The Instant Pot can make cooking feel easier, but it can also feel confusing when you’re just starting out. The settings, buttons, and timing can take some getting used to at first. These 29 simple Instant Pot recipes are made to take out the guesswork and keep things clear. They’re easy to follow and help build confidence while making everyday cooking feel more manageable.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon garlic chicken cooks into a juicy and flavorful dish with very little effort. The garlic and lemon blend into the meat while it stays tender and moist. The process is simple and requires no constant checking or extra steps. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that’s perfect for beginners who want steady and reliable results.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
French Onion Soup
French onion soup develops a deep, rich flavor without long cooking time on the stove. The onions soften and turn sweet while the broth builds a savory base. Everything comes together in a smooth and balanced way with simple steps. This is a delicious Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want classic flavor without stress.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Chicken Stock
Chicken stock turns rich and full of flavor using simple ingredients and scraps. The Instant Pot pulls out deep taste in a short time without hours of simmering. The process stays hands-off and easy to manage from start to finish. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners that helps improve many other meals.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stock
Carnitas
Carnitas come out tender and easy to shred with bold flavor in every bite. The meat breaks down smoothly while staying juicy and rich. There’s very little hands-on work needed during cooking. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that is perfect for beginners who want strong flavor with less effort.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken and rice soup cooks into a steady and comforting meal in one pot. The rice stays soft while the chicken remains tender and juicy. The broth develops flavor without needing constant attention. This is a no-fail Instant Pot recipe anyone can master fast for simple results.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Curry
Chicken curry turns tender and well-seasoned with rich, balanced flavor. The spices blend smoothly into the sauce while the chicken stays juicy. There’s no need for long simmering or complicated steps. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want bold flavor with simple cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Beer Cheese Soup
Beer cheese soup becomes creamy and smooth without standing over the stove. The cheese melts evenly into a rich and steady texture. The flavors come together quickly with very little effort. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want comfort food with easy steps.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Potato corn chowder turns thick and filling with soft vegetables in every bite. The ingredients cook evenly together in one pot. There’s no need to adjust the heat or watch the stove. This is a reliable Instant Pot recipe that’s great for beginners who want simple results.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Tomato Basil Bisque
Tomato basil bisque becomes smooth and creamy with a balanced tomato flavor. The ingredients blend together into a silky texture without extra work. The process stays simple from start to finish. This is a beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipe that keeps cooking easy and consistent.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Honey bourbon chicken cooks into tender meat coated in a sweet and savory glaze. The sauce thickens and clings to the chicken as it cooks. There is no need for extra pans or long cooking time. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want strong flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork turns soft, juicy, and easy to shred with deep flavor throughout. The meat cooks evenly while staying tender and moist. The process is simple and doesn’t need much hands-on work. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that delivers steady, reliable results in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Cinnamon Apples
Cinnamon apples soften into a sweet and warm dish with natural flavor. The fruit cooks evenly while the cinnamon blends in smoothly. There’s no need for extra pans or long cooking time. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that gives quick and consistent results.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup turns creamy and smooth with rich cheese in every spoonful. The broccoli cooks until tender while the texture stays balanced. Everything comes together without constant stirring or extra steps. This is a no-fail Instant Pot recipe that keeps things simple and steady.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Baked Potato Soup
Baked potato soup becomes thick, creamy, and filling with soft potato pieces. The potatoes cook evenly and blend into a smooth base. The steps stay simple from start to finish with little effort needed. This is a reliable Instant Pot recipe that gives consistent results every time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Chicken tortilla soup cooks into a bold and hearty mix with rich flavor. The chicken stays tender while the spices blend into the broth. Everything comes together in one pot without extra work. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that keeps cooking simple and stress-free.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup turns thick and hearty using basic pantry ingredients. The lentils cook evenly and absorb the seasoning well. The process is hands-off and easy to manage. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that works well for steady, filling meals.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken tikka masala becomes rich and creamy with well-balanced spice. The chicken stays tender while the sauce blends smoothly. There’s no need for long simmering or extra steps. This is a straightforward Instant Pot recipe that delivers strong flavor with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes turn out soft, fluffy, and smooth without boiling on the stove. The potatoes cook evenly and mash easily into a creamy texture. The process uses fewer steps and less cleanup. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that gives steady, reliable results.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Tomato Lime Chicken
Tomato lime chicken cooks into a bright and flavorful dish with tender meat. The sauce blends evenly while keeping the chicken juicy. The steps stay simple and quick from start to finish. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that works well for low-effort cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken turns juicy and flavorful with sauce that soaks into the meat. The chicken cooks evenly and pulls apart with ease. There’s no need for grilling or extra pans. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that gives dependable results with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup comes together smoothly and steadily with tender chicken and soft noodles. The broth builds flavor without needing long simmering or constant attention. Everything cooks in one pot with simple steps from start to finish. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that keeps things reliable and low-stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Chicken paprikash turns rich and creamy with a deep, peppery flavor. The sauce thickens as the chicken cooks and stays juicy. There’s no need for constant stirring or watching the pot. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that delivers steady results with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Risotto with peas and lemon becomes creamy without standing over the stove. The rice cooks evenly while keeping a smooth, rich texture. The peas stay tender, and the lemon adds a fresh balance. This is a no-fail Instant Pot recipe that makes a tricky dish feel simple.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chickpea tomato soup turns hearty and filling with soft chickpeas and rich tomato flavor. The ingredients blend together into a thick, balanced soup. Everything cooks evenly without constant checking. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that keeps cooking simple and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tomato Soup
Tomato Soup
Tomato soup becomes smooth and rich with a deep tomato flavor. The ingredients blend together into a silky texture without extra steps. There is no need to stand and stir while it cooks. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that gives consistent results with ease.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Meatballs and sauce cook together in one pot with rich, steady flavor. The meat stays tender while the sauce thickens around it. Everything cooks evenly without juggling multiple pans. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that keeps cleanup and effort low.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Baby back ribs turn tender and full of flavor in much less time than expected. The meat softens while holding onto a rich, savory coating. A quick finish gives a sticky, caramelized layer. This is a no-fail Instant Pot recipe that delivers solid results without complication.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Mexican chicken and rice cook together into a full, balanced meal in one pot. The chicken stays juicy while the rice absorbs all the seasoning. Everything blends naturally without extra steps or pans. This is an easy Instant Pot recipe that feels simple but complete.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Chai Rice Pudding
Chai rice pudding turns creamy with warm spice in every bite. The rice cooks evenly while soaking up the chai flavor. The texture stays smooth without constant stirring. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe that gives steady, comforting results.
Get the Recipe: Chai Rice Pudding