The Instant Pot is the most sought after kitchen gadget right now, and for good reason! If you don’t have one already I’m sure you’ve been watching cautiously as your friends brag about their new favorite kitchen toy. There are many excellent reasons to love this cooking appliance such as it can cook meat from frozen, it can cook meals very quickly and so much more.
We’re here to help you get started. So don’t be afraid to pull that pressure cooker out of the box! We have compiled a list of excellent recipes that are perfect for beginners. These simple recipes range from easy hard boiled eggs to yogurt and even easy one-pot meals! Before you know it you’ll be getting the hang of things and you’ll fall in love with it too!
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Yogurt is an excellent way to start your day. It’s filled with probiotics which are great for our digestive system. Unfortunately, a lot of store-bought yogurts are filled with refined sugars and other unnecessary ingredients.
Instead, try making your own yogurt at home with your Instant Pot! This is a cold start recipe which means you can skip the boiling process and cut down on time. This recipe will provide you with thorough instructions on how to make your own yogurt as well as excellent recommendations on what type of ingredients to use!
https://ohsodelicioso.com/instant-pot-cold-start-yogurt/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: OH SO DELICIOSO
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Frittata doesn’t sound like a beginner recipe but we promise that our recipe is! All you’ll need are the frittata ingredients, your Instant Pot, and a springform pan.
You’ll need to saute a few of the ingredients first but we promise this step only adds additional flavor. Then, mix the ingredients together using a whisk, pour into the springform pan and pressure cook using your Instant Pot! It’s so easy yet looks gourmet and those you share it with will be truly amazed!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/absolute-best-instant-pot-frittata/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Another great way to start your day is with a bowl of sweet or savory steel cut oats! Cooking steel-cut oats on the stovetop can take anywhere from 20-30 minutes and the Instant Pot can seriously cut down that cooking time.
With the Instant Pot, you’ll only need 4 minutes of cooking time! Additionally, the Instant Pot allows you to cook the oat’s hands off which means you can set your pot, and get ready for the day! Once the oats are cooked top them with your favorite toppings such as brown sugar, cinnamon or fresh fruit.
https://lifemadesweeter.com/instant-pot-steel-cut-oatmeal/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIFE MADE SWEETER
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Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is not only quick but effortless too. Our recipe proves how you can cook them hands off instead of having to babysit them on the stovetop!
You’ll need to use a steamer basket to hold the eggs in the Instant Pot. Follow our 5:5:5 method which means 5 minutes pressure cook, 5 minutes natural release and 5 minutes in cold water. Devilled eggs and egg salad has never looked so easy!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/step-by-step-how-to-hard-boil-eggs-in-an-instant-pot/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Hamburger helper is easily accessible at the grocery store in a boxed form. While the boxed variety is easy to make so is our homemade version!
Once again the Instant Pot allows us to make homemade versions of our comforting favorites. To replicate a true copycat version of Hamburger Helper you will need ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, egg noodles and just a few other ingredients. Your picky eaters are bound to love this dinner too!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/easy-weeknight-instant-pot-copycat-hamburger-helper/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for any occasion, in my opinion! The Instant Pot can cook potatoes incredibly quickly too.
So long are the days where you need to peel and boil potatoes because with the Instant Pot, you can skip those steps. Simply chop the potatoes into cubes and toss into the Instant Pot with the rest of the ingredients. Then allow all the ingredients to pressure cook for just 8 minutes followed by a quick release. Finish by mashing the potatoes to perfection!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-garlic-mashed-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Macaroni and cheese is a classic and is loved by children and adults alike! Forget the boxed mac and cheese because the Instant Pot can cook a delicious homemade version incredibly quickly!
First, you’ll need to cook the macaroni with vegetable broth or water (your choice). The pasta will only need 4 minutes of cooking time then you can perform a quick release. Lastly, stir in cream, milk, and cheese. It’s so easy and will definitely become a family favorite!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/quick-easy-instant-pot-macaroni-and-cheese/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Delicious Tuscan chicken pasta is essentially the more sophisticated version of mac and cheese. It’s so creamy and filling that your kids are still going to love it but you’ll love having something a little fancier than good ol’ mac and cheese!
Our easy Tuscan chicken pasta contains vibrant flavors of sundried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and is topped with fresh basil. The creamy sauce comes from cream cheese, milk, and parmesan cheese.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/quick-easy-instant-pot-tuscan-chicken-pasta/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Beef stroganoff is another crowd-favorite. This recipe, however, is a lighter and easier version of a traditional recipe!
It is made with mushrooms, sour cream, and ground beef. The Instant Pot not only cooks this meal quickly but allows you to cook the entire meal in one pot too!
https://eatinginstantly.com/instant-pot-beef-stroganoff/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=506810416_18228718_225309 PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: EATING INSTANTLY
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Lasagna is a crowd favorite in my household but unfortunately, it does require quite a bit of work. So we set out to transform a traditionally labor-intensive meal into one that is quick and easy and fit for a busy weeknight.
The solution? Use an Instant Pot and try our deconstructed method! You’re able to indulge in the same savory flavors you know and love but won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing it.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-deconstructed-lasagna/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Growing up, my Mother’s homemade beef stew was my favorite meal! There’s nothing better than coming home and walking to the kitchen just to be greeted by the smell of a savory meal like this!
This recipe is another great example of how the Instant Pot can transform a labor-intensive meal into one that is quick and easy! This recipe will also provide a few tips and shortcuts if you’re pinched for time.
https://lifemadesweeter.com/instant-pot-pressure-cooker-homemade-beef-stew/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LIFE MADE SWEETER
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Normally you wouldn’t recommend a roast beef dinner to someone who is learning to cook. It takes lots of practice especially if you’re trying to replicate Grandma’s recipe! Additionally, a roast dinner often requires a lot of time.
The Instant Pot has come to the rescue once again and has transformed delicious Sunday dinner into a quick and easy weeknight meal! Once you try it, you too will be amazed by how easy it is to make.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-roast-beef-dinner/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Looking for a whole meal that can be cooked in just 30 minutes? You need to try this Instant Pot chicken and potatoes recipe!
Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with savory ranch seasoning and are paired with parmesan potatoes. The best part is that the chicken breasts and the potatoes can cook in the Instant Pot simultaneously. This means fewer dishes to clean and easy dinner preparation!
https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-potatoes/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: LE CREME DE LA CRUMB
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Spaghetti dinner just got incredibly easy! With this Instant Pot recipe, you can have a savory dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
First, you’ll need to cook the ground beef using the saute function. Then add the rest of the ingredients and pressure cook for just 8 minutes!
https://www.thekitchn.com/instant-pot-spaghetti-264230?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=managed&crlt.pid=camp.YRPxENvRUsdg PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: THE KITCHN
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When we first tested this hack we were seriously blown away! There are several ways to cook spaghetti squash. You can roast it in the oven, or cook it in the microwave but I can honestly tell you nothing compares to the Instant Pot method.
The Instant Pot not only cooks spaghetti squash quickly but the skin basically peels itself. Spaghetti squash is an amazing low-carb option especially if you’re looking to cut back on pasta and that is why as Instant Pot beginner, you need to try this!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-hack-how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Our orange chicken recipe is a simple recipe that is perfect for Instant Pot beginners! This is a homemade version of a take-out favorite that requires minimal effort without sacrificing flavor.
Orange chicken contains sweet and tangy flavors that your whole family will enjoy. All you need is 6 ingredients and 15 minutes of cooking time to whip this dinner into shape!
http://www.forkly.com/food/15-minute-instant-pot-orange-chicken/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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If you love tender rib buts don’t enjoy waiting hours for them to cook, then you need to try this recipe! Ribs can cook in your Instant Pot in about 30 minutes. You no longer need to save this savory food for special occasions!
Place the wire trivet in the base of the Instant Pot so the ribs can sit on top. Before pressure cooking, pour a can of beer into the Instant Pot. In addition, you’ll make a homemade citrus BBQ sauce that is irresistibly delicious.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-citrus-beer-ribs/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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You could head to the store and pick up a rotisserie chicken or you could try this Instant Pot recipe. This recipe is perfect for beginners because it is so easy!
To provide the crispy outer layer you’ll first want to rub seasonings on the chicken followed by sauteeing it in the Instant Pot. Once the skin is nice and crispy you’ll pressure cook the chicken with broth for 25 minutes. It’s important to allow a natural release so that the chicken can achieve a tender texture.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-whole-faux-rotisserie-chicken/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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The Instant Pot is a great tool for soups too! Say goodbye to the days where you have to cook soup on the stove top for hours. With this Instant Pot recipe, you can have creamy cheddar broccoli and potato soup made in less than 30 minutes!
First, cook the potatoes and broccoli with broth, garlic, and butter on high pressure. Then when cooking is complete and the pressure has been released add in half and half and cheddar cheese. Lastly, using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it’s nice and smooth.
http://www.centercutcook.com/instant-pot-cheddar-broccoli-potato-soup/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: CENTER CUT COOK
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Bone broth is all the rage and for good reason! This nutrient-rich broth can do wonders for our bodies such as help to protect bones and joints as well as can provide a natural source of energy.
The great thing about bone broth is that you can drink a mug of it on its own or incorporate it into your cooking. The traditional stove-top or slow cooker method can take anywhere from 24-48 hours but using the Instant Pot and our recipe you can have it ready in just 1-2 hours!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/easy-90-minute-instant-pot-bone-broth/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Want to enjoy sinfully delicious warm banana bread? Try our banana bread bites recipe! You don’t have to be an experienced Instant Pot user to make this recipe because it is so easy!
For this recipe, we’re using an Instant Pot Silicone Mold that can be used for these banana bread bites but also for our delicious Instant Pot Starbucks Copycat Egg bites. These delightful bites are great for snacking, are sweet enough for dessert, and make a delicious on the go breakfast!
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/ooey-gooey-instant-pot-chocolate-chip-banana-bread-bites/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Not only can you make breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the Instant Pot but you can create delicious desserts too! Cheesecake is actually quite easy to create in the Instant Pot and is a perfect fool-proof recipe for beginners.
This cheesecake is infused with flavors of salted caramel – swoon! Using a springform pan build the cheesecake layers starting with a Ritz cracker crust. Once cooked, the cheesecake will need to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours to overnight.
https://cookiesandcups.com/instant-pot-salted-caramel-cheesecake-2/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: COOKIES AND CUPS
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Perhaps you’re craving something sinfully delicious! Give our Instant Pot chocolate cheesecake a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Once again, use a springform pan to form the cheesecake. This cheesecake has a delicious crushed oreo crust topped with a creamy decadent chocolate filling. Once the cheesecake has set, serve it with lovely chocolate dipped strawberries.
http://www.forkly.com/recipes/instant-pot-oreo-crust-chocolate-cheesecake/ PHOTOS AND RECIPE HERE: FORKLY
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Clarissa loves experimenting with food of all cultures to make unique healthy dishes. When she’s not browsing Pinterest for new recipe inspiration she likes to pick up a DIY project and use her creative hands to make art or crafts. In her down time you can find her watching the latest documentaries on Netflix or going for nature walks.