Starting with an Instant Pot can feel like a lot, but it doesn’t have to be. These 33 easy recipes are perfect for first-time foodies, whether you’re making a hearty dinner or a quick side. Each one keeps things simple, tasty, and stress-free. If you’re new to cooking or just want to try something new, these recipes are the perfect way to get started.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Tomato Basil Bisque
Whip up this creamy, velvety tomato basil bisque in no time with the Instant Pot. The fresh tomato flavor blends beautifully with fragrant basil, creating a delicious, comforting soup with minimal effort. It’s a perfect recipe for beginners who want something simple but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Cinnamon Apples
Treat yourself to these sweet and tender cinnamon apples that cook effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The apples soften perfectly, and the cinnamon adds just the right amount of spice for a warm, comforting dessert. It’s an easy option for beginners looking for a quick and delicious treat.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Stir up a hearty, creamy soup with this easy chickpea tomato combo that’s ready in minutes. The Instant Pot makes it simple to blend the rich flavors into a smooth, comforting bowl of goodness. This is a great beginner recipe for anyone wanting something filling without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, hearty potato corn chowder with almost no effort. The Instant Pot makes cooking the potatoes and sweet corn a breeze, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. This is a great choice for beginners looking for a satisfying meal with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Meatballs and Sauce
Make these juicy, tender meatballs in savory sauce with hardly any effort, thanks to the Instant Pot. Everything comes together in one pot, making for easy cooking and cleanup. It’s a beginner-friendly dish that’s hearty and full of flavor, perfect for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Say goodbye to the old stovetop method and make fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot. The potatoes cook quickly and mash smoothly with minimal effort, giving you the perfect side dish every time. It’s an easy and foolproof recipe for beginners looking for a simple comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Carnitas
Serve up juicy, flavorful carnitas with minimal prep time using the Instant Pot. The pork turns out tender and perfectly seasoned, ready to crisp up and add bold flavor to your meal. This is an ideal recipe for beginners who want something tasty with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Enjoy this juicy lemon garlic chicken with hardly any prep work needed, thanks to the Instant Pot. The chicken comes out tender, infused with the bold flavors of garlic and lemon, making each bite delicious. It’s a simple, beginner-friendly dinner option that’s both quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
French Onion Soup
Make this rich, savory French onion soup with barely any effort using the Instant Pot. The onions caramelize beautifully, and the broth becomes rich and flavorful without hours of cooking. This recipe is perfect for beginners who want to create a homemade soup with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Chicken Curry
Spice things up with this flavorful chicken curry that’s easy to prepare in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot locks in all the bold spices and tender chicken, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor without the long cook time. It’s a great beginner recipe for anyone looking to try something comforting yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Skip the store-bought broth and make your own homemade chicken stock in no time using the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot brings out all the rich flavors from the bones and vegetables, making a perfect base for soups and sauces. It’s an easy recipe for beginners who want fresh, flavorful stock without hours of simmering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stock
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Get ready to enjoy a creamy, comforting bowl of baked potato soup without all the work. The Instant Pot makes it simple to cook the potatoes and blend everything into a smooth, savory soup. This beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Whip up a hearty, flavorful lentil soup in no time with the Instant Pot. The rich seasoning infuses the lentils quickly, creating a thick and comforting soup that feels like it’s been simmering all day. This recipe is ideal for beginners who want a wholesome, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Pulled Pork
Make juicy, tender pulled pork in just a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot. The pork is perfectly cooked and soaked in flavorful seasoning, ready to be served in sandwiches or bowls. It’s a great beginner recipe for anyone looking for a satisfying meal with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken and Rice Soup
This chicken and rice soup is the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare in the Instant Pot. The chicken stays tender, and the broth is rich, with the rice cooking perfectly in just a few minutes. It’s an ideal recipe for beginners who want a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Make this bold, flavorful chicken tortilla soup quickly in the Instant Pot with hardly any prep time. The chicken, beans, and broth come together effortlessly, making a satisfying soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. This is a great beginner recipe for anyone craving a hearty, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Try this sweet and savory honey bourbon chicken made easy with the Instant Pot. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the sauce thickens to create a rich and flavorful dish. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners who want something easy but packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Tomato Soup
Enjoy a classic, comforting bowl of tomato soup made quickly in the Instant Pot. The tomatoes and seasoning blend together to create a creamy, rich soup without hours of simmering. This recipe is perfect for beginners who want a homemade soup without the guesswork.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This rich, creamy broccoli cheddar soup is so easy to make with the Instant Pot. The broccoli and cheese blend into a smooth, comforting soup that’s both cheesy and satisfying. It’s a great beginner recipe for anyone craving a filling, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Make creamy risotto with peas and lemon in the Instant Pot without the need to stir constantly. The rice cooks perfectly, while the peas and lemon add a bright, fresh flavor that makes the dish feel special. It’s a great starter recipe for beginners looking for something a little more refined without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Tomato Lime Chicken
This tangy tomato lime chicken is easy to make in the Instant Pot, with the chicken staying juicy and tender. The sauce is packed with zesty flavors from tomatoes, lime, and spices, creating a light yet flavorful meal. It’s an easy recipe for beginners who want something bright and tasty with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Chicken Tikka Masala
Enjoy a creamy, flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala made quickly in the Instant Pot. The spices blend together perfectly, giving the chicken a rich, bold flavor in just a few simple steps. It’s a great recipe for beginners who want a flavorful dish without spending hours cooking.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Cozy up with a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup that’s made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. The chicken stays tender, the broth rich, and the noodles perfectly cooked in no time. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that’s perfect for anyone craving a warm, hearty meal with minimal work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Get that bold BBQ flavor without turning on the grill with this easy shredded BBQ chicken. The Instant Pot makes the chicken tender and soaks it in tangy barbecue sauce for a mouthwatering meal. This is a great recipe for beginners looking for something simple but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Chicken Paprikash
Make this hearty chicken Paprikash with smoky paprika flavor in just a few simple steps using the Instant Pot. The chicken stays juicy, while the sauce thickens perfectly to create a comforting, flavorful dish. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that tastes like it took all day to make.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Beer Cheese Soup
This creamy beer cheese soup is rich and cheesy, ready in minutes with the Instant Pot. The beer and cheese melt together to make a cozy, flavorful bowl of comfort. Perfect for beginners, this recipe is easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Beef Stew
Get all the rich flavors of beef stew in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot. The beef becomes tender, and the broth is savory and deep, tasting like it simmered for hours. It’s a great go-to recipe for beginners who want a hearty meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew
Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice
Make a flavorful one-pot Cajun chicken rice in just 30 minutes using the Instant Pot. The chicken and rice cook perfectly together with bold Cajun spices, creating a satisfying meal. This is a great beginner recipe that’s quick and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice
Applesauce
Make fresh, homemade applesauce in no time with the Instant Pot. The apples soften quickly, and the natural sweetness comes through, making it a delicious treat. It’s a great recipe for beginners looking for an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy a homemade classic.
Get the Recipe: Applesauce
Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy
Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth roast beef with savory gravy, made easily in the Instant Pot. The beef becomes tender and flavorful while the gravy soaks up all the rich juices. This beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a comforting, no-hassle dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy
Chicken Shawarma
Try this flavorful chicken shawarma made simple with the Instant Pot. The chicken stays juicy while soaking in a blend of warm Middle Eastern spices for a tasty meal. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe perfect for those who want something different with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Make this tender, flavorful chicken adobo in the Instant Pot without the complicated prep. The chicken cooks in a sweet-savory glaze, capturing all the rich flavors of this Filipino dish. It’s a great choice for beginners who want to try something new with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Whip up this tasty chicken and rice dish in no time with the Instant Pot. The chicken cooks perfectly, while the rice soaks in bold Mexican spices, making for a flavorful meal. This is an ideal recipe for beginners looking for something easy and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice