Busy nights do not have to mean skipping a homemade meal. These 25 easy slow cooker and Instant Pot recipes let the pot do the work while you take a break. You can throw in the ingredients, walk away, and come back to a hot, ready-to-eat dinner. The recipes are simple, practical, and designed to help you get dinner on the table without stress.
Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken cooks quickly in the Instant Pot and is packed with smoky, sweet flavor. The meat is tender and easy to shred for sandwiches, salads, or baked potatoes. This easy-to-make dinner lets the pot do the work while you take a break. It’s a simple recipe that makes weeknight meals effortless and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato corn chowder comes together quickly in the Instant Pot for a creamy and filling dinner. Potatoes, corn, and bacon mix in a rich, flavorful broth that stands alone as a meal. The hands-off cooking lets you focus on other tasks while a hot dinner comes together. This recipe is simple, comforting, and ready in less time than traditional soups.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup is simple to make in the Instant Pot and comes out warm and satisfying. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vegetables mix into a hearty broth. The set-it-and-forget-it method saves time while giving a homemade dinner everyone enjoys. It’s a practical and comforting choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Slow Cooker Pork Chili combines tender pork with rich chili flavors for a satisfying dinner. Everything cooks together in the crockpot, leaving you free to do other things. The slow cooker develops deep flavor without extra effort or attention. It’s a hearty, easy dinner that works well on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Pork Chili
Carnitas
Carnitas cook easily in the Instant Pot and come out tender, juicy, and flavorful. The meat is simple to shred and works for tacos, burritos, salads, or on its own. This hands-off dinner lets the pot do all the work while you relax. It’s a satisfying and reliable recipe for a quick homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken is a dump-and-go recipe that makes a flavorful dinner in minutes. The combination of tomatoes and lime keeps the chicken bright and juicy. It works well for tacos, over rice bowls, or on salads. This simple recipe saves time while still delivering big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup comes together quickly in the Instant Pot with basic ingredients. Chicken, beans, and corn create a filling and satisfying dinner. It cooks while you focus on other tasks and is ready when you are. This easy soup is practical, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken Curry
Chicken curry is creamy, rich, and fast to make in the Instant Pot. Tender chicken cooks in a dairy-free coconut sauce that is full of flavor. The recipe handles the cooking so you can relax while dinner comes together. It’s a simple way to get a hearty, satisfying meal on the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Crockpot Chili
Crockpot chili is packed with meat, beans, and bold flavors for an easy, hands-off dinner. Ingredients go in the slow cooker in the morning, and a hot, ready-to-eat meal waits later. The slow cooking makes flavors meld without extra work. It’s a practical, comforting choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chili
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Lentil soup in the Instant Pot is hearty, healthy, and full of flavor. Lentils and vegetables cook quickly into a filling, nutrient-rich dinner. The hands-off recipe makes it simple to enjoy a homemade meal on busy days. It’s an easy, reliable dinner for anyone short on time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Perfect Pot Roast
Pot roast cooks slowly to tender perfection with vegetables and herbs in the crockpot or Instant Pot. The meat soaks up the rich broth for a satisfying, hearty dinner. Minimal effort is needed to prepare it, making it ideal for a family meal. This recipe is practical, comforting, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Pot Roast
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken cooks fast in the Instant Pot with bright, fresh flavor. The chicken stays tender while garlic and lemon create a simple, satisfying sauce. Dinner comes together without extra effort or stress. It’s a quick, flavorful choice for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Risotto with peas and lemon is creamy, fresh, and simple to make in the Instant Pot. Arborio rice cooks quickly while absorbing bright flavors from peas and lemon. This recipe gives a rich, comforting dinner without standing at the stove. It’s an easy, flavorful option for a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup cooks fast in the Instant Pot with tender chicken and soft noodles. The savory broth makes it a warm, filling dinner with minimal effort. Ingredients go in the pot, and a comforting meal comes out ready to serve. It’s a simple, family-friendly dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs simmer in a rich tomato sauce in the Instant Pot for a quick and satisfying dinner. The meatballs stay tender while the sauce develops flavor without extra work. It’s an easy meal to serve with pasta, bread, or on its own. This recipe is simple, filling, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Crockpot Mexican beef in masa cups is tender, flavorful, and easy to make. The beef cooks slowly with spices while the masa cups hold the filling for a satisfying bite. Dinner comes together with minimal attention and maximum flavor. This recipe is practical, fun, and works for quick meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpea tomato soup is creamy, filling, and cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Chickpeas and tomatoes create a hearty base that stands alone as a dinner. The hands-off method lets the pot do the work while you relax. It’s a simple and satisfying dinner option for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Baked potato soup in the Instant Pot is creamy, savory, and ready in minutes. Potatoes cook to tender perfection while flavors blend into a smooth soup. This hands-off recipe gives a filling, homemade dinner without extra effort. It’s easy, comforting, and ideal for weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
French Onion Soup
French onion soup cooks easily in the Instant Pot with caramelized onions and rich broth. Toasted bread and melted cheese top the soup for a classic dinner experience. The recipe is simple and hands-off, letting the pot do the work. It’s a practical, comforting choice for an easy homemade meal.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Garlic roast pork cooks slowly in the crockpot for tender, flavorful meat. The garlic-infused pork comes out juicy and satisfying for dinner. Minimal prep is needed, leaving the slow cooker to do the work. This recipe is easy, hearty, and perfect for busy nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Roast Pork
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork cooks perfectly in the Instant Pot, coming out tender and juicy. The meat is ready for sandwiches, tacos, or sliders without extra effort. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that makes dinner simple and filling. This dinner works well for families or casual weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Paprikash cooks in the Instant Pot with a creamy, paprika-infused sauce that’s rich and flavorful. Tender chicken soaks up the sauce while the recipe handles all the cooking. Dinner comes together quickly without extra stress or time at the stove. It’s a comforting and simple meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Beer Cheese Soup
Beer cheese soup cooks in the Instant Pot to a smooth, cheesy consistency with bold flavor. The combination of beer and cheese creates a rich, filling dinner without extra work. It’s easy to prepare while still delivering a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Italian pot roast cooks slowly to tender meat with vegetables and herbs. Ingredients go in the crockpot in the morning, and a hot dinner is ready later. The hands-off method saves time while delivering a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s a simple, filling dinner that works well for any night.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Italian Pot Roast
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs cook quickly in the Instant Pot and come out tender with rich barbecue flavor. The meat is easy to serve without a long oven or smoker time. This recipe gives the taste of slow-cooked ribs with far less effort. It’s a reliable and satisfying dinner for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs