What Is the Easiest Thing to Make in an Instant Pot? 10 Ultimate Recipes

What Is the Easiest Thing to Make in an Instant Pot?

The easiest thing to make in an Instant Pot is hard-boiled eggs, rice, or mac and cheese. These recipes require minimal ingredients, little prep, and cook in just minutes. For example, hard-boiled eggs take five minutes under pressure and peel easily. Mac and cheese is even simpler—just add pasta, water, and cheese, and you’re done in less than 10 minutes. If you need a full meal, chicken and rice is a foolproof option that cooks perfectly in under 20 minutes. The Instant Pot makes cooking effortless by automating the process. Just press a button, and it handles everything—from pressure cooking to slow cooking. Whether you’re a beginner or a busy cook, these easy recipes guarantee success every time.

The Benefits of Using an Instant Pot

There are plenty of reasons why the Instant Pot has become a must-have appliance in kitchens across America. Let’s break it down:

• Saves Time: Meals that normally take hours—like stews, soups, or even pulled pork—can be ready in under an hour. No more waiting all day for dinner.
• Set It and Forget It: You don’t need to stand over the stove. Just add your ingredients, select the right setting, and walk away.
• Energy Efficient: Uses less electricity than an oven or stovetop, helping to cut down on your energy bill.
• Keeps Food Moist and Tender: Because it’s a sealed pressure cooker, food stays juicy and never dries out.
• One-Pot Cooking: You can sauté, pressure cook, slow cook, and even steam—all in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean.

For busy people, beginners, and anyone who wants delicious meals without the hassle, the Instant Pot is the ultimate kitchen hack.

What Makes a Recipe “Easy” in an Instant Pot?

Not all Instant Pot recipes are created equal. Some require a lot of prep work, while others are truly dump-and-go. Here’s what qualifies as an easy Instant Pot recipe:

Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

The best Instant Pot recipes use a handful of ingredients but still pack a punch when it comes to taste. Think basic pantry staples—rice, beans, chicken, pasta, and simple seasonings. With pressure cooking, even the most basic ingredients develop deep, rich flavors.

Example: Chicken, rice, and a few spices can turn into a flavorful one-pot meal in under 30 minutes.

One-Pot Convenience: Fewer Dishes to Clean

One of the biggest perks of Instant Pot cooking is the lack of cleanup. Since everything cooks in a single pot, you don’t need multiple pans, strainers, or extra gadgets. Just cook, serve, and enjoy—then toss the inner pot into the dishwasher.

Pro Tip: Use the sauté function to brown meats or onions directly in the pot before pressure cooking. This adds extra flavor and saves you from washing an extra pan.

Beginner-Friendly Cooking Techniques

Instant Pot cooking doesn’t require advanced skills—just a basic understanding of a few functions. If you can press a button, you can make a great meal. Here are the simplest techniques:

1. Dump-and-Go: Add all ingredients, set the timer, and walk away.
2. Sauté Mode: Brown meat or onions before pressure cooking for added flavor.
3. Slow Cook Mode: Acts as a slow cooker, giving you extra flexibility.
4. Steam Mode: Perfect for veggies, eggs, or seafood.

How Pressure Cooking Simplifies Meals

Pressure cooking speeds up cooking time by trapping steam and increasing pressure inside the pot. This means tough cuts of meat become tender in minutes, and dry beans cook without soaking. Plus, since it’s a closed system, flavors intensify, making even simple recipes taste like they’ve been simmering all day.

Example: A pot of chili that normally takes 3 hours on the stove? Done in 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.

Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

The Instant Pot is all about convenience, and if you’re just starting out, you want recipes that are simple, quick, and practically impossible to mess up. These 10 foolproof Instant Pot recipes are perfect for beginners—they require minimal prep, basic ingredients, and deliver delicious results every time.

10 Easiest Recipes to Try First

Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these easy Instant Pot recipes will get you cooking with confidence.

Looking for even more Instant Pot inspiration? Check out this collection of Instant Pot recipes for everyday meals, from hearty soups to quick weeknight dinners.

1. Instant Pot Hard-Boiled Eggs

This is the ultimate beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipe. No more guessing when the eggs are done or dealing with stubborn shells that refuse to peel.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup water
• Ice bath (bowl of ice water)

Instructions:

1. Place a trivet or steamer basket in the Instant Pot.
2. Add 1 cup of water and place eggs on the trivet.
3. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick release.
5. Transfer eggs to an ice bath for 5 minutes before peeling.

Pro Tip: Use older eggs for easier peeling!

2. Quick and Creamy Mac and Cheese

Homemade mac and cheese in minutes? Yes, please! No draining required.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Do a quick release, then stir in milk and cheese until creamy.
4. Season with black pepper and serve.

Pro Tip: Add a little butter for an extra rich flavor.

3. No-Fuss Chicken and Rice

A complete meal in one pot, with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add rice and broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Place chicken breasts on top and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir.

Pro Tip: Stir in some frozen peas or carrots at the end for extra nutrition.

4. Effortless Chili

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor—without hours of simmering.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode and brown the ground beef.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.
3. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: Add a spoonful of sour cream and shredded cheese on top!

5. Dump-and-Go Vegetable Soup

A healthy, easy meal that requires zero chopping.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Dump all ingredients into the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Do a quick release, stir, and serve hot.

Pro Tip: Add cooked beans or shredded chicken for extra protein.

6. Easy Oatmeal for Breakfast

Perfectly creamy, no-stir oatmeal in minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 cups water
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before stirring.

Pro Tip: Top with fresh fruit and nuts for extra flavor.

7. Simple Pulled Pork

Tender, juicy pork that shreds effortlessly.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 60 minutes.
3. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before shredding.

Pro Tip: Serve on buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled pork sandwich.

8. Foolproof Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, dreamy mashed potatoes in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup butter
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add potatoes and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Do a quick release, then mash potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.

Pro Tip: Use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor.

9. Set-and-Forget Yogurt

Homemade yogurt with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (as a starter)

Instructions:

1. Pour milk into the Instant Pot and set to Yogurt mode.
2. Heat until it reaches 180°F, then cool to 110°F.
3. Stir in yogurt starter, then incubate for 8 hours.
4. Chill before serving.

Pro Tip: Add honey or vanilla extract for sweetness.

10. Basic Beans for Meal Prep

No soaking required!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried beans (black, kidney, or pinto)
• 3 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse beans and add to the Instant Pot with water and salt.
2. Close the lid, set valve to “Sealing,” and cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
3. Let pressure release naturally.

Pro Tip: Store in the fridge for easy meal prep throughout the week.

These 10 beginner-friendly Instant Pot recipes prove that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll be whipping up homemade meals like a pro in no time!

Instant Pot Cooking Tips & Storage Ideas

Now that you’ve mastered the easiest Instant Pot recipes, it’s time to level up with some essential cooking tips and storage tricks. Whether you’re wondering which settings to use, how to avoid common mistakes, or the best way to store leftovers, this section has got you covered.

Essential Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Meals

Even though the Instant Pot simplifies cooking, there are still a few tricks to ensure every meal turns out just right. Here are the must-know tips for perfect results every time.

Choosing the Right Settings

The Instant Pot has multiple settings, but which one should you use? Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used functions:

• Pressure Cook (Manual Mode): The most versatile setting, used for meats, stews, soups, rice, and beans.
• Sauté: Great for browning meat, onions, or garlic before pressure cooking.
• Slow Cook: Functions like a traditional slow cooker, perfect for all-day cooking.
• Steam: Ideal for vegetables, seafood, and eggs.
• Yogurt: Used for fermenting milk into homemade yogurt.

Pro Tip: Always read the recipe instructions to see whether you should use High or Low pressure. Most recipes use High Pressure unless stated otherwise.

How to Avoid the Burn Notice

Few things are more frustrating than the dreaded “Burn” message flashing on your Instant Pot screen. But don’t worry—it’s preventable!

Why Does the Burn Notice Happen?

• Not enough liquid in the pot.
• Starchy foods (like pasta or rice) stick to the bottom.
• Thick sauces create a layer that prevents proper pressure buildup.

How to Prevent It:

• Always deglaze the pot after using the Sauté function by adding a splash of liquid and scraping off any stuck bits.
• Avoid thick sauces—add liquid first, then layer the sauce on top without stirring.
• Use at least 1 cup of liquid (broth, water, or juice) for pressure cooking.

Pro Tip: If the burn notice appears, open the pot, stir, add a little more liquid, and restart the cooking cycle.

Quick Release vs. Natural Release Explained

When your Instant Pot finishes cooking, you’ll need to release the pressure before opening the lid. But should you use Quick Release (QR) or Natural Release (NR)?

Quick Release (QR)

• Manually turns the valve to “Venting” for an immediate steam release.
• Best for delicate foods like vegetables, pasta, and seafood.
• Not ideal for thick liquids, as they may splatter.

Natural Release (NR)

• The pot slowly releases pressure on its own (takes 10–20 minutes).
• Best for meats, soups, and beans to keep them tender.
• Reduces splattering when opening the lid.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before switching to Quick Release. This helps prevent messes!

How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Meals

Cooking with the Instant Pot means you’ll often have leftovers. Proper storage ensures your meals stay fresh, flavorful, and safe to eat.

Best Ways to Keep Leftovers Fresh

Here’s how to store different types of Instant Pot meals:

• Soups & Stews: Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Cooked Meats: Keep in a sealed container for 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Rice & Pasta: Store in separate containers and add a little water when reheating to restore moisture.
• Beans & Legumes: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze in portioned bags.

Pro Tip: Label leftovers with the date so you know when they were made!

Freezing and Reheating Without Losing Flavor

Freezing leftovers is a great way to save time on busy nights. Follow these tips to keep your Instant Pot meals tasting fresh:

Freezing Tips:

• Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags with as much air removed as possible.
• Portion meals into single servings for easy reheating.
• Freeze liquid-based meals (soups, stews) flat in freezer bags to save space.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave: Use short bursts of 1–2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat soups and stews over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
• Instant Pot: Use the “Sauté” function or Steam setting with a little extra liquid.

Pro Tip: Avoid freezing meals with dairy (like mac and cheese) since they can separate when reheated.

With these Instant Pot tips and storage hacks, you’ll cook, store, and reheat meals like a pro—saving time, reducing waste, and making meal prep a breeze.

FAQs About Instant Pot Cooking