35 Quick Instant Pot Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (2024)

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35 Quick Instant Pot Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (1)Rashanda CobbinsUpdated: Oct. 09, 2023

    Put a meal on the table in record time with these quick Instant Pot recipes.

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    Pressure-Cooker Maple French Toast

    My family and friends all love it when I make this delicious French toast in the morning. It’s so delicious and easy! —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin

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    Pressure-Cooker Manchester Stew

    While in college, I studied abroad. A vegetarian at the time, I was pleasantly surprised by how delicious and diverse vegetarian food in Britain could be. After returning to the States I re-created my favorite meal from my favorite restaurant and named it after the University of Manchester. When the enticing aroma fills the kitchen, I’m back in England!—Kimberly Hammond, Kingwood, Texas

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    3/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Shredded Chicken Gyros

    Our family has no links of any kind to Greece, but we always have such a marvelous time at the annual Salt Lake City Greek Festival. One of my favorite parts is all the awesome food. This meal is a good way to mix up our menu, and my kids are big fans. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

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    4/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Smoked Salmon Pasta

    I love making one-pot pastas in my pressure cooker. Every noodle soaks up the flavors of the delicious ingredients. I tried a version with some leftover smoked fish and fresh dill, and boom—this smoked salmon pasta was born. It’s now a staple in our house because the dish is on the table in a half hour and the kids love it! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

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    5/35

    Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

    Your family will love the flavorful sauce in this Instant Pot sesame chicken. And you’ll love how quick and easy it is for a weeknight dinner! If you serve gluten-free meals, use tamari instead of soy sauce. — Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

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    Don’t miss our best instant pot recipes.

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Balsamic Pork Tenderloin

    This Instant-Pot pork tenderloin with sweet brown sugar and balsamic glaze will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland

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    7/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken

    This tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida

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    8/35

    Pressure-Cooker Light Deviled Eggs

    Our updated version of a classic appetizer uses only half the egg yolks of traditional deviled eggs and calls for soft bread crumbs to help firm up the filling. Light ingredients lower the fat grams even more. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    9/35

    Pressure-Cooker Chickpea and Potato Curry

    I make chana masala, the classic Indian dish, in my slow cooker. Browning the onion, ginger and garlic first really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas

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    10/35

    Pressure-Cooker Chicken Paprika

    I truly appreciate the speed of the pressure cooker. We use it often to make these tender paprika chicken breasts with a sauce that gets its richness from sour cream. —Holly Ottum, Racine, Wisconsin

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    11/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Wing Potatoes

    I was getting tired of mashed potatoes and baked spuds, so I decided to create something new. This potluck-ready recipe is an easy and delicious twist on the usual potato dish. —Summer Feaker, Ankeny, Iowa

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    TMB Studio

    Pressure-Cooker Carrot Cake Oatmeal

    This warm breakfast cereal made in the pressure cooker is a great way to add some veggies in the morning and keep a healthy diet! For extra crunch, I garnish individual servings with ground walnuts or pecans.—Debbie Kain, Colorado Springs, Colorado

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    14/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Chicken Chop Suey

    If you’re in for a busy evening, here’s a wonderful way to ensure you can still have a healthful supper. It’s tasty, traditional—and easy, too. —Melody Littlewood, Royal City, Washington

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    15/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Cilantro-Lime Chicken with Scoops

    I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken appetizer. The dish can be made ahead of time, and leftovers make for a tasty next-day burrito filling. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois

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    16/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Steak Fajitas

    I've enjoyed cooking since I was a girl growing up in the Southwest, and I think fajitas are an easy way to add some wallop to ho-hum dinner lineups. This simply delicious main dish is an excellent option if you're looking for something new to serve. —Janie Reitz, Rochester, Minnesota

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    17/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Chicken and Bacon White Chili

    I made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Lee Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Beef and Beans

    This deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland

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    Pressure-Cooker Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa

    I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a pressure cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

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    20/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Chicken Nachos

    One of my favorite local restaurants, Zeppelins, has the best chicken nachos. Its famous dish inspired me to create my own, with the added convenience of using the pressure cooker. I recommend fresh cilantro because it makes the dish pop with flavor. —Natalie Hess, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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    21/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure Cooker Nutty Apple Butter

    Being a New England native, I love apple-picking season. Grab some apples and peanut butter to make this creamy PB&J riff. Dunk in sliced fruit or graham crackers, or spread it on a sandwich. —Brandie Cranshaw, Rapid City, SD

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    Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Soup

    Life can get really crazy with young children, but I never want to compromise when it comes to cooking. This recipe is healthy and so easy thanks to my one-pot cooker! —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

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    23/35

    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry

    Here's a gentle curry dish that's won't overwhelm more delicate palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California

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    Pressure-Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo

    This recipe is a true comfort food! Cajun spice adds a nice heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add more or less seasoning depending on your preferred spice level. And nothing beats having to clean only one pot. The dish would also be tasty with shrimp or smoked sausage. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

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    Pressure-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

    Here's a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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    Pressure-Cooker Homemade Chicken and Rice Soup

    We love chicken and rice soup and thought it would make a superb pressure-cooker recipe. We were right! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    Taste of Home

    With a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Red Clam Sauce

    This recipe tastes as if you've been working on it all day. What a classy way to jazz up pasta sauce! —JoAnn Brown, LaTrobe, Pennsylvania

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    Pressure-Cooker Winter Fruit Compote

    You can make this colorful and easy fruit relish up to a week in advance. It's an outstanding accompaniment to turkey, chicken or pork throughout the holiday season. —Esther Chesney , Carthage, Missouri

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Cheddar Bacon Ale Dip

    My tangy, smoky dip won the top prize at our office party recipe contest. Use whatever beer you like, but steer clear of dark varieties. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Chicken Bog

    Chicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Saucy Italian Chicken

    To make this in the slow cooker, cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Plate and top with cheese. —Marisa Loper, Sammamish, Washington

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    Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli

    Instant Pot chicken and broccoli is a simple riff on a classic Chinese chicken dish that proves you can savor the takeout taste you crave while still eating right. —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Orange Chipotle Chicken

    The citrus in this delicious chicken dish keeps things fresh and lively. We're big on spice in our house, so sometimes I use two chipotle peppers. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska

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    Taste of Home

    Pressure-Cooker Tandoori Chicken Panini

    The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled for Indian-inspired panini sandwiches. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia

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    Originally Published: August 02, 2021

    35 Quick Instant Pot Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (35)

    Rashanda Cobbins

    Rashanda is a former food editor for Taste of Home. While studying for her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts, Rashanda interned in Southern Living’s test kitchen and later spent nearly a decade developing recipes and food content at ConAgra Brands. In her spare time, she loves scoping out local farmers markets and having picnics in the park.

    35 Quick Instant Pot Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes (or Less!) (2024)

    FAQs

    How quick does Instant Pot cook? ›

    In most cases, Instant Pot meals are ready to serve in less than an hour. Its quick cook times are thanks to its pressure-cooking function, which locks steam created by liquid (even liquid released from meat and veggies), building pressure and pushing steam back into the food.

    How long is 4 hours in an Instant Pot? ›

    Generally, if your slow cooker meat, soup, or stew recipe calls for 8 hours on the low setting or about 4 hours on the high setting, it should be fully cooked in about 25 to 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.

    What is the Instant Pot equivalent cooking times? ›

    3. Try this Instant Pot cheat sheet.
    StovetopPressure CookerSlow Cooker (on High Heat)
    1 hour or more30 to 45 minutes4 to 6 hours
    30 to 45 minutes10 to 15 minutes2 to 3 hours
    20 to 30 minutes5 to 10 minutes2 hours
    15 minutes or under0 minutesNA
    Jun 16, 2023

    What size Instant Pot is best for meal prep? ›

    Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people. Benefits of an 8-quart Instant Pot: The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when you're feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or cooking in batches for your weekly meal prep.

    Why did Instapot go out of business? ›

    “In particular, tightening of credit terms and higher interest rates impacted our liquidity levels and made our capital structure unsustainable,” Mr. Gadbois said. Instant Brands said in a statement on Wednesday that the new financing would allow the company to continue paying workers, vendors and suppliers.

    Are Instant Pots worth it? ›

    Is it worth buying an Instant Pot? Yes, we do think an Instant Pot is worth it, particularly for pressure cooking. There's a reason it's one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there.

    How long do Instant Pots last? ›

    The average lifespan of an Instant Pot ranges from 2-5 years, but it can last longer depending on how often it's used and how well-maintained it is. So it's safe to say Instant Pots aren't commonly being replaced, and may even be a one-time purchase.

    Is slow cooking better than pressure cooking? ›

    If you enjoy prepping your meal in the morning and letting it cook all day so that it's ready by dinner time, go with a slow cooker. Conversely, a pressure cooker might be the better option if you want an easy way to make healthy meals without much planning.

    Is Instapot good for meal prep? ›

    They're super-versatile, so you can mix and match ingredients as you prep lunches and dinners throughout the week: salads, sandwiches, stir-fries, grain bowls, and so on.

    Are instant pots good for meal prep? ›

    Instant Pot and other electric multi-cookers can make meal prepping and batch cooking faster and easier. If you're motivated to cook healthy whole foods for yourself and your family, this tool can really help support your efforts. Reason #1: Pressure cookers cook faster!

    How do Instant Pots cook so fast? ›

    As steam builds, pressure increases, driving the boiling point of water past 212°F (100°C). In general, this higher temperature shortens cooking times and, due to a lack of evaporation, extracts flavor more efficiently from foods.

    How long does it take a pressure cooker to reach pressure? ›

    Remember that pressure cookers require a minimum amount of liquid and a maximum amount of food to function properly. Depending on the model and recipe, your pressure cooker may take up to 20 minutes to build up pressure.

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