Whether you just bought an Instant Pot or have used one for years, this curated collection of more than 25 easy Instant Pot recipes will inspire your next meal. Inside you’ll find reliable favorites like pulled pork, mushroom risotto, shredded chicken and more. Below you’ll also find practical guidance on Instant Pot pros and cons plus frequently asked questions to help you decide if this versatile appliance belongs in your kitchen.
I remember the pressure cooker my mom used when I was a child—it felt intimidating and was hard to clean. Years later, after culinary school, I learned to appreciate pressure cooking, but my old cooker still wasn’t convenient to use.
When the Instant Pot appeared, I was curious but slow to buy one because I already owned a pressure cooker. Once I tried it, I quickly stopped reaching for the old equipment.
The Instant Pot is user-friendly, easy to clean, and much more versatile. It does everything a traditional pressure cooker can do, but better: rice, slow-cooked meals, yogurt, steaming and more. It has become one of my most-used kitchen tools.
This roundup of over 25 easy Instant Pot recipes demonstrates how much you can do with the appliance. If you’re still deciding whether to buy one, read the pros and cons and FAQs below to learn more.
Instant Pot pros
The Instant Pot has many clear advantages. Here are the main benefits that make it a worthwhile kitchen appliance for busy cooks and home chefs alike:
- Much faster cooking. Dishes that normally take hours—like pulled pork and beef stew—can be ready in roughly an hour using pressure cooking.
- Hands-off convenience. Set the program and timer, and the Instant Pot does the rest. You don’t need to monitor it like you would a stovetop pot or roasting pan.
- Concentrated flavor. Because steam is sealed inside, ingredients cook in their own juices, which deepens and intensifies flavors.
- Multiple functions in one unit. The Instant Pot browns, sautés, steams, cooks rice, makes yogurt, and serves as a slow cooker—replacing several single-purpose appliances.
- Built-in safety features. Modern electric pressure cookers are designed with safety in mind; follow the manufacturer’s instructions and you should be fine.
- Easy cleanup. Most parts, including the stainless steel inner pot and lid components, are dishwasher safe.
- Keeps your kitchen cooler. Unlike running an oven or stovetop for long periods, the Instant Pot is contained and generates less ambient heat.
- Can cook from frozen. You can prepare meals like shredded chicken from frozen, though cooking times will be slightly longer and pieces should not be stuck together.
- Uses less liquid. Pressure cooking requires less water than traditional boiling—perfect for recipes like mashed potatoes that need only a small amount of liquid.
Instant Pot cons
While the Instant Pot is highly useful, there are a couple of trade-offs to consider:
- Added overhead time. For quick recipes, you need to factor in the time it takes the unit to come to pressure (often 10–15 minutes) plus natural release if the recipe calls for it. This can turn a short stovetop recipe into a longer overall process. For long-cooking dishes, however, the Instant Pot still saves significant time.
- Storage footprint. The Instant Pot takes up counter or cabinet space. If storage is limited, decide whether to replace other appliances—many people swap their slow cooker for an Instant Pot since it includes slow-cook functionality.
FAQs
An Instant Pot is an electric multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking with other functions such as slow cooking, rice cooking and yogurt-making. It streamlines many tasks into a single appliance.
The Instant Pot replaces several single-use appliances by offering pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming and more. The sauté feature is especially handy because you can brown ingredients right in the pot before pressure cooking, eliminating an extra pan.
For many cooks, yes. It speeds up long-cooking recipes, delivers hands-off convenience, and handles a wide variety of dishes—from beans and stews to rice and desserts—making it a practical addition to a busy kitchen.
Choose a model sized for your household and your typical recipes; a 6-quart unit is a popular middle ground. Look for a model with the functions you’ll use most and a straightforward control panel.
25+ Best Instant Pot Recipes
This selection of Instant Pot recipes is designed to be approachable for beginners while still appealing to experienced cooks. From staples like brown rice and black beans to comfort dishes like beef bourguignon and short ribs, these recipes show the appliance’s versatility.
Instant Pot Artichokes (+ Stove Top Method!)
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Instant Pot Brown Rice
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Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
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Instant Pot Black Beans (No Soaking)
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Instant Pot Chicken Wings
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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
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Homemade Vegetable Stock
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How to Cook Spaghetti Squash (Instant Pot, Oven & Microwave)
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Instant Pot Irish Beef Stew
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Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Instant Pot, Stove Top)
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Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
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How to Make Pumpkin Puree
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Explore the remaining recipes in this roundup for more easy Instant Pot ideas, including polenta, mashed potatoes, polenta, pulled pork, short ribs, curries, soups and more—each one tailored to make the most of pressure cooking’s speed and convenience.