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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So many top fast cooker recipes
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thanks
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Just bought a instant pot. Looking for recipes. Thank you
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Working our way down the list- all have been good.
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Made to arroz con pollo just as the recipe read except used 2 10oz cans of rotel with fire roasted tomatoes. Easily the very best meal to come from my Instant Pot. Trying the other recipes soon. Thanks for the recipes!
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I have only discovered your site in the last 2 days. It is very inspiring, thank you. I have been looking for a selection of plant rich recipes to use and adapt for some time. As a person who has grown up with and followed traditional French cuisine, with rich sauces and an emphasis on animal proteins, I have wanted to explore Eastern flavours and spices, as well as to reduce my meat and fish intake to help lessen the impact on the environment. A guide or blog article, on the spices and mixed spice and herb ingredients that you use in your recipes, would be fascinating.
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So many good recipes here.
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Have made many of these- they truly are the best instant pot recipes! Love the Chicken Tortilla Soup!
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love these!
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All the recipes are amazing and super helpful, especially for new vegans.
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Awesome! great to hear! 🙌
Amazing!! Thank you so much. I actually look forward to cooking now!
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I cannot believe how delicious all of this recipes are, Sylvia! I have made 10 out of the 25, and every single one has been delicious! My husband has been calling me a gourmet now! 🙂 Our favorite dish so far is the Birria tacos. It was labor-intensive, but well worth it. Even during lockdown I’ve been able to find the spices or dried peppers I need online. Second favorite is the minestrone soup. Thank you so much for sharing. I love how you add notes to adapt the dishes for vegetarian or vegan, and how to cook them on the stove or Dutch oven. Just wonderful. La comida es muy rica!
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thank you so much!
So far I have made the Coconut Lentil Curry and the Borscht, both came out amazing!!! I want to try all of your recipes, the Moroccan Red Lentil Quinoa Soup is next on my list. I am sharing the meals I make with my roommate in quarantine and it’s been such a healthy and creative reprive, thank you for such a wonderful collection of recipes and clear instructions!!
Since we are not able to travel at this time, at least we can taste travel at home! Food has helped inspire my senses and imagine!
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THanks Erika!!!
fantastico Sylvia , me encanto tus recetas y te pido permiso para tomarlas y ajustarlas para mi cocina , gracias y muchos existos continuos
Sylvia,
I just found you….what an extensive vegan/ vegetarian recipe collection.
Absolutely fabulously taken photos, meticulous directions, and a DIVERSE SELECTION OF RECIPES!
I want to try every recipe.
Today, I am making the Best chili and broccoli soup.
😉 warmest quarantined regards,
Kim RN
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Thanks so much Kim- and hope you are hanging in there and staying healthy. My mom was a RN. I appreciate all the hard work you do, especially during times like this.
Very inspired by this- thanks!
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So far I’ve only made the middle eastern lamb stew (twice!) but it is SO good. Can’t wait to try the others.
(I was confused that the list of 25 recipes only goes to 20, but then I realized that some numbers are repeated 😀 )
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Great selection- thanks!
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Thanks Wendy! Appreciate this!
Thanks for all these fabulous recipes! We have been going down the list- so far all are great.
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Good to hear, thanks!!!
Thanks Sylvia! I have a mini (3 qt) Instant Pot, do you know if the cooking time changes compared to the 6 qt version?
Hi Matt-
Instant Pot Website says: 3 quart vs. 8 Quart Instant Pot
Keep cooking time the same
Adjust quantities of each ingredient
Use half as much ingredients for a 3 Quart
Use at least 2 cups of water-based liquid for an 8 Quart
That being said, mine is a 6 quart not an 8 quart.
I am working my way through these recipes…. and EVERY ONE has been great. Thanks for sharing such tasty recipes. Your directions are very clear too.
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With all this cold weather back these are very timely…Thanks as always your recipes, photos and explanations ROCK!
Deb
Your recipes and photos are awesome, I have forwarded your email to many people,
thank you so much
This is a very nice collection of recipes 🙂
Thanks for sharing.