23 Fast Instant Pot Recipes for Busy Nights

These Instant Pot dishes span comfort food, weeknight meals, and crowd-pleasers, all made faster without sacrificing flavor. From juicy ribs to creamy sides, seafood favorites, and satisfying stews, each recipe makes the most of pressure cooking for tender textures and bold taste. Many include global influences or unique twists on classics, giving you plenty of ideas to keep dinner interesting. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a gathering, there’s something here for everyone.

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes. — Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

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This stew blends tender chunks of beef with root vegetables and a splash of apple cider. The cider adds a gentle sweetness that complements the savory broth. It’s a seasonal twist on a classic comfort dish. Cooked quickly, but full of depth.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot Baby Back Rib dipped in barbeque sauce in a glass bowl — Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These ribs cook up fall-off-the-bone tender with a rich, smoky flavor. A quick broil at the end caramelizes the sauce perfectly. The Instant Pot cuts hours off the usual cook time. Serve with corn or slaw for a classic pairing.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Open-faced sandwich with pulled pork and purple coleslaw on a toasted bun. — Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pork shoulder turns juicy and shreddable under pressure, then gets tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce. Serve it on slider buns with pickles or slaw. It’s easy to make in bulk and great for parties. Leftovers are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew topped with fresh parsley. — Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

A traditional beef stew with soft vegetables, hearty broth, and tender meat. It comes together quickly and is deeply comforting. Serve it as-is or over mashed potatoes. Pressure cooking enhances all the flavors without hours of simmering.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Close up of Cajun Rice and Sausage on a plate. — Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Smoky sausage and bold Cajun seasoning flavor this one-pot rice dish. It’s spicy, hearty, and loaded with peppers and onions. Everything cooks together in one cycle. Great on its own or with hot sauce on the side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cajun Rice and Sausage

Instant Pot Carne Asada

Three beef tacos with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro served in soft tortillas on a white plate with a green holder. — Instant Pot Carne Asada. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

This marinated beef cooks fast and comes out juicy and well-seasoned. Slice it thin for tacos, burritos, or bowls. A citrus and spice blend gives it a fresh kick. Finish it under a broiler for a quick sear.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Carne Asada

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Cauliflower is blended with cheese and butter for a creamy, low-carb side. It’s smooth, rich, and a lighter option than mashed potatoes. Garlic or chives make a great addition. Serve alongside meats or as a base for stews.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup. — Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Chunks of chicken and tender squash simmer in a savory broth with herbs and garlic. It’s warming, colorful, and full of texture. The squash adds a natural sweetness. Serve with bread or rice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

Instant Pot Crab Boil

A bowl containing crab legs, corn on the cob, red and purple potatoes, a lemon wedge, and herbs on a white surface. — Instant Pot Crab Boil. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This seafood feast includes crab, corn, potatoes, and sausage all cooked under pressure. It’s messy, flavorful, and great for sharing. The seasoning blend infuses everything evenly. Serve with melted butter and lemon wedges.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Crab Boil

Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Pan of garlic knots with marinara sauce. — Instant Pot Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Soft, fluffy rolls brushed with garlic butter and herbs. The dough proofs and cooks quickly in the Instant Pot. Great for serving with soups, stews, or pasta. Finish with parmesan for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint. — Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This dish delivers a tender, juicy ham with a sweet glaze. Pineapple, brown sugar, or mustard can be added for different finishes. It’s easy to prepare for holidays or weekend dinners. Slice thin and serve warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Red bowl of risotto topped with sliced jalapeños. — Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Creamy risotto with a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños. It cooks hands-free in the pressure cooker and still gets that classic texture. Stir in cheese at the end for extra richness. A bold side dish or vegetarian main.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jalapeño Risotto

Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

A plate of pulled pork carnitas garnished with lime wedges and cilantro. — Instant Pot Pork Carnitas. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pork cooks until tender, then gets shredded and crisped for tacos or bowls. Orange juice and spices create a flavorful base. The meat is versatile for many dishes. Broil for crispy edges just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Beef ribs become tender and juicy in the pressure cooker, then finished with a caramelized glaze. A low-sugar sauce keeps things low carb. Serve with a simple salad or slaw. These cook much faster than traditional methods.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ribs- Fall Off the Bones Beef Ribs (Low Carb, Gluten-Free)

Instant Pot Rice

A measuring cup filled with uncooked brown rice sits on a wooden board in front of an Instant Pot displaying — Instant Pot Rice. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Simple, fluffy rice with no guesswork. It comes out light and consistent every time. Adjust seasoning or broth depending on your dish. Works with white, brown, or jasmine varieties.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Rice

Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy

Intentional Hospitality — Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy. Photo credit: .

Beef roast becomes fork-tender in a rich, savory gravy. Potatoes or carrots can be added to make it a full meal. The sauce thickens as it rests. Serve hot with extra gravy on top.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Roast Beef and Gravy

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley. — Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quick-cooking shrimp stay tender and juicy with the right timing. Add garlic, lemon, or Cajun spice for flavor. Works well for pasta, salads, or tacos. Don’t overcook — they’re done fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani. — Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Indian rice dish layers marinated shrimp with fragrant spiced rice. It’s bold, colorful, and packed with aroma. Serve with yogurt or raita. The Instant Pot helps get the texture just right.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Garlicky shrimp in a lemon-butter sauce served over pasta or rice. It’s light, zesty, and cooks in minutes. Add chili flakes for a little heat. Finish with fresh parsley and grated cheese.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Instant Pot Taco Spaghetti

This fun fusion mixes taco meat, pasta, cheese, and spices in one pot. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions. A weeknight favorite for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Taco Spaghetti

IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus on a black plate with parmesan cheese. — IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Asparagus cooks until tender with a sprinkle of garlic and parmesan. It’s quick and flavorful, great as a side for meats or pasta. A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish. Serve immediately for best texture.
Get the Recipe: IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli with a cheese sauce served in a bowl. — Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Steamed broccoli is topped with a creamy cheese sauce similar to the restaurant version. It’s a rich take on a simple side. Add cracked pepper or red pepper flakes for a twist. Great with steak or grilled chicken.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Pesto Salmon

Salmon is brushed with pesto and baked until flaky and tender. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies. A squeeze of lemon ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salmon