After the holidays, many of us are excited to use our new Instant Pots. If you're like me, you're eager to find fantastic Instant Pot recipes that showcase this versatile gadget. Personally, I've been whipping up easy oatmeal breakfasts, vegan mains with fantastic leftovers, and tender meat dishes perfect for next-day tacos. If you're still considering whether to buy one, these recipes will surely persuade you.

These dishes will elevate your weeknight meals (and don't forget breakfast and lunch too!) while leaving your old slow cooker in the dust. My Instant Pot has been the best gift of 2023, and I can only see my love for it growing. Why do I adore it? It combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and yogurt maker all in one. Incredible, right?

Featured image by Suruchi Avasthi.

17 Instant Pot Recipes That Simplify Mealtime

The Instant Pot's versatility is unmatched; it can sear and sauté, transforming ordinary stove-top meals into remarkable one-pot creations. Here are 17 of our top Instant Pot recipes for any meal. Who wouldn't want a delicious dish ready without the hassle?

Breakfast

Millet and Amaranth Porridge with Figs and Papaya

Why It's Great: Porridge is one of my favorite breakfast options for its versatility and simplicity. It serves as a perfect foundation for nutritious fruits and mix-ins like flaxseeds and chia seeds. This version elevates traditional oats with millet and amaranth, resulting in a creamy and comforting morning meal.

Key Ingredient: Whole milk yogurt is essential for achieving that thick, rich porridge.

Instant Pot Egg White Bites

Why It's Great: Think of your favorite Starbucks order, but better! These bites are made in the Instant Pot, making them far easier than other homemade versions. They're creamy, taste like they've been cooked sous vide, and are easily customizable for the whole family.

Key Ingredient: Cottage cheese plays a crucial role in giving these bites their creamy, cheesy, protein-rich texture.

Instant Pot Brown Rice Pudding

Why It's Great: I'm crazy about rice pudding. It works beautifully for breakfast and doubles as a delightful dessert. This recipe features a lovely blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. For breakfast, top it with fruit like bananas, apples, or berries.

Key Ingredient: Raisins add a delightful burst of texture.

Steel Cut Oats

Why It's Great: As an oats enthusiast, I find this Instant Pot method to be brilliant. You can prep ingredients ahead and let the appliance do the work in the morning. Pro tip: Cook your oats in water to avoid any funky outcomes.

Key Ingredient: The possibilities for toppings are endless. For something different, try adding a fried egg and pico de gallo for a savory twist.

Vegan and Vegetarian

Channa Masala

Why It's Great: Our Food Editor transformed her cherished childhood recipes into this delicious dish. It's a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables, perfect for winter meals.

Key Ingredient: The tomato sauce enhances the dish, providing a rich and deep flavor.

Kitchari

Why It's Great: Kitchari is a fantastic option when you want lighter meals. This Ayurvedic staple is easy on the digestion, filled with anti-inflammatory spices, and offers a complete protein thanks to its nine essential amino acids. With warming spices and a dollop of yogurt, it's a treat.

Key Ingredient: Garam masala adds a fragrant mix of cinnamon, cloves, and peppercorn.

Instant Pot Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Dip

Why It's Great: Cheesy dips are always welcome, and this vegan version is awesome. Perfect for potlucks or spring gatherings, it's sure to impress.

Key Ingredient: A touch of coconut sugar balances the heat from the hot sauce.

Warming Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup

Why It's Great: There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of red lentil soup, especially with sweet potatoes added. This silky soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of spices.

Key Ingredient: Fresh ginger adds a sweet and spicy kick.

Spinach and Mushroom Risotto

Why It's Great: You can make restaurant-quality risotto in your Instant Pot without the fuss. This dish is rich, creamy, and filled with mushrooms, spinach, and peas—no stirring required!

Key Ingredient: Fresh peas add a bright pop of color in spring.

Tofu Broccoli Bowls with Carrot Ginger Dressing

Why It's Great: These colorful plant-based bowls feature creamy avocado, crispy broccoli, and stunning daikon radish. The Instant Pot is perfect for cooking brown rice, making this dish a winner.

Key Ingredient: The tofu is delicious on its own, too!

Instant Pot Gumbo (Vegan/Vegetarian)

Why It's Great: I love gumbo, so discovering a vegan version that captures the essence of this classic dish was exciting. With your Instant Pot, you can have this affordable meal ready in no time.

Key Ingredient: Smoked paprika elevates the flavor perfectly.

Easy Vegan Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Why It's Great: While I enjoy the slow process of making risotto, sometimes I need something quick. This low-maintenance, plant-based risotto is an upgrade from your usual weeknight fare.

Key Ingredient: Nutritional yeast is essential for that cheesy flavor.

Meat Dishes

Instant Pot Korean Bulgogi BBQ Tacos

Why It's Great: Takeout may seem like a quicker option, but cooking at home can be much faster. With your Instant Pot, these Korean-inspired tacos are just a button away.

Key Ingredient: If you don't have gochujang (Korean chile paste), it's time to get some. It adds the umami flavor that enhances your favorite dishes.

Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

Why It's Great: This cashew chicken is better than your favorite takeout dish, and it can be made in under 45 minutes. Serve it over rice with extra cashews for a satisfying meal.

Key Ingredient: Maple syrup gives the chicken a delicious sweet and sticky flavor.

Turkey Chili Verde

Why It's Great: Turkey Chili Verde is comfort food at its finest, perfect for a rainy day. I love preparing this on Sundays for easy work lunches—it's hearty yet light and won't leave you sluggish.

Key Ingredient: A hint of cinnamon adds a sweet and spicy touch to the stew.

Spicy Chicken Tikka Masala

Why It's Great: Chicken tikka masala is a personal favorite. It's warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. This version is perfect for a cozy at-home date night—serve with naan and basmati rice for that delicious sauce.

Key Ingredient: The mix of spices—garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne—creates an unbeatable sauce.

Texas-Style Brisket Tacos

Why It's Great: A one-pot take on a Texas classic, these tacos are a must for taco night! If you prefer grain-free tortillas, this dish is paleo-approved, or go for lettuce cups to keep it Whole30 compliant.

Key Ingredient: Coconut aminos add a subtly sweet, gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, enhancing the dish's flavor.