Learning how to use an Instant Pot doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. These 17 simple and tasty recipes are great for beginners who want to make real meals without doing a ton of work. You’ll find soups, sides, and dinners that come together fast and still taste like you put in the time. If you’re just getting started, this list makes cooking feel way more doable.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Baked Potato Soup
Grab a bowl and fill it with creamy, rich soup that feels like it took hours to make. The Instant Pot softens the potatoes and blends everything until smooth without much mess. Try this comforting meal when you need an easy-to-make Instant Pot recipe that always hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup
Chicken Curry
Load up your plate with chicken that’s tender and packed with bold, warm flavor. The Instant Pot locks in the spices and handles most of the work, so you don’t have to. Save this dish if you’re looking for a flavorful Instant Pot dinner that’s simple enough for any beginner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry
Chicken Paprikash
Bring smoky flavor to the table with this easy chicken dish that comes together fast. The Instant Pot cooks the meat until it’s tender and blends the sauce to the right texture. This is one of those go-to Instant Pot meals that beginners can trust to taste great every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Tomato Soup
Keep it simple with a smooth bowl of soup that feels like comfort in every spoonful. The Instant Pot breaks down the tomatoes and blends everything into a rich mix without any stress. This recipe is a solid pick for anyone starting out with Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add some zing to dinner with juicy chicken flavored with lemon and garlic. The Instant Pot keeps the meat moist and makes the flavors stand out without any extra steps. Put this on your list if you need a fresh, easy dinner that doesn’t take much time.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Chickpea Tomato Soup
Make a thick, protein-packed soup that’s hearty and full of flavor without extra work. The Instant Pot helps everything cook down fast, so you get a smooth and tasty meal. This one is a great pick for new Instant Pot users who want something meatless and filling.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tomato Soup
Pulled Pork
Get tender, juicy pork that falls apart without turning on the oven or smoker. The Instant Pot makes the process faster and locks in the flavor with hardly any effort. Try this when you need a delicious Instant Pot recipe that works for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Chicken Noodle Soup
Stick with a classic that’s warm, simple, and always feels right. The Instant Pot keeps the noodles from turning soggy and cooks the broth and chicken in no time. Save this recipe for busy nights when you want comfort food without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
Carnitas
Make pork that’s juicy and packed with flavor without spending all day in the kitchen. The Instant Pot brings out the seasoning and leaves the meat tender enough to shred. Use this recipe when you want an easy Instant Pot meal that feels like a win.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Put together a bold and satisfying soup with hardly any prep work. The Instant Pot mixes chicken, beans, and broth into a full meal that tastes like it simmered for hours. This is a solid option for beginners looking for a fast, no-fuss dinner idea.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Skip the constant stirring and still get creamy risotto with a fresh twist. The Instant Pot cooks the rice just right while the peas and lemon keep it light and bright. Add this to your list if you want an easy Instant Pot recipe that feels a little different.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Beer Cheese Soup
Stir up a cheesy soup that’s thick and smooth with just enough beer flavor to keep things interesting. The Instant Pot melts everything together quickly and gets rid of the guesswork. Keep this one handy when you want something rich without spending too much time.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Mashed Potatoes
Make fluffy mashed potatoes without waiting for water to boil or scrubbing pots. The Instant Pot cooks them fast and helps them mash up smooth every time. Try this when you want an easy side dish that’s classic and quick to make.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Bring barbecue flavor to your plate without touching a grill. The Instant Pot keeps the chicken juicy and soaks every piece in tangy sauce for a satisfying meal. Save this for days when you need something easy and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Fill your bowl with rich, cheesy soup that feels comforting and tastes great. The Instant Pot softens the broccoli just right and blends it with melty cheese into a creamy meal. Make this your go-to recipe when you want something warm with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Tomato Basil Bisque
Put together a smooth soup with fresh flavor that comes together with just a few ingredients. The Instant Pot makes it creamy and rich without any long steps. Turn to this recipe when you want a comforting meal that still feels easy.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Lentil Soup
Get a thick and hearty soup with barely any chopping or waiting around. The Instant Pot softens the lentils fast and blends the spices into something that tastes like it took all day. This one’s perfect when you want a healthy Instant Pot recipe that’s easy to learn.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup