What do you make when you are low on fresh produce and meat? You make an easy Instant Pot pantry meal, of course! No matter the reason, it’s always a good idea to have a handful of recipes that require mostly pantry staples. Check out these Instant Pot pantry meals I’ve found.
There are many different reasons why you need to dig into your pantry for a meal. Right now in 2020 we have a bit of a different circumstance, but still one that requires us to take a hard look at our food situation.
I want to bring a bit of comfort amid the chaos that you CAN make a great meal with what you have on hand. I’ve rounded up some great Instant Pot pantry meals that I think you will love.
What is a pantry meal?
Let’s backtrack real quick and talk about what is considered a pantry meal. To most, a pantry meal is one that is made up of mostly items that you either have on hand in the form of canned or frozen foods.
This includes rice, beans, pasta, canned and frozen vegetables, canned meats, broth, and spices. Sometimes eggs, milk and cheeses are included, but when you NEED a pantry meal, these things can be scarce as well. Take a look at the list of recipes below and find one that fits what you have in stock in your pantry already.
Instant Pot Pantry Meals
Stuffed pepper soup – Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup is one of those comfort foods you can whip up quickly and the whole family will love.
Creamy tuna noodle casserole – Creamy noodles that are mixed with tuna and peas.
Ham and bean soup – This easy to make broth based soup uses dry navy beans to make it a cheap meal.
Pasta Puttanesca – Talk about a quick and flavorful dish, this one really packs a punch. It’s quick, easy and uses mostly items found in your pantry.
Instant Pot chicken and rice – Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a creamy chicken and rice casserole made completely from scratch using mostly pantry basics in just one pot.
Beef stroganoff – Beef Stroganoff is just one of those foods that is great any time of year, and just says “comfort food” at it’s best.
Ground beef Spanish rice – Instant Pot Spanish Rice made with ground beef and premade or instant rice.
Minestrone soup – This incredibly easy dump and go Minestrone Soup is made in the Instant Pot and is an Olive Garden copycat.
Chicken noodle casserole – Break out the pressure cooker because this Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Casserole is ready in about 15 min & it’s SO GOOD!
Rice pilaf – Rice Pilaf with vegetables is light, fluffy, tasty and easy to make! Add chicken to make it a complete meal!
Tomato soup – This tomato soup and grilled cheese recipe is an easy instant pot recipe that will be a kid-friendly dinner!
Best Instant Pot chili – This chili with three beans, ground turkey, ground beef, and bacon is hearty and satisfying – the ultimate comfort food!
Shipwreck stew – Shipwreck stew is an easy toss everything in the Instant Pot and cook dinner. It’s made with ground beef, vegetables and beef broth which makes this easy Instant Pot dinner full of flavor.
Chipolte chicken and rice – This Spicy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Meal Prep is inspired by the chicken burrito bowls from Chipotle!
Bacon cheeseburger soup – You’ll love this recipe, and you’ll never miss the bun. You get a hearty and healthy version of an old favorite that the whole family will love.
Beefy lasagna mac – Hearty and filling, this dish can be made even healthier using your favorite gluten free pasta.
Red beans and rice – Some of the best recipes are some of the simplest. This Instant Pot red beans and rice is made all in the instant pot, with no additional dishes needed!
Goulash – I love recipes like this because not only do they save on dishes, they save on prep!
White chicken chili – This Instant Pot White Chicken Chili recipe is so easy and filling. It’s the perfect quick meal the entire family will love!
Carnitas – These instant pot pork carnitas come together quick and make a great base for tons of recipes.
Turkey chili – Turkey Chili is a simple dump & go crockpot recipe that is perfect for those turkey leftovers.
Spaghetti and meat sauce – You’re going to love this Instant Pot Spaghetti Meat Sauce. Not only does it taste great but it’s literally ready in an instant.
Vegetable beef soup – Made with tender chunks of beef, a variety of veggies and potatoes, plus super-sweet cherry tomatoes, this soup is comfort food at it’s finest.
