This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience.
Are you new to the Instant Pot community and looking for easy, tried and true recipes? These must try Instant Pot recipes for beginners are a great way to try out your new (or been sitting on your counter/in the box for way too long) Instant Pot.
I fell in love with my Instant Pot almost two years ago when I got swept up in the hype and bought my first Instant Pot on Amazon. I will admit it…I now own three. Yes, three Instant Pots. I have a 6 quart Utra and a 3 quart Duo that is great for making side dishes when my main one is being used. I also have a 6 quart Duo that I keep in our camper.
It has been an absolute game changer for my family. I can get home from work, throw together a quick meal, walk away, and have dinner on the table in a fraction of the time. We eat out less, eat less processed and boxed foods, and eat healthier – without really even trying. I also love the fact that I can cook an amazing roast on the weekends without heating up the house with the oven being on for hours.
Maybe you are still on the fence about getting an Instant Pot and are still doing your due diligence in researching what all the craze is about. I get that. In fact, my husband rolled his eyes when my first Instant Pot was delivered because he was convinced it would be yet another appliance that would sit unused on our counter or tucked away in a cupboard. Ha! Did I prove him wrong!
These are the Instant Pots that I have:
Instant Pot Ultra 6 qt: My main Instant Pot. I use this one all of the time!
Instant Pot Duo Mini 3 qt: This is my little powerhouse Instant Pot. I use it mostly to make sides when I’m using my 6 qt. It saves on time because I do not have to wait for whatever I’m making in my main Instant Pot to be finished (like when I’m making a roast with mashed potatoes).
Instant Pot Duo 6 qt: I keep this one in our camper because I love being able to whip up a quick meal (or side dish) when we are at our “summer home.”
The must have feature for me was to have the yogurt button – which mine do have. There are models that do not have it and although you can still make yogurt in those models it does take a few extra steps.
These Instant Pot recipes for beginners are ones that are staples at my house and I make them often!
Greek Yogurt | This Old Gal
Trust me, once you try homemade yogurt you will not want to go back to store bought! I love that I know exactly what is in my yogurt (in other words, not give my kids yogurt that is loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients). This will make a nice, plain yogurt. The recipe might seem a little overwhelming, but the I like to use Fage for the starter and then I make sure I freeze some in ice cube trays to use as my own starter for my next couple of batches. It’s great with granola on top, fruit mixed in, or just a splash of vanilla. I also use it plain in place of sour cream. For Greek yogurt you will need to strain the whey out of it and this yogurt strainer is great for that.
Steel Cut Oats | Amy + Jacky
Another staple recipe in my house. I make a batch of it Sunday evening and then put it in small jars to have throughout the week for breakfast. I like to add maple syrup or brown sugar to mine or just have it plain – it’s delicious!
Hard Boiled Eggs | This Old Gal
Making hard boiled eggs in an Instant Pot is a surprisingly somewhat controversial subject. You’ll find a ton of different methods on Pinterest and in Instant Pot Facebook groups and people will swear that their method it the best. The problem is that a lot of these methods can get complicated and involve specific amounts of time in different steps (like the 5/5/5 method…just google it, you’ll see!). This recipe really can’t get any simpler and my eggs come out perfect each and every time!
Mashed Potatoes | Eating on a Dime
I know, making mashed potatoes on the stove really is not complicated. This recipe takes it to a whole other level of easiness. One word of caution – the recipe calls for 1 cup of milk. I add this in gradually as I mix the potatoes so I can control the consistency of them. I like my mashed potatoes on the denser side so I usually only use about a ½ cup of milk.
Mississippi Pot Roast | Recipes that Crock
This is a staple weekend dinner at my house. The flavor is incredible and you can make an incredible roast without heating up the oven. After the roast is done I make a gravy out of the broth in a saucepan on the stove:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of flour with 1 cup of cold water and whisk together in a small bowl.
- Remove 2 cups of broth and heat to a boil in a small saucepan on the stove.
- Whisk in the flour and water mixture and continue to boil while stirring constantly until thickened.
Goulash | I Don’t Have Time for That
This is one of our busy, weeknight go-to recipes. You really can’t get any easier than this and have a delicious, home cooked meal on the table in a matter of minutes. Pair it with a salad and some garlic bread for a complete dinner that will make everyone happy.
Buffalo Chicken Wings | Savory Tooth
Let’s face it, making chicken wings can get messy if you are going to pull out your deep fryer. Enjoy you own wings at home without calling for take out!
Chicken Noodle Soup | No. 2 Pencil
There is nothing like a pot of soup that has simmered all day on the stove. You can skip that and make this chicken noodle soup in your Instant Pot in a fraction of the time and the flavor is just as amazing!
Pizza Pasta | Family Fresh Meals
This is a favorite with my whole family, kids included. My 5 year old who could literally eat pizza every night of the week even approves!
Better than Take-Out Beef and Broccoli | Adventures of a Nurse
Another takeout favorite in our house that is quick and delicious! Whip up some rice to go with it.
Baked Potatoes | A Mindful Mom
Forget heating up the oven to bake potatoes! Put them in your Instant Pot and let it do the work for you. Finish them off in the oven with a little olive oil and salt brushed on if you like to crisp the skins up a bit.
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork | Adventures of a Nurse
This recipe is so versatile! The pulled pork is delicious as a sandwich, on a baked potato, or on its own.
Salt Potatoes | Flour on My Face
Depending on where you live, these potatoes might be something completely new to you. These potatoes originated in Syracuse, New York and this Instant Pot method is effortless. They make a great side dish for just about anything, but are incredible alongside a juicy steak.
Chicken Breast | A Pinch of Healthy
This is an all-around recipe that can be used in so many ways. Enjoy it as is and pair with a couple of simple sides for a quick dinner, or use the chicken on a green salad or make chicken salad!
Lime Cilantro Rice | Cleverly Me
Another quick and easy side dish that I make often in my 3 quart Instant Pot. The flavor is amazing!
These must try Instant Pot recipes for beginners are a great way to get started with your Instant Pot. I promise you will not be disappointed!
Leave a Reply