie-style chicken without leaving the house. It’s great for dinner now and leftovers later. This will not have the nice crispy skin that you are used to with a roasted whole chicken. You can put cut pieces under the broiler for a few minutes if desired.
- Time: 41 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: whole chicken, seasoning blend, broth
- Quick tip: Let it rest before slicing or shredding
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Whole Chicken (Rotisserie Style)
7) Instant Pot Pork Roast With a Simple Pantry Seasoning
This is an inexpensive pork roast with a pantry seasoning. It pairs well with many different side dishes for a delicious meal. The sliced pork is also perfect for leftovers during the week.
- Time: 1 hour 5 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: pork roast, seasoning rub, broth
- Quick tip: Sear the roast first for better flavor.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Pork Shoulder Roast
8) Instant Pot Pot Roast
Classic pot roast comfort without running the oven for hours. It’s tender, packed with flavor and the perfect comfort food. Its just like the classic pot roast with carrots and potatoes in the finished dish.
- Time: 1 hour 10 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: chuck roast, broth, aromatics, pantry seasonings
- Quick tip: Follow the steps closely for adding your vegetables later so they aren’t pure mush.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Beef Pot Roast
9) Instant Pot Carnitas (Traditional Tacos de Carnitas)
Tender shredded pork that can be turned into tacos, bowls, or nachos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for taco night or a party.
- Time: 1 hour 35 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: pork shoulder (Boston butt), onions, garlic, citrus, seasonings
- Quick tip: Crisp the pork after cooking for the best texture.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Carnitas
10) Instant Pot Salmon and Asparagus for Two (5 Ingredients)
A fast dinner that still feels like you tried. Salmon stays moist, and the asparagus cooks right alongside it.
- Time: 11 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: salmon, asparagus, butter, lemon, seasonings
- Quick tip: Don’t overcook it. Pull it as soon as it flakes easily.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Salmon and Asparagus
11) Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
These baby back ribs turn out tender without hours long cooking. Great for family dinner or game day.
- Time: 50 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: baby back ribs, rub, BBQ sauce, broth
- Quick tip: Cut the rack into sections so they fit and cook evenly.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
12) Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
These cook quickly and come out tender. They’re a great choice when you want BBQ flavor on a weeknight. Or leave off the barbecue sauce and simmer in the pot with sauerkraut. Make sure to use the liquids from the sauerkraut too.
- Time: 35 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: country-style ribs, seasonings, BBQ sauce or sauerkraut, and broth
- Quick tip: Give it a short natural release for better texture.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
14) Tender Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Sauce
Pork tenderloin cooks quickly, so it’s perfect for weeknights. The maple Dijon sauce gives you a sweet, tangy flavor without extra work.
- Time: 20 minutes total time (not including pressurizing and releasing)
- Core ingredients: pork tenderloin, broth, seasonings, maple syrup and Dijon mustard
- Quick tip: Rest before slicing. Serve with maple Dijon sauce made right in the pot.
Get the recipe for Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin With Maple Dijon Sauce
15) Tender Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
These ribs are the perfect weeknight solution when you’re craving BBQ ribs but don’t have the time to make them. They come out tender and ready for you to add your favorite barbecue sauce. Or make my Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Time: about 50 minutes total, plus time to come to pressure
- Core ingredients: baby back ribs, dry rub, broth (or water), BBQ sauce
- Quick tip: Cut the rack into 3 to 4 rib sections so they fit well inside the pot and cook evenly. After cooking, brush with BBQ sauce. They are ready to serve or put them on a sheet pan and finish under the broiler for a caramelized finish.
Get the recipe for Tender Meaty Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Cook’s Notes
- Avoid the burn notice: After sautéing, add your liquid and scrape the bottom of the pot until all bits are scraped up. Those bits also add great flavor to whatever you are cooking.
- Tough meat: It usually needs more time, not less. Return it to the pot, close the lid, seal the valve and cook longer. Big cuts also do better with a natural release.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer using the sauté function to reduce the liquids, then thicken if needed. Never add a thickening agent to the pot before pressure cooking.
FAQs
Do I need a rack?
It’s also referred to as a trivet. Use it when you want to steam ingredients like fish and vegetables. Use for whole chicken, large cuts of meat or ribs when you want the heat circulating, and don’t want them simmering in their own juices and fats. The recipe directions are the best place to check.
Can I double these recipes?
Many of them you can. But don’t overfill the pot. There are clear markings inside the inner pot. You also don’t want to double the liquids, even with doubling the other ingredients.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
Don’t forget to close the sealing valve; don’t do a quick release for foamy ingredients as the liquids could splatter and cause burns; don’t overfill the pot; and if you saute in the pot, make sure to deglaze the pot before pressurizing.
