18 Instant Pot Recipes for Quicker Dinners

Updated December 6, 2018 by Melissa Girimonte

You’ve likely heard of the magic that is the Instant Pot. The seven-in-one appliance can cook slow, fast and even make mac and cheese. But we're really excited about the push-button pressure cooker function: it's the answer to creating tender dinners in a flash. From tender pulled pork to homemade mac and cheese in minutes, these easy recipes will have you turning to Instapot time and time again.

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Beef Barbacoa Tacos

This dinner hits all the right notes! Spicy, salty and tangy, your <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/pressure-cooked-instant-pot-recipes" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instant Pot</a> helps you turn chuck roast into melt-in-your mouth tender beef tacos in an hour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/beef-barbacoa-tacos/21236/" target="_blank">Beef Barbacoa Tacos</a>
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5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Technically this recipe calls for 5 ingredients, but only if you consider salt an ingredient. Condensed milk, shredded cheddar, butter and pasta make a super-fast and creamy homemade dinner that beats the boxed variety every time. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/5-ingredient-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese/20170/" target="_blank">5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese</a>
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Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches

On top of delivering tender, pulled pork in just 2 hours, this one-pot recipe means there’s no dishes to do afterwards, making it party perfect! Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-barbecue-pulled-pork-sandwiches/20173/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwiches</a>
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Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

A one-pot version of your favourite Filipino comfort food. The pressure cooker delivers incredibly tender chicken deeply infused with garlic and soy sauce. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-chicken-adobo/20171/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Chicken Adobo</a>
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Instant Pot Quick Taco-Style Chili

Let your Instant Pot help you cook up a batch of chili - fast! Besides starting with canned or pre-cooked beans, this recipe has another handy hack - using taco seasoning to infuse the whole pot with flavour in a flash. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/quick-taco-style-chili/21238/" target="_blank">Quick Taco-Style Chili</a>
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Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Forget pre-soaking beans overnight. The pressure cooker function will help turn black beans from dried to plump and silky in under an hour. Then, all you have to do is purée and serve with sliced avocado and sour cream, plus cilantro and lime for brightness. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-black-bean-soup/20172/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Black Bean Soup</a>
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Pressure Cooker Pork Stew with Fall Vegetables

Instead of waiting hours for a steaming, comforting bowl of stew, this recipe will help you satisfy your cravings in mere minutes. This hearty stew will help warm you up in less than an hour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pressure-cooker-pork-stew-with-fall-vegetables/17363/" target="_blank">Ricardo’s Pressure Cooker Pork Stew with Fall Vegetables</a>
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Pressure Cooker Chili

Sure, you could spend a whole day simmering your chili on the stove, or serve up a tender, homemade bowl in under an hour. Alton Brown’s chili is packed with tender beef, chili in adobo, cumin, salsa and a bottle of ale for good measure and added flavour. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pressure-cooker-chili/19766/" target="_blank">Alton Brown’s Pressure Cooker Chili</a>
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Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Mediterranean Pickles

Looking for a lighter way to enjoy pulled pork? Ditch the bread and wrap your sandwich in lettuce for a pulled pork sandwich with a crunch. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pulled-pork-lettuce-wraps-with-mediterranean-pickles/12515/" target="_blank">Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps with Mediterranean Pickles</a>
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Pasta with Tomato Braised Beef Shanks

Your pressure cooker is your best friend when it comes to cooking tender, moisture-filled meat in a flash. Full of veggies and herbs, this pasta dish will soon be part of your weeknight rotation. Get the recipe for <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/pasta-with-tomato-braised-beef-shanks/12918/" target="_blank">Michael Smith’s Pasta with Tomato Braised Beef Shanks</a>
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Cumin-Spiced Pork Sirloin with Avocado Salsa

In just 45 minutes, pork sirloin is cooked until its perfectly tender. Pair it with rice and a homemade avocado salsa for a flavourful, satisfying dinner any night of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/cumin-spiced-pork-sirloin-with-avocado-salsa/21237/" target="_blank">Cumin-Spiced Pork Sirloin with Avocado Salsa</a>
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Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

You don't have to spend an entire day making a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. This recipe is so fast and easy, you can pick up the ingredients on your way home from work, and have dinner on the table in no time. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-chicken-noodle-soup/22122/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup</a>
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Instant Pot Pot Roast

Searing and pressure cooking a pot roast in an Instant Pot will have a flavour-packed dinner ready in a snap. It's the ultimate one pot meal, complete with tender potatoes and vegetables. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-pot-roast/22200/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Pot Roast</a>
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Instant Pot Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna becomes a weeknight meal option without having to stop for takeout by making this Instant Pot recipe. Simply use no-boil noodles and layer them with tomato sauce, ricotta, Parmesan and chopped spinach. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/instant-pot-spinach-lasagna/22203/" target="_blank">Instant Pot Spinach Lasagna</a>
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Pressure Cooker Beef Stroganoff

Stroganoff typically requires a long braising time, but preparing it in an Instant Pot allows you to indulge in this comfort classic whenever you're struck by a craving. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/food-network-kitchens-pressure-cooker-beef-stroganoff/21506/" target="_blank">Pressure Cooker Beef Stroganoff</a>
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Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Make a delicious soup that tastes like it's been slow simmered with this quick and easy Instant Pot recipe. Start by sauteeing some pancetta in the pot to add depth to the sweet butternut squash, and reserve that crispy pork as a soup topper. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-butternut-squash-soup-5449624" target="_blank">Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup</a>
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Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

Not only does traditional cacciatore take hours to slow cook in an oven, there's typically a lot of cleanup involved. This one pot recipe tackles both of those obstacles so you can enjoy tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken any night of the week. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-chicken-cacciatore-5449726" target="_blank">Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore</a>
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Instant Pot Taco Night

When your family wants tacos but you forgot to take the ground beef out of the freezer, this recipe will have a taco feast on your table in under an hour. Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/instant-pot-taco-night-5450003" target="_blank">Instant Pot Taco Night</a>
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