60+ Best Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

If you just got an Instant Pot and aren't sure where to start, you're in the right place. These beginner friendly recipes make pressure cooking simple, reliable, and totally doable.

When I first started using my Instant Pot, I was a little intimidated. But once I realized how easy it makes cooking, I was hooked. It can handle everything!

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or cooking dinner for a busy night, these recipes will help you make delicious food without the stress.

You'll find keto, low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 options, so there's something here for every way of eating. It's truly one of the best collections of easy and flavorful Instant Pot recipes - even if you've never used your Instant Pot before.

Why I Love the Instant Pot for Beginners

The Instant Pot is a true kitchen game changer. It can handle everything from soups and stews to roasts, rice, and even yogurt.

We use ours weekly for meal prep, reheating pre-cooked foods, and making quick side dishes on busy nights. And if you ever forget to thaw dinner, don't worry - the Instant Pot can cook many foods straight from frozen.

If you're new to pressure cooking, the Instant Pot is much easier to use than the older stovetop models. The newer features and safety updates make pressure cooking accessible, even if you've never tried it before.

One quick note: Instant Pot is the brand name, but you'll often see it called a pressure cooker, Instapot, or simply "IP." All of these terms refer to the same appliance.

How to Cook with Your Instant Pot (Beginner Basics)

Cooking in the Instant Pot is much easier than it looks. Here's a quick overview of the basics:

1. Sauté (if necessary): If the recipe requires sautéing ingredients, use the Sauté function. Make sure to deglaze the bottom of the pot to avoid getting a "burn" notice.
2. Add Ingredients and Liquids: Add the rest of the ingredients into the pot, ensuring there is enough liquid (usually at least 1 cup) for pressure cooking.
3. Seal the Instant Pot: Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to "Sealing."
4. Set Cook Time and Pressure Level: Select the appropriate cooking program or use the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting, then adjust the time and pressure level as needed.
5. Release Pressure: After the cooking time is complete, the Instant Pot will beep. Allow it to release pressure naturally (which can take 10-25 minutes) or use the quick release by carefully turning the valve to "Venting."
6. Open and Serve: Once the pressure is fully released and the floating valve drops, open the lid and serve your dish.

Best Beginner Instant Pot Recipes

Top Instant Pot Tips for Beginners

• Before you purchase your Instant Pot be sure the size is right. You can only fill the inside of your pot ⅔ of the way.
• Always, and I do mean ALWAYS, be sure to include at least 1 cup of liquid when using your instant pot. Otherwise, it will never come to pressure. (You need steam to create pressure)
• Cook time refers to the time your Instant Pot is pressure cooking. Depending on what is in your pressure cooker it can take up to 10 minutes for your pot to come up to pressure. Need help with cook times? Check out our Instant Pot Cook Times Guide and grab the free printable cook times chart.
• Speaking of coming up to pressure, be sure your inner ring and pressure valve are both on properly or the instapot will not pressurize.
• NR means natural release and occurs when your instant pot has finished cooking and begins slowly releasing the pressure. QR means quick release and occurs when you hit the button and let the pressure out rapidly.
• You can cook pretty much anything in your Instant Pot. Seriously.
• Sauteing roasts prior to cooking is easy to do with the built-in saute feature.
• Depending on your model, some pots will call the manual mode Pressure Cook and others will call this Manual.

Even More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• 31 Quick Instant Pot Ketogenic Recipes
• 33 Instant Pot Ground Beef Recipes
• 17 Instant Pot Low Carb Holiday Recipes