The Instant Pot can seem a little tricky at first, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re just starting out, we’ve got you covered with 19 simple recipes that will make your meals faster and tastier. Whether you’re cooking dinner after a busy day or trying something new, these recipes will help you use your Instant Pot with confidence.
Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This is a great way to make a filling, tasty meal without much hassle. With chicken, beans, and corn, it’s an easy and flavorful dinner that doesn’t take much time. It’s the perfect beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipe for anyone looking to make a delicious dish with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Meatballs and Sauce
Making meatballs has never been this easy. The Instant Pot helps create a comforting, homemade meal without the long wait, making it ideal for busy nights. This recipe is great for beginners because it shows how pressure cooking can bring out rich flavors with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Tomato Basil Bisque
A few basic ingredients turn into a rich, creamy soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. It’s a perfect way to see how easy the Instant Pot makes even classic recipes. Beginners will love how fast and simple this one is, offering a quick win for any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
A cheesy, creamy soup that feels like a cozy hug, but without the kitchen fuss. The Instant Pot works its magic, turning simple ingredients into a rich dish in no time. This is a perfect pick for beginners looking for a quick and easy recipe that’s packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes come out fluffy and smooth, all with minimal effort. The Instant Pot takes the guesswork out of this classic side, making it easier than ever to get perfect results. This recipe is beginner-friendly and shows how easy it is to make comfort food without much time.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
This hearty soup blends chickpeas and tomatoes into a creamy, flavorful meal. It’s a great way for beginners to see how the Instant Pot can turn simple pantry items into something delicious. With just a few ingredients, this recipe shows the ease of pressure cooking in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
French Onion Soup
A rich, savory soup that’s surprisingly easy to make. With the Instant Pot, beginners can quickly create a flavorful French onion soup without the long cooking time. This recipe is perfect for anyone new to pressure cooking who wants to impress with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
This lentil soup is both hearty and easy to make, making it great for those starting out with an Instant Pot. It’s packed with flavor and requires very little prep, which makes it ideal for busy days. Beginners will love how simple it is to create a healthy, satisfying meal in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Shredded BBQ chicken has never been easier or tastier. The Instant Pot locks in the flavors, giving you tender, juicy chicken with minimal work. This is a perfect recipe for beginners who want to make a flavorful dish that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Potato Corn Chowder
This creamy chowder is comforting and easy to whip up, thanks to the Instant Pot. It’s a great recipe for beginners who want to try something filling and flavorful without spending all day in the kitchen. The pressure cooker does most of the work, making this a no-fuss option.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork is a classic, but it’s so much easier when made in an Instant Pot. This recipe gives you tender, flavorful pork without the usual hours of cooking. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners who want to try their hand at pressure cooking without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Lemon and garlic come together in this simple but flavorful dish. The Instant Pot makes this meal quick and easy, perfect for those who are new to pressure cooking. This recipe is great for beginners looking to create a delicious, balanced meal in no time at all.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chicken Tikka Masala
Enjoy the rich, aromatic flavors of chicken tikka masala without all the effort. The Instant Pot makes this complex dish surprisingly simple for beginners. It’s a perfect introduction to pressure cooking with its bold flavors and easy-to-follow steps.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
This creamy risotto is easier than you’d think, thanks to the Instant Pot. No need to stand over the stove stirring—this recipe does the hard work for you. It’s a beginner-friendly dish that shows how the Instant Pot can simplify even the most traditional meals.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Chicken Paprikash
The Instant Pot makes this flavorful chicken dish quicker and easier than ever. With paprika and tender chicken, it’s a great introduction to pressure cooking for beginners. This recipe proves you can create rich, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Tomato Soup
A comforting bowl of tomato soup is just minutes away with the Instant Pot. This simple recipe turns basic ingredients into a flavorful dish that’s perfect for beginners. It’s quick, and easy, and shows how pressure cooking can make even classic recipes more approachable.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Homemade chicken stock has never been this easy. The Instant Pot speeds up the process, giving you rich, flavorful broth in a fraction of the time. Beginners will love how simple it is to make this kitchen staple, perfect for soups and other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Carnitas
Carnitas are full of flavor, and the Instant Pot makes them easier than ever. This recipe gives you tender, juicy pork without the hours of cooking, making it a great option for beginners. The Instant Pot’s efficiency shines through, creating restaurant-quality carnitas with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Beer Cheese Soup
This cheesy, flavorful soup is a great starting point for anyone new to the Instant Pot. It’s simple to make but delivers big on taste, making it a perfect beginner recipe. The pressure cooker helps bring the ingredients together quickly for an easy, comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup