What is the best thing to cook in an instant pot? Here is a collection of our 30 Best Instant Pot Recipes (or Easy Pressure Cooker Recipes) from around the globe! Fast, healthy, and full of flavor! Jump to the recipe card for our “go-to” BROTHY BEANS!
Whether you are looking for Vegetarian or Vegan Instant Pot Recipes featuring beans, legumes, grains, pasta or vegetables, or seeking heartier stews and meals made with chicken, beef, lamb, or seafood, we’ve got you covered! But first, you may be wondering…
What is an Instant Pot?
In a nutshell, an Instant Pot is a “modernized” electric pressure cooker. Particularly good for cooking beans, legumes, tougher cuts of meat, cutting the cooking time in half! The difference between a pressure cooker and an Instant Pot is that the Instant pot is electric and is self-contained, whereas a pressure cooker is manually heated on the stovetop. To see all our instant pot recipes, go here: Instant Pot Recipe Index!
VEGETARIAN & Vegan INSTANT POT RECIPES!
Here are some plant-based Instant Pot Recipes and Easy Pressure Cooker Meals. Many are vegan-adaptable!
Instant Pot Butternut Risotto! (Vegan)
Cozy up with a comforting bowl of Butternut Risotto with Leeks and Spinach made with very little fuss, in your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Vegan-adaptable and Gluten-free.
Instant Pot Tomato White Bean Soup Video
Instant Pot Smoky Tomato White Bean Soup (Vegan!)
Smoky Tomato White Bean Soup that can be made in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop using dry beans. Smoked paprika and optional Harissa paste give it a delicious flavor that will have you coming back for seconds. Low in calories, high in fiber, this soup is vegan and gluten-free.
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup with mushrooms and spinach– a healthy vegetarian soup recipe that is easy, fast and vegan adaptable!
Instant Pot Cuban Black beans (Vegan!)
A simple vegan recipe for Cuban Black Bean Soup that can be made in an Instant Pot with Dry Beans! Vegan and delicious!
Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff!
Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff- a Russian-inspired, instant pot dinner recipe that is so easy, yet hearty and full of delicious depth and flavor! Vegan Adaptable! One of my favorites!
Instant Pot Beet Borscht ( Vegan!)
Simple Borscht Recipe – an incredible vegetarian recipe for Russian-style Borscht- a healthy, vegan adaptable, beet and cabbage soup that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Warming and nourishing, Borscht is full of flavor and nutrients!
Instant Pot Indian Lentil Curry (Vegan)
Instant Pot Coconut Lentil Curry can also be made on the stovetop. Infused with fragrant Indian spices, this Instant Pot recipe is not only delicious, it is vegan and gluten-free! Topped with toasted turmeric coconut!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese– creamy, delicious, and crazy good, homemade Mac and cheese doesn’t get any easier than this!
Instant Pot Mujadra (vegan)
Instant Pot Mujadra – a comforting and healthy Instant Pot recipe that is made with lentils and rice, and fragrant Moroccan spices, served with caramelized shallots, fresh veggies, pine nuts and optional yogurt. Gluten-free and Vegan adaptable. Think of this as Moroccan comfort food!
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup is so creamy and richly satisfying with bright and spicy flavors. This vegan adaptable version is delicious as is or can easily be built upon adding chicken, more veggies and rice. An easy and fast weeknight meal!
Instant Pot Lentil Quinoa Soup (Vegan!) 
This Vegan Instant Pot recipe for Moroccan Red Lentil Quinoa Soup is made with very simple pantry ingredients you probably have on hand, plus it’s easy to make and full of really delicious flavor! Make this in an Instant Pot or stovetop. Great for weekday lunches too!
Instant Pot Chana Masala
This authentic Chana Masala Recipe can be made in an Instant pot or on the stovetop. A quick and easy Vegetarian dinner recipe that is full of amazing Indian flavor!
Instant Pot Vegan White Bean Chili ( vegan)
Vegan White Bean Chili with Jackfruit that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Vegan and gluten-free, this fast and easy instant pot dinner recipe can be made in 30 minutes!
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup ( vegan)
Instant Pot Minestrone Soup – a Tuscan-style recipe that can be made ahead and portioned out for midweek meals. Loaded up with healthy veggies, 2 kinds of beans and pasta, this version is vegan and gluten-free adaptable. But it’s the fennel bulb that makes this Minestrone Soup special – giving it a unique and delicious complexity, really elevating it!
Instant Pot Pinto and Sweet Potato Soup (Vegan)
Instant Pot Pinto Bean Stew using dry beans with corn, yams, and poblanos. A vegan-adaptable soup that only takes 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Instant Pot Polenta
Instant Pot Polenta – a simple Italian recipe and delicious base or side dish, perfect for oven-roasted veggies, sautéed mushrooms, Ratatouille, smoked mushrooms, or braised meats like short ribs or lamb shanks.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup ( vegan)
Make-Life Simple, Instant Pot Lentil Soup- w/ healthy veggies and Middle Eastern spices – vegan and gluten-free, this soup cooks in just 12 minutes!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes!
Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes– creamy, fluffy and light and can be made in 20 minutes! Boost their flavor with roasted garlic, goat cheese, or horseradish! Up to you! Vegan adaptable and gluten-free!
Instant Pot Recipes with Chicken!
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup – probably our reader’s favorite Instant Pot Recipe on the blog with just 25 minutes of pressure cooking and dinner is done! Simple and flavorful, this healthy dinner full of veggies and flavor and will make your tastes buds so happy! Garnish with avocado, lime and cilantro! Yum. Keto-friendly.
Instant Pot Arroz con Pollo
Instant Pot Arroz con Pollo – made in a fraction of the time! This Spanish version is infused with saffron and smoked paprika and full of amazing flavor! A simple delicious Instant Pot recipe!
Instant Pot Tom Kha Gai Soup
Authentic Instant Pot Tom Kha Gai Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) – a healthy, delicious and easy dinner recipe that can be made in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Vegan Adaptable! One of my favorites!
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas– Make it in the Instant Pot, stovetop, or in the oven with only 15 minutes of hands-on time. Make ahead on Sunday then turn this into tacos, quesadillas, burrito bowls or nachos during the workweek!
Instant Pot Wild Rice, Artichoke & Chicken Soup
This French-inspired Instant Pot Chicken Artichoke Soup with Wild Rice – a light, healthy and brothy soup with vegetables, wild rice and artichoke hearts with only 15 minutes of hands-on time! A quick and easy Instant Pot dinner recipe!
Instant Pot Mexican Pozole
Hearty flavorful, Instant Pot Mexican Chicken Pozole – made with dried Mexican chiles and hominy. A healthy, delicious, Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner that can be made in 30 minutes! Gluten-free!
Instant Pot Tikka Masala
Instant Pot Indian Tikka Masala, made with your choice chicken or chickpeas and veggies. Serve over basmati rice, or, for a low-carb, paleo version, serve it over a bowl of baby spinach!
Instant Pot Thai Chicken Curry
Instant Pot Thai Curry Chicken –that can also be made on the stovetop! This flavorful pressure cooker meal is full of healthy seasonal veggies and can be made in 25 minutes! Serve it over rice, quinoa or rice noodles – and save the amazing leftovers for lunch!
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken
A simple easy recipe for Shredded chicken that can be made in an Instant pot or on the stovetop. Use breasts or thighs, great for meal prep!
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken (that can also be made on the stovetop). This delicious recipe hails from Bali, and is perfect for the busy work week! Leftovers make tasty lunches! It is intentionally extra saucy for the rice and veggies you serve with it.
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken can be made in under 30 minutes! Cube it for rice bowls, or shred it for Asian tacos. An easy, healthy and versatile recipe!
Instant Pot Chicken and White bean Soup
Instant Pot Chicken, White Bean & Rosemary Soup – a healthy, delicious French-style, “country” stew that is simple, easy and flavorful. Lean and clean, it’s low in fat and calories while keeping you energized and satisfied all day long. One of my husband’s favorites!
Beef and Lamb Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Birria
You’ll love this authentic recipe for Instant Pot Birria, a flavorful Mexican Stew made with beef or lamb that can be made in an Instant Pot, Dutch Oven or Slow Cooker. Serve this in a big bowl with flavorful toppings or make Birria Tacos – the best!
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Get warm and cozy with this Instant Pot Beef Stew with Root Veggies- a hearty, comforting one-pot meal made in the pressure cooker, that is keto-friendly, easy to make and full of depth and flavor.
Instant Pot Middle Eastern Lamb Stew
Our Instant Pot Middle Eastern Lamb Stew is one of the TOP lamb recipes on the blog. It always turns out. 😉 Made with chickpeas and fragrant spices- it is a flavorful wholesome meal. Serve over quinoa, basmati rice or cauliflower “rice”. One of my favorite pressure cooker recipes on the blog- super tasty and easy. (Can be made with beef as well.)
Instant Pot Beef Chili (with Dry beans)
Instant Pot Chili with Dry Beans. This simple easy recipe that can be made with no fuss in an Instant Pot. Super flavorful!
Seafood Instant Pot Recipes
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Instant Pot Jambalaya! Delicious and easy, this flavorful jambalaya recipe can be made in an Instant Pot or on the Stove Top. You will love the depth of flavor here….super tasty!
What are the BEST things to cook in an instant pot?
- beans and legumes
- meaty stews
- brothy soups
- chicken
- lamb
- beef or tough cuts of meat
- mashed potatoes
- side dishes
- pot roast
- longer cooking veggies: beets, butternut squash, artichokes, etc.
- rice dishes
- curries
- potato soup
- chili!
What is the point of an Instant Pot?
- The speed in which the Instant Pot can cook dry beans and tougher cuts of meat is much faster than traditional cooking methods.
- The handy “saute” function allows you to brown the onions/garlic before throwing everything else in the pot – creating a more flavorful dish.
- The slow cooker and steam function.
- Easy cleanup. It’s just one stainless pot that needs cleaning. Fast and Easy.
Hope you enjoy a few of these Instant Pot Recipes this week! Let me know your favorites below! xoxo
Print30 BEST Instant Pot Recipes| Plus basic BROTHY BEANS
Our Best Instant Pot Recipes (and Easy Pressure Cooker Meals) from Around the Globe! PLUS a simple recipe for BROTHY BEANS! Make a batch on Sunday for the busy work week!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
- Category: Instant pot recipes, dinner recipes
- Method: instant pot, pressure cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry beans (soak large beans first-see notes)
- 8 cups veggie broth (or chicken stock)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 large onion, diced (or leek or shallots)
- 2 teaspoons dried herbs (rosemary, oregano, sage or thyme, or a mix etc) Or sub 1 tablespoon fresh
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 14-ounce can diced tomatoes (optional)
- ——
- a small splash of apple cider vinegar
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh herbs (Italian parsley, cilantro, etc) and chili flakes.
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the Instant Pot and give a stir.
- Pressure cook for 25-35 minutes, or longer, see notes.
- Let pressure naturally release.
- Taste and adjust salt, adding more if you like.
- Add a small splash of ( 1/2 -1 teaspoon) apple cider vinegar– this will add a nice tanginess.
- Serve with a drizzle of olive oil (or dollop of sour cream) fresh herbs, chili flakes (Aleppo is nice here).
Notes
Soak large beans in triple the water, 8-24 hours (pinto, corona, lima, red beans, cannellini, etc).
Smaller beans like black beans, small white beans, don’t necessarily need to be soaked but will help to remove lectins and perhaps ease digestion. If your beans are older, I do recommend soaking for more EVEN cooking.
Cooking times will vary depending on the size of the bean. Plan on 25-40 minutes pressure cooking time for most beans. Here is a rough guide:
- Unsoaked Black beans- 25 minutes
- Unsoaked white beans- 25 – 30 minutes
- Unsoaked Navy beans- 25 to 30 minutes
- Soaked Pinto beans- 25 minutes
- Soaked Cannellini beans-25-30 minutes
- Soaked Chickpeas – 25-30 minutes
- Soaked Kidney beans-30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2.7 g
- Sodium: 586.9 mg
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 51.1 g
- Fiber: 12.3 g
- Protein: 16.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: instant pot recipes, easy instant pot recipes, best instant pot recipes, vegan instant pot recipes, instant pot recipes healthy, healthy instant pot recipes, vegan instant pot recipes,
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Hi Sylvia.
I really enjoy your recipes.
However there is one thing about your website that gets in the way of enjoying those recipes and that is the videos that persistently pop up in a floating window.
After a while it gets really annoying having to wait for those videos to go to the x so I can close them and get on with doing the recipe.
If you could please make those voluntary and not automatically pop up, that would be great.
Hi Nic, thanks for the feedback- I really appreciate it. Are you on a smartphone or desktop?
Dear Sylvia ,
I simply love your recipes and wondered if you were thinking of producing a cookery book. I find it so much easier to follow a printed recipe.
With many thanks for all the recipes you do . If I had a choice of recipes to take in a hurry , they would be yours .
★★★★★
Hi Jenny and Thanks! Someday… they are a lot of work! 😉
This is marvelous
Hi Sylvia!
I make so many of your recipes, and have recently purchased an instant pot – late to the party, I know. Just wanted to say thank you for all of your work putting these together! They’ve been life savers for me as I try to keep things interesting at dinner time but also manageable time wise since I have two little ones. I recommend your site to so many people! I’ve made countless recipes, but I’ll have to post a photo and tag you one day!
Thank you again!
★★★★★
🥰 I appreciate you so much Pamela! Thank you for being here and for sharing!
The vegetarian stroganoff is phenomenal!
★★★★★
thanks!
Thanks for sharing all these Instant Pot recipes, especially the vegetarian ones!
★★★★★
Thanks Sheryl!
★★★★★
love and made many of these instant pot recipes!
★★★★★