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60+ Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

By: Diana Published on February 27, 2026

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

You got an Instant Pot and you are excited to use it, but now you are staring at the buttons thinking, where do I even start? I felt the same way with my first Instant Pot. I loved the idea of quick dinners, but I had so many questions. Which recipes are actually beginner friendly? What is the easiest thing to cook first? And how do you turn a regular recipe into an Instant Pot recipe without guessing?

Instant Pot recipe collage featuring chicken tacos, chicken noodle soup, lentil soup, chili with toppings, crack chicken, and creamy tortellini soup.

That is exactly why I put this list together. These are my best Instant Pot recipes for beginners, with straightforward steps and familiar ingredients, so you can build confidence fast.

A quick note before you dive in: each recipe post has a recipe card near the bottom with the full ingredient amounts and instructions, so scroll down when you are ready to cook.

If you want extra help, I also put together an Instant Pot Guide that walks you through the most common Instant Pot terms, how to care for your pot, and timing tips so you can get consistent results.

And if you have a question about any recipe, leave a comment on that recipe post, and I will reply as soon as I see it.

The ones everyone should try first

1

Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Creamy, cozy, and better than takeout. This is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like the Instant Pot is basically magic.

2

Instant Pot Taco Pasta

A one pot pasta dinner with taco style seasoning and plenty of cheese. Great when you want something kid friendly and fast.

3

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs with simple timing you can trust. Great for a no stress dinner that still tastes amazing.

4

Instant Pot Ribs

Tender, saucy ribs without babysitting the oven. This is the recipe that makes people say, wait you made these in the Instant Pot.

5

a hand holding a cheeseburger with toppings that is on a homemade toasted hamburger bun.

Juicy Instant Pot Burgers

A fun twist when you want burgers but the stovetop is busy. Great for quick dinners and easy topping bars.

6

Instant Pot chicken Alfredo pasta

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

A one pot pasta dinner that tastes like comfort food heaven. Rich, creamy, and weeknight easy.

7

Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken

Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and that restaurant style vibe. It feels fancy, but it is surprisingly simple.

8

a slice of instant pot meatloaf on a white dinner plate with buttered potatoes and green beans.

Instant Pot Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

Classic meatloaf, but faster and extra moist. A great comfort dinner when you want something familiar and easy.

9

Whole cooked and golden chicken served on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

A whole chicken with minimal effort and lots of payoff. Cook once, eat for days, and use the leftovers for anything.

10

Serving pot roast with a serving spoon

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Tender pot roast with cozy gravy and serious Sunday dinner energy. The Instant Pot makes it doable any night of the week.

11

Instant Pot Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken

Sweet and savory chicken with a caramel like sauce. A simple dinner that tastes like you did more than you did.

12

a large spoon holding a scoop of creamy crack chicken with cheese and bacon over an instant pot.

Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Pile it on buns, spoon it over rice, or eat it straight from the bowl.

13

Pulled pork in a slider with slaw and pickles

Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Fall apart pulled pork you can use a dozen ways. Sandwiches, tacos, rice bowls, and meal prep all in one recipe.

14

Instant Pot Cube Steak

Comfort food vibes with super tender beef and gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes and call it a win.

Takeout style favorites at home

15

Instant Pot Fried Rice Hibachi

Hibachi style fried rice at home, fast. It is the perfect side that accidentally becomes the main event.

16

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

Sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. A quick way to satisfy that takeout craving at home.

17

Instant Pot Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Classic chicken and broccoli with a glossy sauce that clings to every bite. Perfect over a bowl of rice.

18

Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli

Tender beef, crisp broccoli, and big takeout energy. The Instant Pot makes it weeknight doable.

19

Instant Pot Firecracker Chicken

Sweet heat chicken with a little kick. Bold flavor, simple steps, and very snackable leftovers.

20

Instant Pot Hibachi Chicken

That hibachi style flavor without leaving your kitchen. Add rice and a drizzle of sauce and call it dinner.

21

Instant Pot Hibachi Steak and Vegetables

Steak and veggies with that sizzling restaurant feel. It is a fun change up from the usual weeknight routine.

22

Instant Pot Shrimp and Broccoli

Light, fast, and super satisfying. A great dinner when you want something fresh that still feels filling.

23

Instant Pot Spicy Cajun Pepper Shrimp

Fast cooking shrimp with spicy, peppery flavor. Serve it with rice or bread to soak up every drop.

Taco night and big flavor Mexican dinners

24

Barbacoa Beef

Rich, flavorful barbacoa that tastes like it came from your favorite taco spot. Perfect for tacos, burritos, and bowls.

25

Holding a chicken tinga taco with fresh avocado and finely diced red onion

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga

Smoky, saucy chicken with just the right kick. Perfect for tacos, tostadas, and easy weeknight bowls.

26

Instant pot chicken fajitas

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Peppers, onions, and tender chicken all in one go. Pile everything into warm tortillas and let everyone build their own.

27

Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos

Tender shredded beef with bold taco flavor. Load up your tortillas and do not forget the lime.

28

Instant pot steak fajitas

Instant Pot Steak Fajitas

Big fajita flavor with tender sliced steak. This one feels like a treat, but it is still easy enough for a busy night.

29

Mexican Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

The meal prep hero you will use all week. Make it once, then turn it into tacos, salads, bowls, and more.

30

Instant Pot Creamy Salsa Chicken

Dump, cook, shred, done. This creamy salsa chicken is the shortcut to tacos, bowls, wraps, and easy lunches.

31

Instant Pot Chicken Wings

Tender wings made easy, then finish them however you like. Perfect for game day or a fun Friday night dinner.

Cozy soups and chilis that always get saved

32

A bowl of chicken noodle soup with egg noodles on a wooden board in front of a loaf of bread.

Instant Pot Chicken Soup

The classic cozy bowl everyone needs. Comforting, simple, and perfect for stocking the freezer.

33

Creamy Tortellini Soup

Creamy, comforting, and loaded with tortellini. It is the kind of soup that eats like a full meal.

34

a white bowl filled with instant pot chili and topped with cheese and sour cream. Under the bowl are tortilla chips.

Instant Pot Chili

A big cozy pot of chili with deep flavor, without simmering all day. Perfect for game day or freezer meals.

35

two white ceramic bowls of instant pot lentil soup with spinach and carrots. Around the bowls are pieces of crusty bread and bay leaves.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Hearty, healthy, and super satisfying. This is an easy soup to make on repeat for lunch and dinner.

36

Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini Soup

Creamy Alfredo inspired soup with tender chicken and tortellini. It is cozy, filling, and very hard to stop eating.

37

Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup

Creamy without being complicated. A warm, cozy bowl that feels extra comforting with a little cheddar on top.

38

a bowl of creamy chicken stew with peas, potatoes, and carrots, viewed from overhead. there's a spoon in the bowl, and slices of bread next to the bowl.

Instant Pot Chicken Stew

A cozy chicken stew with tender bites and hearty veggies. It tastes like it simmered for hours.

Cheese, pasta, and kid friendly comfort

39

Instant Pot Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with a built in veggie bonus. Creamy, cheesy, and great for picky eaters.

40

Bruschetta chicken pasta served in a pasta bowl, with extra parmesan cheese and a fork on the side.

Instant Pot Bruschetta Chicken Pasta

Juicy tomato, basil, and chicken tossed with pasta for a bright, cozy dinner. It is like pasta night meets bruschetta.

41

Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

Ultra creamy mac with almost no stirring. If you want one recipe that wins everyone over, start here.

42

Instant Pot Chicken Mac and Cheese

Everything you love about mac and cheese, plus chicken to make it dinner. Comfort food that actually fills you up.

Sides that make dinner easy

43

Instant pot potatoes roasted with garlic and parmesan

Instant Pot Buttered Potatoes

Soft, buttery potatoes that go with everything. A simple side that feels like a little treat.

44

Cooked baby red potatoes in a green bowl

Instant Pot Red Potatoes

Buttery red potatoes that cook quickly and go with everything. A simple side that always disappears first.

45

Instant Pot Glazed Carrots

Sweet, tender carrots with a shiny glaze. They taste like a holiday side, but they are easy on a weeknight.

46

a large bowl of creamy potato salad in front of an instant pot.

Instant Pot Potato Salad

Potato salad made easier since the Instant Pot does the heavy lifting. Great for BBQs, picnics, and make ahead meals.

47

Instant pot green beans

Instant Pot Garlic Green Beans

Bright green beans with garlicky flavor and no fuss. A great way to round out any dinner.

48

instant pot brussels sprouts

Instant Pot Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts made quick and simple. Finish them for extra browning if you want that roasted flavor.

49

Sweet and Spicy Instant Pot Cauliflower

Tender cauliflower with a sweet spicy punch. Great as a side or over rice for an easy meatless meal.

50

Instant Pot Buttered Cabbage

Simple, buttery, and surprisingly delicious. This is an easy side when you want something cozy and budget friendly.

51

Instant Pot Broccoli

The fastest way to get a veggie on the table. Finish with butter, lemon, and a pinch of salt and you are set.

52

Instant Pot Corn On The Cob

Corn on the cob with basically zero effort. Butter it up and sprinkle on your favorite seasoning.

New to the Instant Pot? These basics make everything else easier

53

Six brown eggs in the instant pot placed on a trivet

Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Easy peel eggs with zero guesswork. Great for snacks, salads, and meal prep that actually gets used.

54

Instant Pot Basmati Rice

Fluffy, fragrant rice with easy timing. A go to basic that makes every saucy dinner better.

55

Instant Pot Brown Rice

Brown rice without guesswork. Great for meal prep bowls, stir fries, and healthy weeknight dinners.

56

Instant Pot Vegetable Stock

Homemade stock made fast from kitchen scraps. It is the secret ingredient that makes soups and rice taste extra good.

57

Turkey stock in jars, and an instant pot in the background.

Instant Pot Turkey Stock

Homemade turkey stock that makes soups and gravy taste extra rich. A smart use for leftovers that feels like a bonus meal.

58

Instant Pot Mushroom Rice

A simple rice side with savory mushroom flavor. It feels a little fancy, but it is still very easy.

59

Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Pinto beans from dry, no soaking stress. Use them for tacos, burrito bowls, or a simple side.

60

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Creamy, melty, party dip with minimal effort. Serve it with chips, bread, or veggies and watch it vanish.

Dessert and breakfast

61

a bowl of homemade rice pudding with raisins. A spoon is lifting up a bite.

Creamy Instant Pot Rice Pudding

Warm, creamy, and comfortingly sweet. Top it with cinnamon, raisins, or fresh berries.

62

Instant Pot Pancake Bites

Little pancake bites that are fun to eat and easy to serve. Perfect for busy mornings and snacky kids.

63

Baked oats in white ramekins with chocolate chips and a drizzle of peanut butter

Blended ‘Baked’ Oats

Cozy 'baked' oats that taste like dessert but feel like breakfast, made in the Instant Pot. Great for make ahead mornings when you want something warm.

Sheet pan shrimp fajitas still in the pan, garnished with chopped herbs.

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Close up of balela salad in a white bowl made with chickpeas, black beans, diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, fresh herbs, and sumac tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing.

Leave a Review! Cancel reply

Desiree says

Posted on 3/9/26 at 02:04

What a dang shame that the overwhelming amount of these recipes are meat-based. : /

Reply
- Diana says
  
  Posted on 3/9/26 at 09:53
  
  Thanks for the feedback, Desiree. I’ll keep that in mind for future recipe roundups.
  
  Reply
Alice Leah says

Posted on 1/11/23 at 20:11

Loved the Instant Pot Butter Chicken recipe! First thing I made in my IP! And I don’t generally do the cooking at all. Family loved it. Said it was delish.

Reply
- Diana says
  
  Posted on 1/12/23 at 09:58
  
  That’s so awesome you had a great experience and loved the butter chicken!
  
  Reply