19 Instant Pot Recipes for When You’re Even Too Busy for a Slow Cooker (2024)

Since you’re on the go all the time, chances are you could benefit from an Instant Pot if you don’t already have one. After all, with over-scheduled days and endless commitments, who couldn’t use time-saving cookware that makes mealtime oh-so much easier? If you’re at a loss for what to cook in an Instant Pot, rest assured that you can pretty much use all your favorite beginner pressure cooker recipes in it. From cooking a whole chicken to serving up broth soups and stews, the Instant Pot will make your instant gratification dreams come true. Check out more recipes below that’ll get dinner on the table quick.

1. Instant Pot Buttery Lemon Chicken: So you forgot to thaw your chicken again. With your new cooking gadget, you can still get dinner on the table in 30 minutes. Yes, even with a frozen bird. (via Mama Instincts)

2. Comforting Beef Barley Soup: There’s nothing more soul-soothing than a big bowl of beef soup. Normally, it would take hours to get the stew meat to its most tender, but when you use your Instant Pot, you’ll be slurping on the couch in an hour. (via Little Spice Jar)

3. General Tso’s Style Instant Pot Shredded Chicken: Your favorite Chinese takeout order just received a quick homemade upgrade. Serve this saucy General Tso’s chicken over rice and you’ll be eating faster than the delivery person could get in the car. (via Pressure Cook Recipes)

4. Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Chicken: This versatile shredded chicken will help you prep meals for the whole week. Stir it into mini omelets, make a zesty chicken salad, and spice up Taco Tuesday all before your nails dry. (via Rebooted Mom)

5. Instant Pot Beef Stew: This hearty Paleo beef stew tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove all day long. Serve to a pack of starving Sunday football fans and take every bit of credit for its amazing flavor. (via The Lean Green Bean)

6. Pressure Cooker Carnitas: Good carnitas are hard to come by, but you have the *secret* right here. Plus, they’re fork tender in less than an hour. Stuff the finished pork in empanadas and serve with a creamy avocado sauce for dipping. (via Buns in My Oven)

7. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: This super simple one-pot dish will be your emergency dinner savior. Throw in chicken, rice, and whatever veggies you have in the fridge and no one has to go hungry before grocery day. (via A Pinch of Healthy)

8. Instant Pot Chicken Paprika: As long as you have chicken and paprika (you do), the rest of this dish is up to you. Try it with frozen peas, rice, or potatoes for starters. (via Instant Pot Eats)

9. Instant Pot Ginger Garlic Drumsticks: Since the Instant Pot has multiple cooking settings, you can use it to fully cook your drumsticks and make sure the outside glaze gets perfectly caramelized. You’ll be *so* thankful you have this recipe when you’re entertaining. (via Living Sweet Moments)

10. Instant Pot Mongolian Beef: Flank steak that’s actually tender in 20 minutes? It seems blasphemous, but this Mongolian beef is just that and then some. (via Living Sweet Moments)

11. Instant Pot Potatoes: You know that moment when you’ve spent all this time slaving over your main course, only to realize that you overlooked the sides? When you have the Instant Pot, whole baby potatoes take a fraction of the time and no one will notice your forgetful blunder. (via Simply Stacie)

12. Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: Being sick is the worst, especially when you’re home alone. Make the recovery process a tiny bit easier by whipping up this insanely easy chicken noodle soup to soothe what ails you. (via No. 2 Pencil)

13. Instant Pot Wendy’s Copycat Chili: Fast food may seem like the only option when you’re short on time, but you deserve better. This copycat version of your favorite chili has wholesome ingredients and will seriously be worth the extra 10 minutes. (via A Night Owl Blog)

14. Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili: Using dried beans instead of canned and chicken thighs instead of breast mean you can make this chili for basically pennies. Use the cash you save to justify the purchase of your Instant Pot and you’re all but even. (via Allergy Free Alaska)

15. Asian Steamed Dumplings: As if the Instant Pot wasn’t versatile enough, you can also add a steamer basket to it and make Asian dumplings. That’s it — time to throw out all other cookware. (via Healthy Slow Cooking)

16. Turkey Meatball Stroganoff: Some nights call for major comfort food, and that’s where this luscious stroganoff comes in. Pour the meatballs and creamy sauce over egg noodles and your Russian grandmother might mistake it for her own. (via Skinnytaste)

17. Pork and Sauerkraut: You don’t have to stick to only eating the pork and cabbage combo on New Year’s Day. Reap the benefits all year long with this gut-loving bowlful of protein and probiotics. (via My Life Cookbook)

18. Cashew Butter Chicken: If you gravitate toward Pad Thai when you order in, this cashew butter chicken will be right up your alley. If you don’t care for cashews, feel free to sub in almond butter to your liking. (via Wholesomelicious)

19. Instant Pot Barbecue Ribs: Ribs are no stranger to the pressure cooker. But, with the Instant Pot, all of the drippings fall to the bottom and you’re left with lean and tender meat. Slather with your favorite BBQ sauce and finish in the oven until they’re finger lickin’ good. (via Cooking With Curls)

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