Instant Pot Recipes That Make Mealtime Easy, Fast, and Family-Friendly
Instant Pot recipes are a total game-changer when you need something quick, cozy, and totally delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you’re always on the hunt for meals that’ll please picky eaters and satisfy the whole crew, you’ll want to these family friendly recipes that make dinnertime a breeze.
From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, the Instant Pot is the secret weapon for getting a warm, hearty meal on the table fast.
Whether you’re craving comfort food like creamy pasta and tender pot roast, or looking for healthier options like veggie-packed soups and shredded chicken, the possibilities are endless.
You toss in your ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen—no babysitting required. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since most meals are one-pot wonders.
This is an easy way to get perfectly cooked, easy-to-peel hard-boiled eggs every time. It stands for 5 minutes of pressure cooking, 5 minutes of natural pressure release, and 5 minutes in an ice bath. Just add a cup of water, place the eggs on the trivet, and follow the simple steps.
The 6-quart or 8-quart is ideal. The 6-quart works well for small families or prepping a few meals, while the 8-quart is better for batch cooking and larger portions. If you want extra room for freezer meals or leftovers, go with the 8-quart.
Yes — but don’t double the liquid unless needed. The cook time usually stays the same!
The “Burn” warning happens if food is stuck to the bottom or there’s not enough liquid. Always deglaze the pot after sautéing and scrape up any stuck bits.
Yes! It’s great for frozen chicken or beef, but it may take longer to reach pressure. Just avoid large clumps that are stuck together.
Only after the pressure is fully released — either naturally or with a quick release. If the float valve is still up, the lid won’t (and shouldn’t) open.
Tips for Making Instant Pot Meals
- Always add liquid – Your Instant Pot needs liquid (usually at least 1 cup) to come to pressure. No liquid = no pressure cooking!
- Use the trivet – It’s perfect for keeping food (like eggs or delicate veggies) out of the water or for stacking ingredients.
- Don’t overfill = For safety, stay under the max fill line — especially with foods that expand, like rice or beans. For pressure cooking, fill no more than 2/3 full (or 1/2 full for foods that foam or expand).
- Sauté before you seal – Use the Sauté function to brown meat or soften veggies. It builds flavor and cuts down on extra dishes.
- Natural vs. Quick Release – Natural Pressure Release (NPR) means you let the pressure come down on its own — great for soups or meats. Quick Release (QR) manually vents steam right away — good for veggies or anything that could overcook quickly.
- Let it preheat – Factor in 10–15 minutes for the pot to build pressure before the cook time starts. It’s totally normal!
- Cut food evenly – Cut ingredients like potatoes, chicken, or veggies into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
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I am looking at getting an Instant Pot. I would use it often to make soups and chili.
I have been wanting an instant pot and this one sounds perfect for me.
i see a few recipes im going to be trying out !! thanks
Thanks for some great information. I have been wanting a instapot but just was not sure. Now I will feel comfortable with one
These all sound yummy! I want to try the corned beef recipe. 🙂