20 Easy Instant Pot Dinner Ideas for Stress Free Cooking

Busy schedules call for smart kitchen shortcuts, and this roundup of 20 Instant Pot recipes has you covered. Featuring wholesome, comforting dishes that cook up fast, these recipes are perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home. Get ready to simplify dinner and still serve up something everyone will love.

Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe

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Cooking dried chickpeas in the Instant Pot eliminates the need for overnight soaking. The pressure cooking method delivers tender beans that hold their shape well. They can be seasoned simply or used as a base for salads, stews, and spreads. Making them from scratch allows you to control texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Instant Pot Chickpeas Recipe

Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

This recipe streamlines mashed potatoes by cooking and mashing in one appliance. The potatoes turn soft and fluffy after pressure cooking. Butter and milk blend in smoothly for a creamy finish. It is a reliable side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Asparagus

Asparagus cooks quickly under pressure while maintaining a vibrant color. The spears come out tender with a slight bite. A drizzle of olive oil or squeeze of lemon enhances the natural flavor. It works well as a simple side for a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Asparagus

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry

Chunks of butternut squash cook down into a thick, fragrant curry sauce. Aromatic spices build layers of flavor throughout the dish. The squash becomes tender and slightly sweet under pressure. Serve it over rice or with flatbread for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry

Instant Pot Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets steam quickly and evenly in the Instant Pot. The texture stays tender without becoming mushy. It can be seasoned simply or tossed with sauces after cooking. This method keeps prep and cleanup minimal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

This mash blends tender cauliflower with melted cheese for a rich side dish. Pressure cooking softens the florets enough to puree smoothly. The cheese adds depth and creaminess to the final texture. It pairs nicely with roasted meats or vegetable mains.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Collard Greens

A close-up of cooked collard greens mixed with pieces of meat, being lifted from a pot with a black serving spoon. — Instant Pot Collard Greens. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Collard greens become tender and flavorful in a fraction of the usual cooking time. The pressure helps break down the sturdy leaves. Seasonings infuse deeply into the greens during cooking. They make a hearty addition to comfort food meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Collard Greens

Instant Pot Corn Chowder

A bowl of creamy corn chowder garnished with chopped green herbs, placed on a white cloth next to a spoon and a small dish of fresh herbs. — Instant Pot Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sweet corn kernels cook into a creamy, comforting chowder. Potatoes and aromatics add body and flavor. The Instant Pot helps meld the ingredients quickly. Each spoonful delivers a balance of sweetness and savory notes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Corn Chowder

Instant Pot Falafel

A pita bread filled with falafel balls, chopped tomatoes, onions, and parsley on a wooden surface. — Instant Pot Falafel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Chickpeas cook until tender before being blended with herbs and spices. The mixture forms into patties or balls ready for baking or frying. Pressure cooking ensures the beans are evenly softened. These falafel can be tucked into pita or served over salads.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Falafel

Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Dough rises beautifully using the yogurt function or gentle warmth of the pot. After shaping into knots, they bake up golden and fluffy. A coating of garlic butter adds bold flavor. They are a welcome addition to pasta nights or soup dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Knots

Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Whole garlic cloves cook alongside the potatoes, softening into a mellow flavor. Once mashed together, the garlic blends seamlessly throughout. The result is creamy with a subtle savory depth. It is a flavorful twist on a traditional side.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

Jackfruit shreds into a texture similar to pulled meat once cooked. Combined with beans, tomatoes, and spices, it creates a thick chili. The pressure cooker helps develop bold flavor quickly. It is a hearty option for cool evenings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili

Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

A bowl containing cooked quinoa, yellow curry with vegetable chunks, and a garnish of chopped purple onions. — Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Lentils and chickpeas cook together into a rich, spiced sauce. The legumes become tender without losing their structure. Aromatics and spices build complexity in a short amount of time. Serve it over rice for a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Chickpea Curry

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Cauliflower softens under pressure and blends into a smooth puree. Butter and cream create a silky texture. The flavor is mild and pairs well with a variety of mains. It offers an alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower (Keto & Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Potatoes and red lentils cook together into a thick, comforting curry. The lentils break down slightly, helping to thicken the sauce. Warm spices add depth and aroma. This dish works well served with rice or naan.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Potato Curry with Red Lentils

Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

Pumpkin puree cooks with spices until thick and spreadable. The Instant Pot helps concentrate the flavors quickly. It can be spooned onto toast, stirred into oatmeal, or swirled into baked goods. Making it at home allows you to adjust sweetness and spice.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pumpkin Butter

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Spinach and artichokes blend with creamy ingredients into a warm dip. Pressure cooking helps the flavors combine smoothly. The texture turns rich and scoopable. Serve it with bread, crackers, or vegetables for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

White beans cook in a tomato based sauce infused with herbs. The pressure cooker ensures the beans are tender and flavorful. The sauce thickens slightly as it cooks. It can be served on its own or spooned over toasted bread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili

Acorn squash cubes soften into the chili while holding their shape. Beans, tomatoes, and spices create a hearty base. The squash adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements. It is a comforting dish for cooler weather meals.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Vegan Acorn Squash Chili