Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Weeknight cooking got you stressed? The Instant Pot is here to save the day! From fall-apart brisket to creamy risotto, it whips up amazing dishes in a fraction of the time. We're sharing our absolute favorite recipes, including healthy instant pot recipes, perfect for those "what's for dinner?" moments or when you need a little menu inspiration.
Get ready for tasty food, fast.
Top 10 Instant Pot Recipes
Get ready for quick, delicious meals! These top 10 Instant Pot recipes deliver incredible flavor, from cheesy favorites to spicy chicken dishes.
1. Brisket With Melty Onions and Chimichurri
Fall-apart tender brisket that practically melts in your mouth? Yes, it's possible! This Instant Pot recipe transforms brisket into a weeknight-friendly meal thanks to its speedy cooking time (just 60 minutes!). The melty onions and vibrant chimichurri add an incredible depth of flavor. It's a dish that's sure to satisfy after a long shift, or even impress as a unique addition to your menu.
2. Risotto With Peas & Crispy Salami
Creamy, dreamy risotto without the constant stirring? That's the Instant Pot dream. This recipe is a busy chef's lifesaver – it delivers restaurant-quality risotto in just 20 minutes. The sweet peas and crispy salami add a burst of flavor and texture. It's a perfect post-shift meal or a unique and delicious addition to your specials board.
3. Cuban Pork Tacos With Orange Slaw
Flavor explosion in a flash! These Cuban Pork Tacos are a weeknight lifesaver. The Instant Pot whips up incredibly tender, citrus-infused pork in just 60 minutes, while the bright orange slaw adds a zesty crunch. Prep time is minimal, and the flavor payoff is huge. It's perfect for a satisfying post-shift meal, or even as a fun addition to a catering menu.
4. Spiced Short Ribs
Spiced Short Ribs is an excellent choice as an Instant Pot recipe for quick weeknight dinners. The pressure cooking function of the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional braising methods, making it an efficient and convenient option for busy weeknights.
The short ribs become deliciously tender and flavorful, thanks to the infusion of beef broth, red wine, hoisin sauce, garlic, and aromatic spices. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of 45 minutes, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish in a fraction of the time, perfect for satisfying weeknight cravings.
5. Beef Ragù With Pappardelle
Beef Ragù With Pappardelle is an excellent choice as an Instant Pot recipe for quick weeknight dinners. This dish is packed with flavor and requires minimal hands-on time, making it a perfect option for busy evenings.
The Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time, allowing the ground beef to become tender and infusing the sauce with rich, aromatic notes from the red wine, herbs, and spices. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 45 minutes - it's the perfect way to unwind after a long shift.
6. Lamb Tacos With Feta
These Lamb Tacos with Feta are a weeknight lifesaver. The Instant Pot efficiently cooks the ground lamb to tender perfection, infusing it with a delightful blend of spices like paprika, oregano, and cinnamon.
The total time required is just 30 minutes, making it a convenient and flavor-packed meal for busy evenings. The tangy feta cheese and cool, creamy Greek yogurt provide a delicious contrast to the seasoned lamb, creating a well-balanced and satisfying taco experience. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, this Instant Pot recipe is sure to become a family favorite for quick and delicious weeknight dinners.
7. Chicken Tostadas
Crispy tostadas, flavorful chicken, and all your favorite toppings – this recipe has a weeknight hero written all over it. Your Instant Pot transforms the chicken into a tender, salsa-infused filling in just 20 minutes. With simple seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and garlic, the shredded chicken is packed with bold flavors that pair perfectly with the crisp tostada shells, fresh toppings, and creamy sour cream.
Requiring only 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a convenient and satisfying meal for busy weeknights. Top these tasty tostadas with your favorite veggies, cheese, and a sprinkle of cilantro for a quick, flavorful, and customizable dinner the whole family will enjoy.
8. Chicken Pho
Craving the comforting flavors of pho, but short on time? This recipe takes the classic Vietnamese noodle soup and delivers a big flavor in just 40 minutes. By roasting the chicken wings and charring the onion and ginger before simmering in the broth, you can infuse deep, complex flavors into the dish without hours of active cooking time.
The noodles, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs make this a well-balanced and nourishing meal, perfect for busy evenings. It's a warm, satisfying meal that's perfect for unwinding after a busy day. Let's get those noodles slurping!
9. Brown Rice Congee with Kimchi, Scallions, and 7-Minute Eggs
Brown Rice Congee with Kimchi, Scallions, and 7-Minute Eggs is a fantastic Instant Pot recipe for quick and nourishing weeknight dinners. This comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings. The Instant Pot efficiently transforms simple ingredients like brown rice and stock into a creamy, flavor-packed congee.
Topped with tangy kimchi, fresh scallions, and a soft-cooked egg, this meal is a satisfying blend of textures and tastes. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, this recipe delivers a wholesome and delicious dinner with ease. For a quick, cozy, and customizable weeknight meal, this Instant Pot Brown Rice Congee is a fantastic choice.
10. Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin
This Sweet and Spicy Pork Tenderloin is a flavor explosion! The Instant Pot transforms the pork into a juicy, tender main course with a sweet-and-spicy glaze. The mango salsa adds a burst of freshness. Prep is minimal, and it's ready in about an hour – perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying bowl of meat and deliciousness without the fuss. It's definitely one of the best Instant Pot recipes out there!
Conclusion
So there you have it – a whole bunch of delicious Instant Pot recipes to conquer those crazy weeknights. Whether you're craving cheesy comfort food, a savory chicken dish, or even a healthy dessert, the Instant Pot is your secret weapon. Need some healthy Instant Pot recipes to add to the mix? There are tons of options out there!
The best part? Most of these recipes come together super fast, so you can unwind after a long shift instead of stressing over dinner. Let's get cooking – and don't forget to serve up some tasty ideas!
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