22 One-Pot Meals That Make the Most of Your Instant Pot
These Instant Pot recipes cover everything from Tex-Mex to Southern comfort, Italian classics to bold global favorites. Each one brings strong flavors and simple prep, using the pressure cooker to make dinner faster and easier. From cheesy enchiladas to pineapple beef, this list covers every craving in a single pot. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there’s something here that hits the spot.
Instant Pot Cajun Boil
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Shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes cook in seasoned broth with butter, garlic, and Cajun spices. The seafood stays tender and the broth infuses everything. A quick cook under pressure keeps textures just right. Serve with lemon wedges and extra melted butter.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Boil
Instant Pot Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Ground beef is cooked in sauce, then rolled in tortillas and layered with cheese inside the pot. A short pressure cook melts everything together. The enchiladas stay soft and flavorful throughout. Add toppings like sour cream or salsa to finish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Chicken thighs or breasts are cooked alongside baby potatoes in a buttery, herbed broth. Everything gets tender without falling apart. The broth becomes a light sauce that coats each bite. It’s simple, filling, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
Instant Pot Three Bean Chicken Chili
This chili blends shredded chicken with black, kidney, and pinto beans in a spiced tomato base. Chili powder and cumin add warmth, while corn and peppers round out the texture. The Instant Pot keeps the beans tender without turning them mushy. Top with cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Three Bean Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Carne Asada
Flank or skirt steak is marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, then pressure cooked until tender and sliceable. The meat absorbs bold flavor quickly without drying out. After cooking, a quick broil adds char and crisp edges. Serve in tacos, bowls, or with grilled veggies.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carne Asada
Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo
Chicken thighs and rice cook together with sofrito, broth, and spices until perfectly blended. The rice soaks up flavor from the chicken and aromatics. Peas and pimentos are added at the end for color and contrast. It’s rich, savory, and made in one pot.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Arroz Con Pollo
Instant Pot Baked Ham
A spiral or boneless ham gets glazed with brown sugar, mustard, and pineapple juice before cooking under pressure. The glaze thickens into a sticky-sweet coating. The meat stays juicy without long oven time. It’s great for holidays or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Ham
Instant Pot Barbacoa
Chuck roast is cooked in a spicy, smoky sauce made from chipotle, garlic, cumin, and lime. The meat becomes shreddable and full of flavor. A quick sauté thickens the sauce at the end. It’s ideal for tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Barbacoa
Instant Pot Chicken Curry Rice
This one-pot dish cooks chicken, rice, and vegetables in a spiced curry broth with garlic, turmeric, and a little cream. The rice absorbs the curry flavor while the chicken stays moist. Vegetables like peas or carrots add color and crunch. It’s a cozy meal with minimal cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Curry Rice
Instant Pot Chicken Nachos
Shredded chicken is seasoned and pressure cooked, then layered over chips with cheese and toppings. The Instant Pot keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Broil or bake to finish with melty cheese. Add jalapeños, guac, or sour cream right before serving.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Nachos
Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Brisket simmers with pickling spices until fork-tender, then cabbage, potatoes, and carrots are added. The meat comes out juicy and seasoned throughout. Vegetables cook quickly in the flavorful broth. It’s a no-fuss version of the classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Instant Pot French Onion Chicken
Chicken breasts or thighs cook in a broth filled with caramelized onions, garlic, and herbs. A melted cheese topping finishes it off, just like the soup. The sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet. Serve with mashed potatoes or toasted bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot French Onion Chicken
Instant Pot Jambalaya
Sausage, chicken, shrimp, and rice cook together in a spicy tomato-based broth with Cajun seasoning. The flavors deepen fast thanks to the pressure. The rice stays fluffy and the proteins don’t overcook. Every bite has bold seasoning and balanced heat.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jambalaya
Instant Pot Lasagna
Noodles, meat sauce, and cheese are layered inside the pot using a springform or stackable insert. Pressure cooking melts everything into a cohesive, saucy lasagna. It holds together well for slicing. Serve with garlic bread or salad.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lasagna
Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Parmesan
Breaded chicken cooks in lemony broth before getting topped with marinara and melted Parmesan. The lemon cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. The chicken stays tender without deep frying. It’s a lighter twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lemon Chicken Parmesan
Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew
Chunks of beef simmer with tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and vegetables until everything’s tender. The broth is rich with smoky, spicy flavor. Potatoes and carrots soak up all the seasoning. Serve with rice or warm tortillas.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Beef Stew
Instant Pot Penne A La Vodka
Penne pasta cooks in a creamy tomato-vodka sauce right in the pot, with no need to boil separately. The sauce gets silky and coats every noodle. Add sausage or chicken if you want it heartier. Parmesan finishes it off.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Penne A La Vodka
Instant Pot Pineapple Beef
Beef pieces cook in a tangy-sweet pineapple and soy sauce with garlic and ginger. The fruit breaks down just enough to flavor the sauce. A cornstarch slurry thickens it before serving. Serve with rice and green onions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pineapple Beef
Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Pork shoulder simmers in orange juice, lime, garlic, and spices until it falls apart. The shredded meat can be broiled for crisp edges. It’s juicy, zesty, and full of flavor. Great in tacos, bowls, or salads.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas
Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Red beans simmer with andouille sausage, onion, celery, and spices until thick and creamy. The sausage adds smokiness and the beans hold their shape. A long soak isn’t needed thanks to the pressure. Serve over hot rice with hot sauce.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Red Beans and Rice
Instant Pot Salisbury Steak
Beef patties simmer in onion and mushroom gravy until juicy and well-coated. The sauce thickens into a rich layer over each piece. Mashed potatoes are the perfect side. It’s classic comfort food made faster.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Salisbury Steak
Instant Pot Whole Lemon and Garlic Chicken
A whole chicken is seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then pressure cooked until tender. The meat stays juicy and the drippings become a flavorful sauce. Broil at the end for crispy skin. It’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive on a platter.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Whole Lemon and Garlic Chicken
