19 Must-Try Instant Pot Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

Instant Pot recipes are perfect for saving time without giving up flavor. With just one appliance, you can cook soups, stews, meats, grains, and more in a fraction of the time. It’s a great option for busy days or quick weeknight dinners.

You’ll find a mix of classic comfort foods and quicker versions of meals that usually take hours. From tender roasts to creamy pastas and one-pot rice dishes, there’s something here for every kind of craving. Many of these recipes also use pantry staples, so prep is simple.

The Instant Pot is also great for batch cooking and meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, it can help you get meals on the table faster with less hassle. These recipes make the most of what the Instant Pot can do.

Instant Pot Shrimp

This method cooks shrimp quickly and evenly without drying them out. Whether you’re adding them to pasta, tacos, or salad, they come out tender and flavorful. A simple seasoning or a quick sauce can bring it all together. Ideal when you want something fast and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are filled with a hearty mix of rice, meat, and spices, all cooked in one pot. The pressure cooking ensures the peppers are tender without falling apart. You can top them with cheese or keep them simple. A complete meal that’s both filling and easy to prep.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

This version brings bold, spiced flavor without needing hours of marinating or grilling. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful, perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads. Pair it with rice, pickled veggies, or flatbread for a full meal. A quick way to enjoy a takeout favorite at home.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

Comfort food at its best, this dish is full of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich broth. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly and tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Great for chilly nights or when you need something cozy. Leftovers reheat beautifully too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles

Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

This veggie-packed soup is both hearty and light, filled with beans, pasta, and vegetables in a tomato broth. The Instant Pot cuts down the cook time while deepening the flavor. You can tweak it with whatever’s in your fridge. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

Instant Pot Stuffed Pork Chops

These chops are filled with a savory stuffing and cooked under pressure to keep them juicy and tender. They’re great for when you want something a little more special without a lot of fuss. Add a simple pan sauce or serve with mashed potatoes. A great option for weeknights or weekend dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pork Chops

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

A comforting stew filled with chicken, chunks of squash, and warm spices. The squash adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory flavors. It’s hearty enough for a main course and easy to make ahead. Great for cooler days or when you need something filling and nourishing.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

Instant Pot Spanish Rice and Pork Chops

This combo of tender pork chops and seasoned rice all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The rice soaks up all the flavors, and the meat comes out fork-tender. A great all-in-one dinner option. Simple ingredients, big payoff.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spanish Rice and Pork Chops

Tomato Lime Chicken

Bright and bold, this dish combines tangy tomatoes and lime with tender chicken for a fresh, punchy flavor. It’s quick to prepare and great served with rice, couscous, or tortillas. The citrus keeps things light while still feeling hearty. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Instant Pot Bean with Bacon

This classic comfort dish is made quicker with the Instant Pot, giving you tender beans and smoky bacon without the long simmer time. The flavors develop nicely and make for a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meal. Serve it with cornbread or on its own. It also keeps well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean with Bacon

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

This one-pot version brings together aromatic rice, spiced chicken, and herbs in a fraction of the usual time. The pressure cooker helps meld all the flavors without drying out the meat or overcooking the rice. Great for a dinner that feels special but isn’t complicated. Serve with raita or a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Sausage, peppers, and onions cook down quickly with the right amount of seasoning. Serve it over pasta, rice, or in a hoagie roll for a fast, filling meal. The Instant Pot cuts down the time while locking in flavor. A no-fuss option that works any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sausage and Peppers

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Sweet and savory come together in this quick chicken dish, thanks to a blend of honey, garlic, and soy sauce. The pressure cooker keeps the chicken tender while infusing it with flavor. Serve it over rice or noodles, and you’ve got dinner sorted. Easy to prep and great for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Chicken Potato Stew

This stew is packed with tender chunks of chicken and hearty potatoes in a flavorful broth. It’s filling without being too heavy, and it comes together quickly in the Instant Pot. Add some crusty bread on the side and dinner is ready. A good choice for cooler evenings or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Potato Stew

Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

These sweet and tangy meatballs come together with pineapple, sauce, and a quick cook time. They’re perfect served over rice or skewered as an appetizer. The Instant Pot makes sure they’re tender and juicy in no time. A fun twist on a classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hawaiian Meatballs

Thai Chicken Curry

This dish combines creamy coconut milk, spices, and tender chicken for a flavorful curry that comes together quickly. Add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and texture. Serve with jasmine rice or noodles for a full meal. Bold flavors without the long cook time.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

These saucy, flavorful sandwiches are quick to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. The meat cooks up tender and soaks in the tangy sauce perfectly. Pile it onto buns and you’re good to go. A nostalgic meal with a modern, faster twist.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

A savory Filipino favorite made quicker in the Instant Pot, with chicken simmered in a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and bay leaves. The result is tender meat with a bold, rich flavor. Serve it with rice for a comforting and easy meal. Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Classic beef stew made fast, with tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and a rich broth. The pressure cooker gives it that long-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. Serve with bread or on its own—it’s hearty enough to stand alone. Perfect for batch cooking or freezing ahead.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew