• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tidbits-Marci.com

Inspiration for Tasty Living

  • Home
  • About
    • About Me
    • Work with me
    • Media Kit
    • Disclosure and Policy
  • Recipes Index
  • Instant Pot Basics
  • Shop
  • Contact
You are at Home and DIY
Home and DIY
Food and recipes
You are at Home and DIY

You are here: Home / Recipes by Category / Entrees/Main Dishes / Easy Instant Pot Recipes

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

August 27, 2020

Last modified on July 14th, 2021

65 shares
FREE EMAIL BONUS
5 Expert Instant Pot Tricks
HOW TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH THE INSTANT POT
collage of easy instant pot recipes
collage of easy instant pot recipes
collage of easy instant pot recipes

The electric pressure cooker, AKA Instant Pot, is making meal planning and dinner time easier and quicker than ever before!  Read on for my favorite Easy Instant Pot Meals that are also healthy and 10 out of 10 DELICIOUS!


collage of easy instant pot recipes

Why do you own an Instant Pot?

I’m guessing it’s one of 3 things:

  1. It’s been the #1 Black Friday Sale item for the past 10 years and you simply couldn’t miss out on the deal.
  2. It was gifted to you by some awesome person that bought 5 of them when they went on sale for Black Friday
  3. Your neighbor/friend/family member has an Instant Pot and tells you every day what she made in it (and yes, I’m that person that talks to much about it)

I think that should pretty much cover it, right?!

No matter how you came to own an Instant Pot (or other brand of electric pressure cooker), most of us have fallen in love with it for one big reason:

THE INSTANT POT MAKES COOKING SO MUCH EASIER!

I started using mine almost daily after my twins were born, and I’ve never looked back.

HOW DOES THE INSTANT POT MAKE COOKING EASIER?

Faster Cooking:  Who’s got the patience for a slow cooker anymore!  In other words, who has the ambition to prep dinner while you’re frantically trying to get through morning breakfast, carpool, chores, etc.  

Hands-Off Cooking:  There is nothing more satisfying than filling your pressure cooker with food, pressing a few buttons, and walking away.  Food that cooks itself!  Isn’t that everyone’s dream?!

Less Clean-Up:  Since an Instant Pot can saute, simmer, brown, AND pressure cook, you only have to dirty the one pot.  This means fewer dishes and a cleaner kitchen – YES!  Also my dream!

 

To help you fully discover and enjoy the beauty of easy recipes in the Instant Pot, I’ve rounded up my favorite recipes on the blog for:

(click to skip to each section)

  • Instant Pot Breakfast
  • Instant Pot Dinner
  • Instant Pot Side Dishes

My hope is that this page can become the first place you look when you need life to be more simple and easy, but still incredibly tasty.  

Because in my book, “EASY” does not translate to “GROSS” or “BORING”.  Oh no, life is too wonderful for any meal to be sub-par.

 

Let’s get started!

EASY INSTANT POT BREAKFAST RECIPES

(click on any of the titles to skip to each recipe – Total recipe time in brackets at the end)

Instant Pot Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal (50 min)

Instant Pot Strawberries and Cream Steel Cut Oats (45 min)

Instant Pot Poached Egg (10 min)

Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole in a Jar (30 min)

Instant Pot Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal (25 min)

Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal (40 min)

Instant Pot Stuffed French Toast with Blueberries and Cream Cheese (55 min)

Instant Pot Healthy Egg Bites (30 min)

Instant Pot Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats (35 min)

Instant Pot Cinnamon Cream Syrup (20 min)

  

Instant Pot Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal

banana oatmeal with bananas, milk and chocolate chips

This recipe was created by my daughter and is the crowd favorite at my house.  It comes together quickly and is so simple, young kids can do it (or help).

Total Recipe Time: 50 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Pumpkin Banana Oatmeal recipe.

More Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipes:

  • Instant Pot Carrot Cake Oatmeal
  • Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Strawberries and Cream Steel Cut Oats 

Bowl of steel cut oats with strawberries, cream, and chocolate

Creamy, dreamy, and ever so slightly pink, this filling oatmeal can cook while you get ready in the morning!  And who doesn’t love strawberries and cream together?  YUM!

Total Recipe Time: 45 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Strawberry and Cream Steel Cut Oats

More Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipes:

  • Pressure Cooker Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats
  • Pressure Cooker Banana Custard Steel Cut Oats

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Poached Egg 

Instant Pot Easy Poached Egg on top of an English muffin

Most people don’t consider poached eggs “easy”, but in the pressure cooker, they cook themselves and come out perfect every time.  Make 1 or make 7! 

Total Recipe Time: 10 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Poached Egg

More Instant Pot Egg Recipes:

  • Perfect No Break Pressure Cooker Hard Boiled Eggs

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole in a Jar

Breakfast Casserole layered in mason jar

This mason jar breakfast is an “all in one” kind of breakfast and allows for every member of the family to customize their own dish.

Total Recipe Time: 30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole in a Jar

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal

white bowl of steel cut oats with apples cinnamon and syrup

Perfectly sweet and creamy with the maple cinnamon flavors we all love in oatmeal!

Total Recipe Time: 25 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal

Baking dish with blueberry oatmeal and sliced almonds on top

This “baked” oatmeal is unlike any you’ve ever had.  Think custard meets oatmeal.  It almost feels like dessert!

Total Recipe Time: 40 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Stuffed French Toast with Blueberries and Cream Cheese

Stuffed French Toast on a white plate covered in blueberry sauce

Forget stuffing individual slices of bread, this is a one-pot french toast “bake” filled with sweetened cream cheese and blueberries.

Total Recipe Time: 55 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Stuffed French Toast with Blueberry and Cream Cheese

More Instant Pot French Toast Recipe:

  • Instant Pot French Toast Casserole

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Healthy Egg Bites

Pressure Cooker Healthy Denver Style Sous Vide Eggs stacked on a white plate next to a red sauce

These are so easy to throw together, and can be stored in the fridge all week for an easy, nutritious breakfast.

Total Recipe Time: 30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Healthy Egg Bites

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats

Top down shot of mason jar steel cut oats

 

My kids love this customizable oatmeal recipe, and I love that it’s one jar to clean up. 

Total Recipe Time: 35 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Mason Jar Steel Oats

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

Instant Pot Cinnamon Cream Syrup

Cinnamon Syrup in a white cup on a white plate with pancakes in the background

This is my go-to breakfast topping for pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, etc etc.  Creamy, full cinnamon flavor, and it coats a stack of waffles like a dream.

Total Recipe Time: 20 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Cinnamon Cream Syrup

Go back to Instant Pot Breakfast ideas

 

EASY INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

(click on any of the titles to skip to each recipe – Total recipe time in brackets at the end)

Instant Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta (30 min)

Instant Pot Caribbean Chicken Salad (20 min)

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak (40 min)

Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup (60 min)

Instant Pot Meatball Sub (35 min)

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich (15 min)

Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken (45 min)

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas (40 min)

Instant Pot Tamale Pie (60 min)

Instant Pot Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps (30 min)

 

Instant Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

fork of pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and pesto

This one-pot meal includes your meat, whole grains, and vegetable.  Top it with fresh pesto for an extra special treat.

Total Recipe Time:  30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

More Instant Pot Pasta Recipe:

  • Pressure Cooker Fettucine Cauliflower Alfredo
  • Pressure Cooker Sweet Corn and Tomate Pasta
  • Pressure Cooker Pizza Mac and Cheese

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Caribbean Chicken Salad

bowl of spinach salad with chicken, bell peppers, mandarin oraanges, and cheese with a bowl of cashews

This bright, citrusy salad is my all-time favorite!  All of the ingredients can be prepped and stored in the fridge so they can be thrown together in minutes at mealtime.

Total Recipe Time:  20 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Caribbean Chicken Salad

More Instant Pot Salad Recipes:

  • Pressure Cooker Blue Cheese Cheesecake and Strawberry Spinach Salad
  • Classic Italian Pasta Salad

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak

Philly Cheesesteak held in hands

Who says a cheesesteak has to be complicated?  Tender, juicy meat, giant pile of veggies, gooey cheese . . . this sandwich is my heaven.

Total Recipe Time:  40 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Philly Cheesesteak

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

Top shot of creamy enchilada soup in a white bowl

Don’t even try and tell me this “soup is not a meal.”  This one is loaded with hidden veggies and is meant to be stacked to the ceiling with toppings.

Total Recipe Time:  60 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup

More Instant Pot Soup Recipes:

  • Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup
  • Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Soup

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Meatball Sub

meatball sandwich cut in half on a white plate with basil

This tomato sauce is downright drinkable!  To make it even easier, grab a bag of frozen meatballs from the store.

Total Recipe Time:  35 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Meatball Sub

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich

French dip sandwich on a plate with chips and horseradish sauce

If you love to dunk a french dip like I do, this is going to be your new favorite!  The au jus is so flavorful and the meat is fall-apart tender.

Total Recipe Time:  15 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot French Dip Sandwich

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken

Instant Pot Mexican Inspired Healthy Crack Chicken in a bowl

This is my favorite shredded chicken and can be used for tacos, salads, quesadilla, taquitos, and so much more.  It’s not often I don’t have a batch ready to go in my freezer.

Total Recipe Time: 45 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken

More Instant Pot Chicken Recipes:

  • Instant Pot Chicken Ricotta Meatballs
  • Instant Pot Easy Chicken Pot Pie
  • Instant Pot Caprese Chicken

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas on a plate with peppers and onions

If you want juicy, flavorful fajitas, but don’t want to light up the grill – THIS IS FOR YOU!  You won’t miss that smoky char for a second.

Total Recipe Time:  40 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

More Instant Pot Beef Recipes:

  • Pepperoncini Beef Baked Egg Rolls
  • Pressure Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage with Horseradish Cream Sauce

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Tamale Pie

Slice of tamale pie with sour cream and green salsa over top

We all love tamales, but sometimes (all the time) we don’t love rolling them.  Solution?  Turn it into a pie!  Easier, quicker, and quite honestly, it tastes even better than tamales.

Total Recipe Time:  60 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Tamale Pie

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas

 

Instant Pot Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Instant Pot Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps on a white plate with limes

Max flavor PF Changs copy cat here!  You’ll munch your way through a head of lettuce in no time!

Total Recipe Time:  30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Go back to Instant Pot Dinner Ideas


  

EASY INSTANT POT SIDE DISH RECIPES

(click on any of the titles to skip to each recipe – Total recipe time in brackets at the end)

Instant Pot Lemon Kale (8 min)

Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots (15 min)

Instant Pot Caramelized Onions (30 min)

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob (10 min)

Instant Pot Salt Potatoes (15 min)

Instant Pot Creamy Vegetable Medley (10 min)

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole (75 min)

Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes (30 min)

Instant Pot Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread (55 min)

Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes (30 min)

 

Instant Pot Lemon Kale 

kale with lemon and parmesan in a white bowl

If you think you don’t like kale, YOU’RE WRONG!  Cook it till tender and toss it with lemon.  You’ll become a believer in no time.

Total Recipe Time: 8 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Lemon Kale

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots

honey glazed carrots in a white bowl topped with an orange wedge and parsley

The glaze on these carrots is DIVINE!  I don’t typically fall in love with carrots, but this one is a must-try!

Total Recipe Time:  15 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Honey Glazed Carrots

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Caramelized Onions

White bowl with caramelized onions

These onions can be prepared in a fraction of the time of stovetop caramelized onions and are perfect for topping sandwiches, pizza, tacos, etc.

Total Recipe Time:  30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Caramelized Onions

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob on a wood cutting board

Who wants to boil water these days?  Toss those cobs into the pressure cooker and they’ll come out perfectly sweet and crisp every time.

Total Recipe Time:  10 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

More Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes:

  • How to Cook a Whole Butternut Squash in an Instant Pot
  • Instant Pot Smashed Potatoes

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Salt Potatoes

Purple, yellow, and white potatoes on a white plate with a creamy sauce

These potatoes are a delight to eat!  Salty, crisp on the outside, creamy soft on the inside.  Serve with butter or ranch and you’ll eat the whole batch for dinner.

Total Recipe Time:  15 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Salt Potatoes

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Creamy Vegetable Medley

Carrots, broccoli, carrots in a cheese sauce on a white plate

I love vegetables, but coat them in a creamy cheese sauce and you have one happy mama.  This might be my favorite side dish on the entire blog.

Total Recipe Time:  10 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Creamy Vegetable Medley

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Pressure Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole in a serving dish

I make this casserole every year for Thanksgiving and always ask myself, “Why aren’t these on monthly rotation?”  Bonus: they are far healthier than any other sweet potato casserole you’ve ever had.

Total Recipe Time:  75 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Sweet Potatoe Casserole

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of creamy mashed potatoes with butter

Garlic and herb flavors turn these mashed potatoes into the star dish at any table.  Step aside pot roast!

Total Recipe Time: 30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Pressure Cooker Jalapano Cheddar Cornbread is crispy, moist, and speckled with red and green

SAVORY cornbread is my favorite kind of cornbread, and this cheesy, colorful version is moist and full flavor!

Total Recipe Time:  55 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes in a white casserole dish

Remember when scalloped potatoes were an all-day ordeal?  Not with the Instant Pot.  Cheesy, hot, and ready to go in less than 30!

Total Recipe Time: 30 mins

Click here to access the Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Go back to Instant Pot Side Dish Ideas

 

I hope this list makes your life easier and tastier!  I treasure meal time with my friends and family so much and these recipes make it that much more enjoyable.

What are your favorite easy dishes in the Instant Pot?  Have you already fallen in love with some of the recipes I listed?  I truly hope you discover some new favorites!

Be sure to save, print, or Pin this page and recipes for more enjoyable mealtimes in the future!

collage of easy instant pot recipes

Marci at Tidbits
Marci

Welcome! I’m Marci, wife to my motorcycle dream man and mother of 3. I have a passion for creating and cooking delicious masterpieces in my kitchen and am ecstatic to share my discoveries on TIDBITS! I like my food tasty, wholesome, memorable, and always, ALWAYS followed by dark, salty chocolate.

I love to see what you're cooking from my blog! Show me your creations on Instagram using hashtag #MARCITIDBITS
For more TIDBITS food talk, join me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube

FREE EMAIL BONUS
5 Expert Instant Pot Tricks
HOW TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY WITH THE INSTANT POT
65 shares

Leave a Comment

You might also like

  • TIDBITS Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes of 2021TIDBITS Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes of 2021
  • Instant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich with Slaw and Lime AioliInstant Pot Pulled Pork Sandwich with Slaw and Lime Aioli
  • Instant Pot Zucchini Tortellini SoupInstant Pot Zucchini Tortellini Soup
  • Instant Pot Creamy Ravioli Butternut Squash SoupInstant Pot Creamy Ravioli Butternut Squash Soup

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Marci at Tidbits
Pressure Cooker Freezer Meals - TIDBITS Marci

Reader Favorites

  • instant pot breakfast casserole on a plate with toast Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole in a Jar
  • Three bowls of pressure cooker pasta in a row How to Cook Pasta in the Instant Pot – The Perfect Formula
  • Instant Pot Pot Roast on plate with mashed potato and biscuit Instant Pot Pot Roast (Tender + Flavorful)
  • Instant Pot Mexican Inspired Healthy Crack Chicken in a bowl Instant Pot Healthy Crack Chicken
  • Oatmeal muffins in a basket with a blue cloth Instant Pot Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins AKA BeeBo Bites
  • Instant Pot Steak Fajitas on a plate with peppers and onions Instant Pot Easy Steak Fajitas

Instant Pot Freezer Meals

  • Frozen meals in a bag with ribbons Instant Pot Freezer Meal Gift Ideas with Free Printables
  • butternut squash soup in a white bowl with peanuts and basil Instant Pot Healthy Butternut Squash Soup with a Thai Twist
  • Instant Pot Chipotle Peach BBQ Ribs on a plate Instant Pot Chipotle Peach BBQ Ribs
  • Top shot of creamy enchilada soup in a white bowl Instant Pot Chicken Enchilada Soup
  • two instant pot tamales on a plate Instant Pot Tamales – Healthy Version
  • Philly Cheesesteak on a wood cutting board Instant Pot Easy Philly Cheesesteak

free email bonus

5 Expert Instant Pot Tricks

How to save time and money
with the Instant Pot
Our digital ecookbook, get your copy now for all your devices.

Archives

Country Living - TIDBITS Marci
Instant Pot - TIDBITS Marci
Today - TIDBITS Marci
Daily Burn - TIDBITS Marci
Pure Wow - TIDBITS Marci

Footer

TIDBITS Marci

free email bonus

5 Expert Instant Pot Tricks

How to save time and money with the Instant Pot


 

Copyright © 2023 · Tidbits on Genesis Framework · Disclosure and Privacy Policy · WordPress · Log in

65 shares