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*FIVE* MUST TRY INSTANT POT RECIPES | Great For Beginners & Real Weeknight Dinners | Julia Pacheco

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Julia Pacheco
Julia Pacheco
167 recipes on Enhanced Recipes
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Recipes in this Video

9 recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the white beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. 3Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients.
  4. 4Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
  5. 5Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
  6. 6Open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot.
  7. 7If desired, stir in the sour cream for a creamier texture.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Equipment

Instant PotMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsCutting boardKnifeForks (for shredding)
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Beef stew is a classic American comfort food, often enjoyed during colder months. It is a hearty dish that brings together tender beef and vegetables, simmered to perfection. The Instant Pot method allows for a quicker preparation while maintaining the rich flavors traditionally developed through slow cooking. This dish is versatile and can be adapted with various vegetables and seasonings based on personal preference.

Ingredients

  • beef chuck
  • potatoes
  • carrots
  • onions
  • beef broth
  • tomato paste
  • garlic
  • bay leaves
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cut beef into chunks and season with salt and pepper.
  2. 2Set Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and brown the beef in batches.
  3. 3Remove beef and set aside; add onions and garlic to the pot, sauté until softened.
  4. 4Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute.
  5. 5Add beef back to the pot along with potatoes, carrots, bay leaves, and beef broth.
  6. 6Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to 'Manual' for 35 minutes.
  7. 7Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  8. 8Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve hot.

Ingredient Alternatives

beef chuck

Healthier: lean beef

Cheaper: beef shank

Lean beef has lower fat content, while beef shank is often more affordable.

potatoes

Healthier: sweet potatoes

Cheaper: frozen potatoes

Sweet potatoes are more nutritious, and frozen potatoes can be cheaper and convenient.

Techniques

sautéingpressure cooking

Equipment

Instant Potcutting boardknifemeasuring cupsspoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Also Known As

Beef StewPressure Cooker Beef Stew

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese

Instructions

  1. 1Add the elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
  2. 2Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  3. 3Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick release of the pressure.
  4. 4Open the lid and stir the macaroni. It will be slightly undercooked.
  5. 5Add the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cream cheese to the pot.
  6. 6Stir well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
  7. 7If the mac and cheese is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  9. 9Serve hot and enjoy your creamy mac and cheese!

Equipment

Instant Potmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsspatula

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil.
  2. 2Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the pot. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  5. 5Pour in the beef broth and add the penne pasta. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
  6. 6Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.
  7. 7Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
  8. 8Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and frozen peas until well combined.
  9. 9Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment

Instant PotWooden spoonMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil.
  2. 2Once the oil is hot, add chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. 3Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. 5Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  6. 6Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients.
  7. 7Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' and set the timer for 15 minutes.
  8. 8Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
  9. 9Open the lid carefully, stir the chili, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. 10Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Equipment

Instant PotSpatulaChopping boardKnife
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and add olive oil.
  2. 2Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
  3. 3Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. 4Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth, water, thyme, parsley, black pepper, salt, and bay leaf.
  5. 5Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' mode for 10 minutes on high pressure.
  6. 6Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
  7. 7Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks.
  8. 8Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the egg noodles.
  9. 9Close the lid again and set to 'Manual' mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.
  10. 10Once done, perform a quick release and stir the soup to combine all ingredients.
  11. 11Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving.

Equipment

Instant PotMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsCutting boardKnifeForks for shredding

Originating from Mexico, rice is a staple in many traditional dishes, often served alongside beans and meats. It holds cultural significance as a versatile side dish that complements a variety of flavors. Today, Instant Pot rice has gained popularity for its convenience, allowing home cooks to prepare this beloved staple quickly and easily.

Ingredients

  • long-grain rice
  • water
  • olive oil
  • onion
  • garlic
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • cumin
  • lime juice
  • cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. 2Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
  3. 3Add olive oil to the pot and heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. 5Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. 6Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat with oil.
  7. 7Season with salt, black pepper, and cumin, stirring to combine.
  8. 8Pour in water and lime juice, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
  9. 9Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
  10. 10Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  11. 11Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  12. 12Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in chopped cilantro before serving.

Also Known As

Arroz InstantPot

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. 1Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot.
  2. 2Add the brown rice, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper on top of the chicken.
  3. 3Pour the chicken broth over the mixture.
  4. 4Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing.
  5. 5Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  6. 6Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  7. 7Open the lid and shred the chicken using two forks.
  8. 8Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients well.
  9. 9Serve the burrito bowls in bowls, topped with shredded cheese, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

Equipment

Instant PotMeasuring cupsMeasuring spoonsForks for shreddingServing bowls
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low
vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Turn on the Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' function. Add olive oil and chopped onion, cooking until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. 2Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Add broccoli florets, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine.
  4. 4Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'Sealing'. Select 'Pressure Cook' and set the timer for 5 minutes.
  5. 5Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to 'Venting'.
  6. 6Open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. 7If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency.
  8. 8Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
  9. 9Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or croutons if desired.

Equipment

Instant Potcutting boardknifemeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonsimmersion blender (optional)