If you're looking to whip up some delicious meals without spending all day in the kitchen, you're in for a treat! Instant Pot recipes are a game changer, making cooking super easy and fun. Picture creamy chicken and rice, hearty beef stew, or even a gooey chocolate lava cake—all made with minimal fuss. Sounds tempting, right? So, let's investigate these five best-rated recipes that'll have you impressing your family and friends in no time!
Creamy Chicken and Rice
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a comforting and delicious dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal. The Instant Pot makes this recipe a breeze, allowing the chicken to become tender and the rice to absorb all the flavors of the seasonings and broth. Rich and creamy, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it's a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and adding olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the pot. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
Next, add the rice and chicken broth, ensuring the rice is submerged. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Stir in the heavy cream until well combined, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sautéed onions and garlic before adding the chicken.
You can also incorporate vegetables such as peas or spinach for added nutrition and color—just stir them in after releasing the pressure.
Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste, and if you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the cream after cooking.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy chicken and rice!
Beef Stew With Root Vegetables
Beef stew with root vegetables is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. The Instant Pot makes it easy to achieve tender, flavorful beef and perfectly cooked vegetables in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you'll have a warm and satisfying meal ready to serve in about an hour.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bay leaf
Cooking Instructions:
Begin by selecting the sauté function on your Instant Pot and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent.
Next, brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring they're seared on all sides for improved flavor. After browning the beef, add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
Pour in the beef broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Add the carrots, potatoes, and bay leaf, then seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef in red wine for a few hours before cooking.
You can also customize the root vegetables based on your preference; parsnips and turnips make excellent additions.
If you prefer a thicker stew, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the stew after cooking, then use the sauté function to thicken it for a few minutes.
Enjoy this delicious meal with crusty bread for a complete dining experience!
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish that isn't only comforting but also easy to prepare using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender and juicy.
With minimal prep time and a quick cooking process, you'll have a delicious Italian meal ready in no time, perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups water
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add a splash of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, then remove them and set aside.
Add the marinara sauce and water to the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Break the spaghetti in half and nestle it into the sauce, placing the meatballs on top.
Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the time is up, do a quick release, stir the pasta and meatballs, and serve with fresh basil if desired.
Extra Tips:
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers when sautéing the meatballs.
You can also experiment with different types of meat, like turkey or chicken, or add herbs such as oregano or parsley for extra depth.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer on the sauté function for a few additional minutes after cooking.
Don't forget to adjust the cooking time for gluten-free pasta, as it may require less time under pressure. Enjoy your meal!
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and nutritious dish that's incredibly easy to make in an Instant Pot. Packed with protein and fiber, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. The beauty of using an Instant Pot lies in its ability to infuse flavors quickly while ensuring that the lentils are perfectly cooked and tender.
Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed lentils, broth, diced tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes. Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
Stir the soup well and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce before serving.
You can also customize this soup by including other vegetables such as spinach or kale, or incorporating diced potatoes for a heartier version.
If you prefer a creamier texture, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or transfer a portion to a countertop blender and then stir it back into the pot.
Enjoy your delicious lentil soup!
Chocolate Lava Cake
Indulging in a rich and gooey chocolate lava cake has never been easier than with an Instant Pot! This decadent dessert features a molten chocolate center that flows deliciously when you cut into it.
Perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat at home, the Instant Pot guarantees that your cake is perfectly moist and cooked to perfection every time. Follow this simple recipe to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray
- Optional: ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
Start by greasing four ramekins with cooking spray and set them aside.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in 30-second increments until smooth and combined. Stir in the powdered sugar until well incorporated, then add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Finally, fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, cover each with aluminum foil, and place them on the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pot, seal it, and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural release for 5 minutes before carefully releasing the remaining pressure.
Remove the ramekins, let them cool for a minute, then invert onto plates to serve.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make certain to use high-quality chocolate for a richer taste.
You can also experiment by adding a splash of espresso or coffee to improve the chocolate flavor. If you want to prepare this dessert in advance, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins until you're ready to cook.
Just remember to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time if the batter is chilled. Enjoy your chocolate lava cakes with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!