15 Instant Pot Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

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15 Instant Pot Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

Struggling with dinner plans? These 15 Instant Pot meals are your solution. Just toss everything in, set it, and let the magic happen while you relax. Perfect for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore. These meals practically cook themselves, so you can focus on more important things, like binge-watching your favorite show. And don’t worry about dishes—cleaning up is quick and easy.

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

An Instant Pot can whip up Instant Pot Tortilla Soup in a fraction of the time it takes on the stove. The ingredients meld together quickly under pressure, creating a soup full of rich tastes. It’s a one-pot meal that requires minimal monitoring, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Just add your favorite toppings like avocado, cheese, or sour cream to serve.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks.
Instant Pot Kalua Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Instant Pot Kalua Pork, you achieve the slow-cooked tender pork of a traditional luau in less time. This method traps in moisture, ensuring the pork is juicy and falls apart easily. It simplifies the cooking process by using just a few ingredients. Serve it over rice or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce revolutionizes the way you prepare this essential holiday side dish. Using the pressure cooker reduces cooking time and frees up stove space. This method enhances the cranberries’ natural sweetness and texture. It’s an easy addition that complements any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Preparing Instant Pot Pho at home allows you to enjoy a Vietnamese classic with ease. The broth gains depth quickly under pressure, infusing spices and flavors more rapidly than traditional methods. It’s a customizable dish where everyone can add their favorite garnishes. This brings a warm and comforting meal to your table in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Hummus

Hummus in a black bowl garnished with whole chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika.
Instant Pot Hummus. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Creating Instant Pot Hummus means no more soaking chickpeas overnight. The Instant Pot cooks them perfectly in a short amount of time. This method is not only quicker but also retains the nutrients and texture of the chickpeas better. Blend with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic for a creamy spread or dip.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

A mound of coconut rice on a black plate with ribs on the side.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Coconut Rice makes a flavorful alternative to plain rice. The Instant Pot perfectly simmers the rice in coconut milk, infusing each grain with creamy sweetness. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to curries. This method ensures fluffy, sticky rice every time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot Chicken Adobo brings Filipino comfort food to your kitchen faster than ever. This dish benefits from the pressure cooking method, which intensifies the garlic, vinegar, and soy sauce base. It’s a tangy and slightly tangy dish that goes well with steamed rice. Plus, it keeps well, making it ideal for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For barbecue-style ribs without the grill, try Instant Pot Spare Ribs. This method cuts down the cooking time dramatically while still delivering tender meat off the bones. You can finish them under the broiler for a caramelized exterior. Pair with your favorite barbecue sauce for a full flavor experience.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani.
Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani brings complex flavors to your dinner table without the complexity in cooking. Layers of rice, chicken, and aromatic spices cook perfectly in the pressurized environment. It’s a one-pot dish that saves on cleanup time. This Indian classic is now accessible for any home cook.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

With Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, you get all the flavors of stuffed peppers but in a comforting soup form. This dish is not only easy to make but also packs in nutrients from bell peppers, tomatoes, and ground meat. It’s a hearty meal that can be prepared quickly on a busy day. Serve hot, possibly with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Instant Pot Duck Confit

Overhead shot of a confit duck leg with orange sauce and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Duck Confit. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Traditionally demanding hours of your time, Instant Pot Duck Confit can be ready in a fraction of it. The high-pressure environment of the Instant Pot renders the duck fat beautifully, leaving the meat tender and moist. It’s an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. Pair with potatoes or a simple salad for a gourmet meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Instant Pot Applesauce

Easy Instant Pot applesauce recipe is so quick and easy.
Instant Pot Applesauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Making Instant Pot Applesauce at home allows you to control the sweetness and texture. The pressure-cooking method is not only fast but helps to preserve the vitamins and natural taste of the apples. It’s ideal for using up excess apples and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping. Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Refried Beans are a staple side that complements any Mexican meal. This method speeds up the cooking of the beans without sacrificing their creamy texture. You can customize the flavor with onions, garlic, and spices. These beans are healthful and rich in protein, perfect for vegetarians.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani takes the traditional layered rice dish to a new level with the addition of juicy shrimp. The spices meld under the intense heat and pressure, infusing the seafood and rice with robust flavors. It’s an all-in-one pot that serves as a perfect weekend treat. Every bite brings a burst of taste that’s bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Whole chicken with lemons.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cooking a Instant Pot Whole Chicken results in a juicy, perfectly cooked bird every time. The high pressure locks in moisture and cooks the chicken evenly from inside out. This method saves time and you can use the cooked chicken in various recipes throughout the week. Season as desired and enjoy a simple, fuss-free meal preparation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Whole Chicken

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