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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

    Published: Jan 6, 2021 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 4 Comments

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    a bowl of pasta with text overlay Instant Pot recipes for beginners
    instant pot recipes for beginners

    You finally got that Instant Pot you have been waiting for. Time to make some delicious recipes that will ease you into using your new Electric Pressure Cooker!

    easy instant pot recipes for beginners with a bowl of pasta

    However, now you are scared that you will blow up the house and everything in it. So you haven’t used it yet. Don’t worry, that is not going to happen! Modern pressure cookers are made with all sorts of protection so they don’t blow like the old stovetop versions.

    So stop waiting and get it out! Start with the quick water test that is in the Instant Pot Guide Book and you will be ready to go. Especially if you start with these easy to make Instant Pot recipes.

    Before you know it you will be ready to convert your family recipes to be made in the Instant Pot. You can pop over to this Instant Pot Cooking Times Guide to help plan cooking times when you are ready!

    The Instant Pot I Use

    I use the Instant Pot Duo Plus 60 6 quart 9-in-1. The important part here is that I use a 6 quart pot. So my Instant Pot recipes are made to fit into the 6 quart pot or larger.

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1

    If you have a smaller pot just be aware of the fill line on the inside of your pot and do not fill past that line.

    Some Basic Guidelines for Using Your Instant Pot

    Here are some basic guidelines that I follow while I am using my Instant Pot:

    • always make sure the seal ring (silicone ring) on the inside of your Instant Pot lid is securely in place.
    • remember that you will be releasing pressure after the cooking time is done, which is a lot of pressurized steam. So, make sure you plug it in and have it set in a spot where you can release that pressure.
    • make sure your lid and pressure vent is free of debris/food, especially on the inside.
    • when using the sauté mode, make sure to hit cancel before moving on to the pressure cooking modes. I have heard that if you skip this step it can cause a burn warning on your pot.
    • when browning and sautéing in your pot make sure you deglaze the bottom before moving on to pressure cooking. This helps prevent the burn notice.
    • do not throw away the guide book or user manual that came with your pot! I still use mine all the time.

    Natural Release vs. Quick Release

    Natural Release and Quick Release are two terms that you will see in Instant Pot Recipes. They have to do with how you release the pressure that is built up in your pot. Here is what they mean, specifically:

    Natural Release– The cooking time is done and as the pot counts down it will slowly release its pressure, naturally. This is obviously the slowest way to release pressure and will take the most time. Once the silver pressure gauge has dropped it is safe to open your pot.

    With this method your food is still slowly cooking, which was probably allowed for within the recipe. So if a recipe calls for a natural release, do not do a quick release or your food may not be cooked properly.

    Quick Release– The cooking time is done, you turn the pressure valve on the top from seal to vent. (make sure you cover your hand to do this and make sure the vent is free from any obstruction- like cabinets or your face! The steam will come out with force, and is extremely hot!). Once all the steam is released, the silver pressure gauge will drop and you can open your pot. This is the quickest way to release pressure.

    There is minimal cooking done during a quick release, which was probably allowed for within the recipe. So if a recipe calls for a quick release, do not do a natural release or your food will be over cooked.

    Easy Instant Pot Recipes

    So now that you have an Instant Pot, let’s get some easy and basic recipes that you can try. These are foolproof recipes that will boost your Instant Pot confidence in no time.

    Once you are comfortable with how everything works you can move on to some more complicated Instant Pot recipes like my Instant Pot Cajun Rice with Chicken & Sausage or Instant Pot Pork Roast or my Chicken & Stuffing with Gravy.

    Hard Boiled Eggs

    There is not an easier recipe than Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs. It is as simple as 5-5-5;

    5 minute pressure cook, 5 minute natural release and 5 minute ice bath. After that they just about peel themselves, it’s crazy!

    Hard boiled eggs cooked in the instant pot

    Beef & Barley Stew

    This a great recipe for Beef & Barley Stew. The recipe uses stew meat, which is an inexpensive cut of beef that usually takes a few hours to cook and tenderize. In the Instant Pot the stew meat is fall-apart-tender in 25 minutes!

    white bowl of beef and barley soup

    Turkey Meatballs

    If your kids are like mine then they will love this Instant Pot Dinner, and you will love it because it doesn’t require any chopping or sautéing. Simply mix the Turkey Meatball ingredients and roll the meatballs. Set your Instant Pot for 10 minutes and dinner is ready!

    If you prefer a beef meatball you can jump over to these Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs.

    turkey meatballs in a bowl

    All Purpose Pulled Chicken

    This All Purpose Chicken is a great starter recipe for dinner. It is a quick way to make pulled or diced chicken for other recipes- like BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, or my Chicken Enchiladas , Chicken Noodle Soup or BBQ Chicken Pizza.

    You can also try this recipe for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos or Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Chicken! If you prefer to use pork instead of chicken you can use this recipe for Instant Pot Pulled Pork.

    a tray of pulled chicken

    Instant Pot Boneless Ribs

    This recipe for Instant Pot Boneless Pork Ribs has a few more steps than some of the other recipes, but it is still easy and so delicious! There is some oven time required at the end to caramelize the BBQ sauce on the ribs, but the rest of the cooking is done in the IP and is so easy.

    If you are using bone-in ribs, check out this recipe for Instant Pot Ribs.

    Instant Pot Boneless Pork Ribs on a white plate with an electric pressure cooker in the background

    Creamy Potato Soup

    This recipe for Creamy Potato Soup requires very little prep AND you will only be setting your Instant Pot for 4 minutes!!! Now that’s fast.

    two bowls full of potato soup with two spoons

    Creamy Chicken Alfredo

    This is one of my favorite Instant recipes because it is so easy and turns out perfect!

    This Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a perfect family dinner that everyone will love!

    a bowl of really creamy chicken alfredo pasta with a fork twirling the pasta

    Mashed Potatoes

    One of the yummiest side dishes you will make in your Instant Pot are Creamy and Flavorful Mashed Potatoes!

    If you prefer sweet potatoes then you can check out this recipe for Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes.

    mashed potatoes in a bowl

    Breakfast: Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats

    This is a great Instant Pot breakfast recipe from Tawnie over at Kroll’s Korner. These Cinnamon Steel- Cut Oats are easy to make and will keep in the fridge for breakfast.

    Two bowls of Instant Pot Steel-Cut Cinnamon oats garnished with bananas, brown sugar, and raisins

    Getting Instant Pot Help

    I have a couple years experience using a 6 quart Duo Plus Instant Pot. If you ever have questions or need help getting started, don’t hesitate to reach out – Susie susie@momsdinner.net!!

    Originally posted November 2019 – Copy updated January 2021

    More Mom's Dinner Recipes to Love

    • Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
    • Instant Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
    • Five Star Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs
    • Amazing Instant Pot Italian Meatballs
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    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

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    1. Kristen

      January 07, 2021 at 2:21 pm

      I recently received my Instant Pot and didn’t know what to start making with it. This post is a big help. Your writing style is very reassuring.

      Reply
    2. Joseph Chizmark

      January 06, 2021 at 8:53 pm

      I own a 8-quart instant pot am I supposed to put one cup of water in the pot when I use it or a cup and a half?

      Reply
      • Susie Weinrich

        January 07, 2021 at 7:45 am

        You should be fine with just one cup.

        Reply
    3. Emily Bruno

      December 29, 2018 at 8:52 pm

      I’m always looking for new recipes for my Instant Pot, these are perfect!!

      Reply

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