Best Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

Learning to use your Instant Pot isn’t always a walk in the park. I know when I first started using it, I felt really overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure what the difference between quick release and natural release was, what button was for “manual”, or why it said “ON” instead of counting down the time. These Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners are just what you need to get started.  

Instant Pot Guides 

As I said above, I was at a loss when it came to using my Instant Pot. So, before you start making all these easy delicious meals, here are some guides to help you figure out just how to use it! 

easy instant pot chicken breast recipe

Best Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

Once you have learned what you can about your Instant Pot, it’s time to start cooking! Here are the best Instant Pot recipes for beginners:

Hard Boiled Eggs-One of the easiest things to make in your Instant Pot is hard-boiled eggs. Just plop them in, add the water, and set your time. 

Corn on the Cob-If you want corn that is sweet and juicy, you won’t find a better way to make it than in the Instant Pot.  

Instant Pot Chicken Breasts – A simple guide to making chicken breasts in your Instant Pot.

Homemade Broth – Broth is great to have for cooking other meals and shredded chicken can be turned into any delicious dish. 

Easy Dump and Start Baked Ziti-Literally put the ingredients in the pot, set the timer, and go. This is super easy and kid friendly. 

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes-You really can’t get any easier than mashed potatoes. When they are done cooking, they are the easiest to mash and whip up. 

Instant Pot Pork Chops – An easy guide to cooking pork chops in the Instant Pot.

Pulled Pork-Great for a quick dinner option, this pulled pork is done and ready for sandwiches in just 60-minutes. 

The Best Egg Bites-To make this recipe, you will need an egg mold (found above in Instant Pot Accessories). Packed with flavor and super simple to make, you will love these egg bites.

Weight Watchers Deviled Eggs-If you can make hard-boiled eggs, you can make these delicious shrimp deviled eggs. 

Instant Pot Meatballs-Perfect as finger food for parties, appetizers, and for dinner ideas, these meatballs are as versatile as they get. Plus, they are super easy to make. 

Instant Pot Baked Potatoes – How to make baked potatoes in the Instant Pot. They come out perfect ever time.

chicken Burrito Bowls– Not sure what to make for Taco Tuesday? This is a family favorite at our house and super easy to make. 

Instant Pot Rice – A guide to making rice in your Instant Pot.

Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners: Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are another great option for your Instant Pot, and there are so many to choose from! They are easy to make and leave you feeling full and comforted. 

Instant Pot 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.

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Soup– Sweet potatoes are really healthy for you, and this soup is one even kids will eat. Put ingredients in the pot and pressure cook. 

Keto Italian Chicken Stew– Packed with protein, this stew is delicious and nutritious. Plus, it’s not hard to make at all. 

Vegan Pumpkin Carrot Soup-Here is another dump and dash recipe that is absolutely delicious. 

Tomato and Carrot Soup– You just can’t have grilled cheese without tomato soup. This is one even the kids love!

Gluten Free Instant Pot Turkey Chili-Nothing is easier to make than chili. And, that is true for the crock pot or the Instant Pot. 

Mulligatawny Soup-This is a creamy and delicious lentil soup. Make it in just 10-minutes. 

Instant Pot Great Northern Beans– We all have cans of Great Northern Beans we don’t know what to do with. Well, now you can make them into a delicious soup. 

Creamy Chicken Stew– What more do you need to know? It’s creamy, its chicken, and it’s super easy to make. 

instant pot spaghetti and meat sauce

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

When you add pasta to a dish, it can make the recipe just a tad more complicated. But, all in all still super easy to make. Here are some beginner style pasta recipes to try:

Spaghetti and Meat Sauce-Spaghetti is already an easy dish to make on the stove top. However, now you can have it on the table in 6-minutes!

Rotini Pasta and Meatballs-Spice up your spaghetti dish with meatballs and rotini instead of traditional methods. 

Instant Pot Chili Mac – Two comfort foods combined into one – chili and macaroni and cheese! This recipe is made with mostly pantry staples and delicious.

Instant Pot Risotto– Rice is pasta and this rice dish is creamy, flavorful, and fail-proof. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner recipe. 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – A classic recipe made easier in your Instant Pot. This mac and cheese is super creamy and perfect for kids.

Instant Pot Garlic Noodles– These were always a midday snack for me, but they are great as a side dish. Everyone loves garlic noodles. 

Did you like this list of Instant Pot recipes for beginners? What have you started cooking your pot? Tell us in the comments below!

Kelley Easy Instant Pot Recipes


Hey y'all! I'm Kelley!

I am a Texan living in the woods of mid-Michigan with my husband, 4 kids and a whole farm of animals. I heard amazing things about the Instant Pot and knew that I had to give it a try. Many of these recipes are family favorites, and I want your family to enjoy them as well!