Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, especially with an Instant Pot. It takes the hard work out of the kitchen, making it easy to whip up meals that taste like they took hours. These beginner-friendly recipes bring bold flavors and hearty meals to the table without the stress. Whether it’s soup, chicken, or a rich, comforting dish, these recipes prove that great food doesn’t have to mean a long, tricky process.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Lime Chicken
Bright flavors and tender bites come together in a dish that’s bold without being complicated. The Instant Pot does the hard work, letting the chicken soak up tangy lime and rich tomato flavors for a meal that tastes like it took all day. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Homemade stock doesn’t have to mean hours at the stove, thanks to the Instant Pot. It pulls deep flavor from chicken bones, creating a rich broth that’s perfect for soups, sauces, or just sipping. It’s an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want homemade stock without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Chicken and Rice Soup
A warm, hearty bowl of homemade soup is easier to make than you might think. The Instant Pot turns simple ingredients like chicken and rice into a rich, comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s a go-to recipe for beginners who want something filling and flavorful with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Paprikash
Tender chicken in a rich, paprika-spiced sauce sounds like something that takes all day, but the Instant Pot makes it simple. It locks in flavor while thickening the sauce to perfection, creating a dish that feels like a home-cooked classic. It’s an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a traditional meal without complicated steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Chicken Curry
Big flavors don’t have to mean big effort, and this chicken curry proves it. The Instant Pot helps the chicken soak up warm, rich spices while the sauce thickens into a bold, satisfying dish. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something packed with flavor but simple to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
French Onion Soup
Deep, caramelized onions and a rich, savory broth come together in a soup that usually takes hours. The Instant Pot speeds things up, bringing out bold flavors while cutting down on the wait. It’s a simple Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want classic comfort without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup that’s easy to make and packed with spice is always a win. The Instant Pot blends chicken, beans, and bold seasonings into a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s a perfect Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something satisfying with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Tender chicken with bright lemon and bold garlic flavors comes together in a dish that feels fancy but takes almost no work. The Instant Pot locks in moisture while infusing every bite with rich, zesty goodness. It’s an ideal Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want an easy meal that still impresses.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Tomato Soup
A creamy, comforting bowl of tomato soup is just minutes away with the Instant Pot. It blends tomatoes and seasonings into a smooth, rich dish that tastes homemade without the long cooking time. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a classic favorite without standing over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Juicy, tender meatballs in a rich, savory sauce don’t have to take all day. The Instant Pot makes it easy, cooking everything together so the flavors blend perfectly. It’s a go-to Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a homemade favorite without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Pulled Pork
Getting that smoky, slow-cooked taste without waiting all day is what makes this pulled pork so great. The Instant Pot keeps the meat juicy while breaking it down until it’s perfectly tender and packed with flavor. It’s a simple and foolproof way for beginners to make a crowd-pleasing meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Carnitas
Juicy, flavorful carnitas don’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot helps the pork soak up bold spices while cooking it until it’s tender and ready to crisp up. It’s an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a classic dish without the long wait.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Big barbecue flavor doesn’t have to come from a grill. The Instant Pot cooks the chicken until it’s tender enough to soak up every drop of tangy, smoky sauce. It’s a great recipe for beginners who want something delicious and simple with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this baked potato soup comes together fast. The Instant Pot blends potatoes, bacon, and cheese into a thick, hearty soup that tastes like pure comfort. It’s an easy way for beginners to make a filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
A thick, creamy chowder packed with corn and potatoes is just minutes away. The Instant Pot brings out rich flavors while cooking everything into a smooth, satisfying dish. It’s a perfect Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something warm and hearty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Sweet and savory flavors come together in a sauce that makes every bite of chicken rich and satisfying. The Instant Pot helps the sauce thicken while keeping the chicken juicy, creating a dish that tastes like takeout but is easy to make. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a standout meal without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Cinnamon Apples
Warm, spiced apples that taste homemade without all the effort make this the perfect easy dessert. The Instant Pot softens the apples while the cinnamon adds a cozy, sweet flavor that feels like a treat. It’s a simple Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something sweet without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Tomato Basil Bisque
A smooth, creamy bisque with bold tomato and fresh basil flavors is easier to make than you think. The Instant Pot blends everything into a rich, velvety soup that feels like it came from a café. It’s an ideal Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something flavorful without a long process.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes are easy to get right with the Instant Pot. It takes the guesswork out of cooking, making it simple to mash them to the perfect texture every time. It’s a foolproof side dish for beginners who want consistent, delicious results with no stress.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Smooth, creamy cheddar blends with tender broccoli for a soup that feels both hearty and comforting. The Instant Pot melts everything together perfectly, creating a thick, rich texture without the hassle of stovetop cooking. It’s a great pick for beginners who want a cozy, homemade meal without extra steps.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Making creamy, restaurant-quality risotto doesn’t have to mean standing over the stove, stirring for ages. The Instant Pot cooks the rice to a perfectly tender consistency while the peas add sweetness and the lemon brings a fresh, bright touch. It’s an excellent choice for beginners who want an easy, elegant dish without the usual effort.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Beer Cheese Soup
This rich, cheesy soup brings bold flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for a warm and filling meal. The Instant Pot blends melted cheese and beer into a smooth, creamy base that tastes like something from a pub but takes a fraction of the time. It’s a simple yet satisfying option for beginners who want a no-fuss way to enjoy a homemade comfort food classic.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A bowl of lentil soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with goodness is easier than ever to make. The Instant Pot infuses the lentils with deep, rich seasoning while cutting down on cooking time, giving you a meal that tastes as it simmered for hours. It’s a perfect choice for beginners looking for a wholesome, satisfying dish without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Thick, creamy, and full of flavor, this chickpea tomato soup is both filling and easy to prepare. The Instant Pot blends chickpeas and tomatoes into a velvety, satisfying dish that feels rich without being heavy. It’s an ideal option for beginners who want a simple but flavorful homemade soup that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Chicken Tikka Masala
Get the bold, comforting flavors of a takeout favorite without leaving the house or spending all night cooking. The Instant Pot helps the chicken soak up warm spices while the sauce turns thick, creamy, and full of rich flavor. It’s a great option for beginners who want an easy way to make a flavorful, homemade meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy
Tender, juicy roast beef, and rich, savory gravy come together in a meal that tastes like itis slow-cooked all day. The Instant Pot makes it easy to get melt-in-your-mouth beef while locking in deep, comforting flavors. It’s a great recipe for beginners who want a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy
Chicken Shawarma
Bold Middle Eastern spices transform simple chicken into a flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The Instant Pot keeps the meat juicy while infusing it with warm, aromatic seasoning, giving you tender bites in every piece. It’s a great recipe for beginners who want to try something different without complicated prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma
Applesauce
Fresh, homemade applesauce is easier to make than you’d think, and it tastes better than anything from a jar. The Instant Pot softens the apples while blending their natural sweetness with just the right touch of spice. It’s a perfect choice for beginners looking for a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy a classic homemade treat.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce
Beef Stew
Hearty beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth come together in a stew that feels like a classic home-cooked meal. The Instant Pot locks in deep flavors while cutting down the cooking time, making it taste like it simmered for hours. It’s a go-to recipe for beginners who want a satisfying, comforting dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew