Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (2024)

Table of Contents
Where to Start with Your Instant Pot What are good Instant Pot Beginner Recipes? More Instant Pot Recipes Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners Getting Started Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes Instant Pot Applesauce Easy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Noodles Instant Pot Chicken Bone Broth (Stock) Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Instant Pot Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes Instant Pot Mexican Rice Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Instant Pot Refried Beans Instant Pot Hummus Instant Pot Queso Dip Instant Pot Apple Butter Soup's On Instant Pot Lentil Soup Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Instant Pot Potato Soup Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup Instant Pot Vegetable Stew Main Dishes Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Instant Pot Salmon with Frozen Fillets or Fresh Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice Instant Pot Corned Beef Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Easy Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Recipe Instant Pot Ribs Instant Pot Risotto Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Apple Balsamic Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin Recipe Easy Instant Pot Ham Recipe with Vegetables Instant Pot Pot Roast Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Instant Pot Pork Butt (Pulled Pork) Instant Pot Chicken With Mushrooms Dessert and Drink Time Instant Pot Rice Pudding Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider Instant Pot Lemon Bundt Cake Peanut Butter Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Leave a Comment FAQs References

Home » Blog » Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

Sarah Pyle

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Using your new Instant Pot can be a little intimidating. These Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners are just the ticket to get your comfortable with your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (1)

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I totally get it. You’ve seen how easy an Instant Pot can be, so you bought one. Now, what do you do? So often I hear from people who purchase an electric pressure cooker, yet it sits in the box for months because they are afraid to use it.

Gone are the days of pressure cookers exploding on the stove. Electric pressure cookers, like the Instant Pot, take all the guesswork out of how much pressure is needed and they have safety features in place so it couldn’t be easier (or safer) to use.

With a couple of tips and some practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Where to Start with Your Instant Pot

Well, the first step is to take it out of the box. Read the User Manual and locate all of the important pieces: your inner pot, the silicone seal on the inside of the lid, and the steam release valve on the lid.

Practice removing the silicone seal and putting it back into place. This seal is vital for the lid to seal properly and be able to come to pressure. Over time, the seal will wear out or crack. This is normal and you can purchase replacement seals.

Once you’re feeling familiar with all the pieces, it’s time to do a water test. The instructions for how to do a water test are in the User Manual.

Once you have successfully completed a water test, you’re good to try your first recipe. But where do you start?

What are good Instant Pot Beginner Recipes?

When first starting out, you might not want to jump in to a complicated recipes. I recommend practicing with some simple recipes just to get comfortable with the Instant Pot:

  • It should have just a few ingredients.
  • It shouldn’t have a lot of steps. Ideally, you can throw everything in and just get it cook.
  • It shouldn’t require any special accessories.

Below, I have categorized the recipes from easiest to more involved, but they are all super easy and great to give you a mix of all the different ways you can use your Instant Pot. From meal prep like hard-boiled eggs and side dishes to main dishes, desserts and even drinks, now you have an arsenal of recipes for any meal or occasion while you’re getting comfortable with your electric pressure cooker.

More Instant Pot Recipes

  • 25 Insanely Delicious Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes
  • 15 Easy Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

The Instant Pot and other electric pressure cookers can seem intimidating, but they really are safe and so easy to use. Once you get the basics down, you'll find that the Instant Pot helps make cooking any meal that much quicker. I've separated the recipes below by super easy basics that everyone should know how to make, soups, main dishes and desserts.

Getting Started

These recipes are super easy recipes that you can simply dump and go. From meal prep to easy side dishes, these are some of the easiest recipes to get you comfortable with your Instant Pot.

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Perfect Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

Get perfect, easy to peel hard boiled eggs every time by cooking them in your Instant Pot. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll never boil on the stove top again!

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (3)

Perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice

Have perfect brown rice on the table in a fraction of the time by cooking it in the Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (4)

Instant Pot Corn on the Cob

Photo Credit:theforkedspoon.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (5)

Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes

Photo Credit:pipingpotcurry.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (6)

Instant Pot Applesauce

Photo Credit:www.earthfoodandfire.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (7)

Easy Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Noodles

Photo Credit:nourishplate.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (9)

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Photo Credit:cookeatpaleo.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (10)

Instant Pot Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Flavor-packed fluffy mashed potatoes without having to boil potatoes or drain any water, these Rosemary Garlic mashed potatoes will become a family favorite.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (11)

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice (also referred to as Spanish Rice) is a super quick, flavorful side dish perfect for Taco Tuesday. Delicious served alongside chicken, beef, pork or beans, it’s also a really budget-friendly side using white rice and canned tomato sauce.

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Perfect Instant Pot Baked Potatoes

Photo Credit:mondayismeatloaf.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (13)

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Photo Credit:www.thriftyfrugalmom.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (14)

Instant Pot Hummus

With a handful of cheap ingredients, hummus is so easy to make at home with some help from your Instant Pot. Make the recipe as written for classic hummus, or add any of the recommended mix-ins.

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Instant Pot Queso Dip

Photo Credit:www.cookedbyjulie.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (16)

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Apple Butter is delicious spread on toast, used as a filling for pastries or served with Brie cheese and crackers.

Soup's On

Get the flavor of slowly simmered soup in a fraction of the time. Your Instant Pot game will be on point adding these recipes to your arsenal!

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (17)

Instant Pot Lentil Soup

This hearty lentil soup is ready in minutes in the Instant Pot and it's vegetarian and gluten-free. Whether for dinner or make ahead meal prep, this soup will satisfy!

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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Photo Credit:moneywisemoms.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (19)

Instant Pot Potato Soup

The perfect creamy, comforting meal is ready to serve when you have this Instant Pot Potato Soup recipe on hand. Loaded with flavor and easy to prepare, it's the perfect lunch or dinner during a busy, hectic work week!

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (20)

Instant Pot Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe

Photo Credit:www.annsentitledlife.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (21)

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup

Instant Pot 15 Bean Soup is a cost-effective, hassle-free one-pot recipe that's perfect for meal prep, offering a delicious blend of 15 beans cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot and designed to freeze beautifully for convenient and budget-friendly future meals.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (22)

Instant Pot Vegetable Stew

Photo Credit:aplantifulpath.com

Main Dishes

Now you're cooking and ready to make dinner in the Instant Pot!

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Instant Pot Sloppy Joes

Instant Pot Sloppy Joes are a super easy dinner that can be served on buns, spooned over baked potatoes or even mixed with pasta for a tasty sloppy joe casserole! An easy one-pot meal that's also great for meal prep!

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (25)

Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice

Photo Credit:therecipewell.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (26)

Instant Pot Corned Beef

Enjoy this easy corned beef and cabbage recipe in a fraction of the time by cooking in your Instant Pot. Stock up on corned beef when it is on sale in March and enjoy as a budget-friendly meal any time of year!

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Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Photo Credit:www.champagneandcoffeestains.com

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Easy Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Recipe

Photo Credit:cookingwithjanica.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (29)

Instant Pot Ribs

Photo Credit:cincyshopper.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (30)

Instant Pot Risotto

Photo Credit:aubreyskitchen.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (31)

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Photo Credit:modernmealmakeover.com

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Easy Instant Pot Ham Recipe with Vegetables

Photo Credit:sustainmycookinghabit.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (34)

Instant Pot Pot Roast

Photo Credit:fantabulosity.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (35)

Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage

Photo Credit:instantpotcooking.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (36)

Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa

Photo Credit:twosleevers.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (37)

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Photo Credit:nourishplate.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (38)

Instant Pot Pork Butt (Pulled Pork)

Enjoy juicy, shredded pork in a fraction of the time with this Instant Pot Pork Butt recipe. Turn it in to BBQ Pulled Pork or serve as a pot roast for a delicious, budget-friendly dinner.

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (39)

Instant Pot Chicken With Mushrooms

Photo Credit:littlesunnykitchen.com

Dessert and Drink Time

Yes, you can even make dessert and drinks in your Instant Pot! Here are a few easy recipes to get you started. At this point, you're officially a pro at using your Instant Pot!

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Instant Pot Rice Pudding

Photo Credit:www.corriecooks.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (41)

Instant Pot Spiced Apple Cider

Photo Credit:www.everyday-delicious.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (42)

Instant Pot Lemon Bundt Cake

Photo Credit:savorandsavvy.com

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (43)

Peanut Butter Instant Pot Hot Chocolate

Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com

By Sarah Pyle on October 18th, 2020

Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (44)

About Sarah Pyle

Hi, I'm Sarah. The voice behind Feast for a Fraction. I've been a penny-pincher all my life, but still have a taste for nice things. I'm here to show you that you can eat (and live) well on a budget. From recipes and DIY tips to ways to make extra money, we'll be in control of our budgets together!

More posts by this author.

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Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners (2024)

FAQs

What is the best first thing to cook in an Instant Pot? ›

When it comes to breaking your Instant Pot in, it's a good idea to start with some basic foods and simple meals you're already familiar with, then slowly expand your Instant Pot repertoire from there. Try making staples like eggs, sweet potatoes, rice, or lentils using just the pressure cooker function.

What foods should not be cooked in an Instant Pot? ›

6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot
  1. Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ...
  2. Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ...
  3. Cookies. ...
  4. Burgers. ...
  5. Pie. ...
  6. Steak.

Which Instant Pot for beginners? ›

Beginner-Friendly: Instant Pot Duo Nova 7-in-1

The Duo Nova is best for: anyone who's extra cautious about cooking with pressure (or kitchen safety in general).

What is the 5 5 5 method for Instant Pot? ›

The 5-5-5 method involves the following: 5-minute cook time. 5-minute natural pressure release. 5-minute ice bath.

Can I put frozen meat in an Instant Pot? ›

Do Expect Cook Times to Vary: A frozen piece of meat will not only take longer to cook, but it will also take longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. Because of this, be prepared to add a few extra minutes to your overall cook time.

What are the disadvantages of an Instant Pot? ›

Con– The Instant Pot uses steam under pressure to cook food and not everything is meant to be cooked in the Instant Pot. I attempted a crustless quiche which turned out well but it was too wet and moist to my liking and I prefer to cook it in the oven with dry heat.

Is Instant Pot better than crock pot? ›

If you are interested primarily in slow cooking, you should buy a dedicated slow cooker. They're more reliable with a range of slow-cooker recipes than an Instant Pot. We found Instant Pot multicookers specifically could not successfully slow-cook dense, high-volume recipes such as beef stew or pot roast.

What do I need to know before using a pressure cooker? ›

Pressure Cooker Safety Tips
  • Before Cooking, Check Your Equipment. Always check the rubber gasket (the ring of rubber that lines the lid of the cooker) to make sure it isn't dried out or cracked. ...
  • Don't Overfill the Cooker. ...
  • Use Enough Liquid. ...
  • Don't Pressure Fry. ...
  • Release Pressure in a Safe Way. ...
  • Clean the Cooker Properly.
Aug 7, 2019

What is the most common use of a pressure cooker? ›

Pressure cookers are great for stews and making tough cuts tender but the liquid used doesn't reduce while cooking, so be prepared to simmer things down to intensify the flavour once the lid comes off.

What liquid to add to Instant Pot? ›

First, you must add liquid to the Instant Pot before cooking. Without sufficient liquid, pressure won't build — and you'll likely get the dreaded “burn” error. Unless otherwise specified in the recipe, you'll need just enough liquid (usually water or broth) to bring the cooker to pressure.

How do I get the most out of my Instant Pot? ›

14 Instant Pot Tips and Tricks
  1. Read up on all the functions before you start. ...
  2. Use plenty of liquid. ...
  3. Food cooks by surface area rather than volume. ...
  4. Plan before you cook. ...
  5. Don't overfill. ...
  6. Use separate sealing rings. ...
  7. Prepare ingredients in large quantities. ...
  8. Use the steaming insert for quicker cooking foods.

Can you put frozen chicken in an Instant Pot? ›

Place the frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot inner pot. If you are cooking more than one, make sure they are separated to achieve even cooking throughout. To separate frozen chicken breasts, place them in cool water until they have thawed enough to pull apart.

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