17 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

Updated: Jan. 24, 2023

Ready to give Instant Pot a try? Start with these simple recipes.

1 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Celebration Brussels Sprouts

This recipe hits all the flavor points and makes a fantastic side throughout the year. Plus, you've got to love a dish that requires minimal effort and doesn't take up oven space. You can always omit the bacon if you need a vegetarian option. —Lauren McAnelly, Des Moines, Iowa

Ready for something more advanced? These Instant Pot tricks aren’t in the user’s manual.

2 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Apple Balsamic Chicken

I just love the sweet and tart flavor that balsamic vinegar gives to this easy dish. After cooking in the pressure cooker for just a few minutes, the chicken thighs are tender and flavorful. —Juli Snaer, Enid, Oklahoma
3 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Lemon Red Potatoes

Butter, lemon juice, parsley and chives enhance this simple side dish. I usually prepare these potatoes when I'm having company. Since they cook in the pressure cooker, there's plenty of room on the stove for other dishes. —Tara Branham, Austin, Texas
4 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs

Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. I like to experiment with my recipes, and was pleasantly surprised with how the fresh dill really perked up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers. —Kami Horch, Frankfort, Maine

Don’t miss our best instant pot recipes of 2021.

5 / 17

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
6 / 17

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
7 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Cherry & Spice Rice Pudding

I live in Traverse City, which calls itself the cherry capital of the world. What better way to celebrate our wonderful orchards than by using plump, tart dried cherries in my favorite desserts? This pressure-cooked rice pudding recipe always turns out wonderful. —Deb Perry, Traverse City, Michigan
8 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Truly Tasty Turnip Greens

These savory greens are a hit at every church dinner. Adjust the seasonings as you please to make the recipe your own. .—Amy Inman, Hiddenite, North Carolina
9 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef Soup

My family loves this stew, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! Serve the dish with cornbread to make the meal even more filling. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
10 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Chicken Cacciatore

My husband and I own and operate a busy farm. There are days when there's just no time left for cooking! It's really nice to be able to come into the house at night and have dinner ready in just a few minutes. —Aggie Arnold-Norman, Liberty, Pennsylvania
11 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork

I based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
12 / 17
13 / 17

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
14 / 17

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
15 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Lentil Pumpkin Soup

Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
16 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Cranberry Apple Red Cabbage

When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
17 / 17

Pressure-Cooker Apple-Cranberry Grains

These assorted pressure-cooker grains are perfect together. A hearty breakfast is ready fast in the morning, making this healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada