Learning to cook with an Instant Pot doesn’t have to be tricky or stressful. These 23 foolproof recipes are great for anyone just getting started and wanting meals that work every time. Each one is simple to follow, with clear steps and no guesswork. It doesn’t matter if you’re cooking dinner or making a quick side, these ideas help you build confidence in the kitchen fast.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Cinnamon Apples
Add a little sweetness to your day with these soft, cinnamon-spiced apples that taste like something grandma would make. The Instant Pot softens them perfectly and brings out the cinnamon flavor without much effort. This is one of the easiest Instant Pot recipes for beginners who want a warm dessert that feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Tomato Soup
Stick with something smooth and easy when you’re short on time and energy. The Instant Pot breaks down the tomatoes and blends everything into a creamy soup without any babysitting. This is a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something comforting and simple to get right.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup
Mashed Potatoes
Skip boiling water and make mashed potatoes that are creamy, fluffy, and full of flavor. The Instant Pot helps everything cook evenly and fast, so you don’t have to hover over the stove. It’s a foolproof Instant Pot idea for beginners who want a classic side without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Cook up a cheesy bowl of soup that fills you up and doesn’t take much work. The Instant Pot softens the broccoli just right and blends it all into a smooth, rich dish. This is a beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipe that’s perfect when you need something warm and filling.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Tomato Lime Chicken
Bring big flavor to your plate with juicy chicken cooked in a tangy tomato and lime sauce. The Instant Pot keeps the chicken tender and blends everything together without a bunch of steps. This is an easy Instant Pot dinner idea for beginners who want something bold but not hard to make.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken
Honey Bourbon Chicken
Sweet, savory, and sticky in all the right ways, this chicken cooks up fast and full of flavor. The Instant Pot does the hard part so the sauce turns thick and rich without a lot of work. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a dish that feels special but is easy to pull off.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken
Chicken Paprikash
Get smoky, tender chicken in a flavorful sauce without needing to fuss over the stove. The Instant Pot locks in the paprika and softens the chicken just right, so it comes together fast. This is one of those simple Instant Pot recipes that beginners can count on to taste great every time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Pulled Pork
Make juicy, shredded pork that’s full of flavor without turning on the oven or smoker. The Instant Pot makes it easy to season and cook until tender in less time than you’d expect. It’s a beginner-friendly Instant Pot idea that’s perfect for tacos, bowls, or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork
Baked Potato Soup
Fill your bowl with thick, creamy soup that tastes like you worked all afternoon. The Instant Pot cooks the potatoes and blends everything together with hardly any cleanup. This is a foolproof Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something hearty that doesn’t take much effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato Soup
Chicken Stock
Save money and skip the store by making your own rich chicken stock at home. The Instant Pot pulls all the flavor from bones and veggies in way less time than usual. This is an easy and helpful Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want to build kitchen skills with something useful.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stock
Chickpea Tomato Soup
Make a smooth, filling soup that’s packed with chickpeas and a little spice without any hassle. The Instant Pot does the work, so everything blends together fast with great flavor. It’s a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something healthy and satisfying that doesn’t ask for much.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Tomato Soup
Carnitas
Turn pork into a flavorful filling for tacos or bowls without needing a slow cooker or grill. The Instant Pot gets the meat tender with rich spices that soak in deeply. This is a solid Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something that feels like a win every time.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas
Meatballs and Sauce
Let the Instant Pot handle the tough part while you roll easy meatballs and simmer them in bold tomato sauce. It all cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick and dinner is full of flavor. This is one of the best Instant Pot recipes for beginners who want something that tastes like home.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce
Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Make creamy risotto that doesn’t need constant stirring or perfect timing. The Instant Pot helps the rice cook until smooth, while the peas and lemon add just enough freshness. It’s a foolproof Instant Pot dish for beginners who want something a little different without making it hard.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon
Chicken Noodle Soup
Stick with a classic bowl of chicken noodle soup that always hits the spot. The Instant Pot keeps the broth rich and the noodles soft without overcooking them. This is a simple Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want comfort food they can trust to turn out right.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Noodle Soup
French Onion Soup
Get deep, savory flavor from onions without spending forever at the stove. The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking and gives you a rich broth that feels like it came from a restaurant. It’s an easy Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something impressive but simple to make.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Add fresh flavor to your plate with juicy chicken seasoned with lemon and garlic. The Instant Pot helps the flavors soak in and keeps the chicken tender and moist. This is a smart Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something bright and easy that still feels complete.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken
Shredded BBQ Chicken
Make barbecue-style chicken at home without firing up the grill or smoker. The Instant Pot cooks it fast and leaves you with soft, saucy chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches or bowls. This is a delicious Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want bold flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken
Lentil Soup
Whip up a thick, filling soup that doesn’t take much more than tossing in a few ingredients. The Instant Pot gets the lentils just right and brings the spices together into a smooth, hearty dish. It’s a foolproof Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want a warm, healthy meal with easy steps.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Soup
Potato Corn Chowder
Serve up a creamy chowder that’s packed with soft potatoes and sweet corn in every bite. The Instant Pot cooks it fast and blends everything into a smooth, filling soup. This is a beginner-friendly Instant Pot idea that feels rich and comforting without needing fancy skills.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder
Chicken Tikka Masala
Bring bold, spiced flavor to your plate without all the usual steps. The Instant Pot blends the creamy sauce and keeps the chicken soft while cutting down on cook time. It’s a tasty Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want to try something different without getting overwhelmed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Get all the flavor of a slow-simmered soup without spending much time in the kitchen. The Instant Pot blends chicken, beans, and spices into something warm and ready fast. This is a great Instant Pot recipe for beginners who want something hearty and simple after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tortilla Soup
Beer Cheese Soup
Put together a creamy, rich bowl of soup with bold cheese flavor and a hint of beer to keep it interesting. The Instant Pot melts everything into a smooth dish that feels special but doesn’t take long. It’s one of the best Instant Pot recipes for beginners who want something warm, tasty, and simple to serve.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup