17 instant pot meals you’ll crave all week long

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We’ve all been there: tired, hungry, and wondering if cereal counts as a decent meal. These instant pot dishes are here to rescue you from that tragic fate, with meals so good, you’ll actually look forward to leftovers like they’re brand new. It’s like meal prep on autopilot, saving you effort while delivering satisfaction every time you open the fridge and see dinner already done.

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background.
Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

You know that soup that instantly makes you want to curl up on the couch with a good movie? That’s exactly what Instant Pot Tortilla Soup delivers, except it’s done faster than picking something to watch on a Friday night. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a meal that feels comforting without too much effort. Plus, you might find yourself hoping for leftovers, just so you can enjoy it again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks.
Instant Pot Kalua Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

If you’ve been craving that slow-cooked pork taste but don’t have the patience, you’ll love how Instant Pot Kalua Pork brings that flavor in way less time. It gives you all the satisfaction of a backyard luau, minus the hours of roasting underground. Perfect for when you want a big meal without the big effort, and it works with just about any side. Let’s be honest, you’ll be sneaking bites every chance you get.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cranberry sauce doesn’t need to be complicated, and you’ll see that with Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce it’s more about getting it done fast and right. Forget simmering for hours, because this version is ready before you know it, letting you focus on everything else. It’s quick, easy, and you’ll never go back to the canned stuff once you’ve had this. Honestly, it might just be the best part of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Low angle shot of ramen noodle stiry fry in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When that noodle craving strikes, you need something fast, but you also want it to taste way better than takeout. That’s where Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry steps in, giving you a quick meal that’s still full of flavor. It’s great when you want to switch things up without spending your entire evening in the kitchen. And who doesn’t love a dish that makes you feel like a kitchen genius in record time?
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Instant Pot Hummus

Hummus in a black bowl garnished with whole chickpeas, olive oil, and paprika.
Instant Pot Hummus. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Why keep spending money on store-bought hummus when you can whip up your own with Instant Pot Hummus in no time? It’s faster than making a grocery store run, and you’ll end up with something that’s perfect for snacking all week long. This one’s so good, you’ll find yourself reaching for it with everything from veggies to pita. Trust me, it’s going to become your new snack-time hero.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Overhead shot of a platter of shrimp biryani.
Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you want a dish that feels a little special but doesn’t demand too much of your time, Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani is the way to go. It’s a great mix of bold flavors without all the usual fuss, so you can sit back while your instant pot handles the hard part. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing, this dish is bound to be a regular in your weeknight lineup. One bite, and you’ll know why it’s worth craving.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint.
Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Ham for a weeknight dinner? Absolutely, when you’ve got Instant Pot Ham in your corner. It turns a regular meal into something that feels a bit more festive, but without the long hours in the oven. You’ll be serving it up with all kinds of sides, and if there’s any left, it’ll make the best sandwiches or snacks later. Honestly, you might start looking forward to dinner just for the ham.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Instant Pot Coconut Rice

A mound of coconut rice on a black plate with ribs on the side.
Instant Pot Coconut Rice. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Rice doesn’t have to be bland, and Instant Pot Coconut Rice is here to prove it. It’s the easiest way to make any meal feel a bit more exciting, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or something special. You’ll find yourself pairing it with everything, or just eating it on its own because it’s that good. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever did without it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Instant Pot Duck Confit

Overhead shot of a confit duck leg with orange sauce and star anise pods.
Instant Pot Duck Confit. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Duck confit sounds like something you’d only get at a fancy restaurant, but Instant Pot Duck Confit makes it easy for anyone to pull off. You’ll feel like a gourmet chef without spending hours in the kitchen or breaking a sweat. It’s impressive enough for guests but simple enough for any night of the week. Get ready to add this one to your “I-can’t-believe-I-made-this” list.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho.
Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pho is one of those dishes that usually requires hours of simmering to get just right, but Instant Pot Pho brings that rich, comforting flavor in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for when you need something warm and rewarding without the all-day effort. The broth is deep and flavorful, and you’ll find yourself whipping it up anytime you want a cozy meal. Say goodbye to waiting for takeout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley.
Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

There’s something special about shrimp that makes it feel both quick and fancy, and Instant Pot Shrimp delivers just that in no time. You’ll have a meal on the table before you even have time to question what’s for dinner. Whether you serve it with rice, pasta, or on its own, this shrimp dish is one you’ll keep coming back to. It’s the easiest way to make any weeknight dinner feel a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Low angle, closeup shot of spare ribs with hoisin glaze.
Instant Pot Spare Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spare ribs usually mean a long, slow cooking process, but Instant Pot Spare Ribs cuts that down to a fraction of the time. You’ll still get the same tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness, but without spending all day in front of the grill. These ribs are perfect for when you want to impress someone with a meal that feels like it took hours. Spoiler alert: it didn’t, but no one has to know that.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side.
Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Adobo has that perfect balance of flavors, but it usually takes a while to cook. With Instant Pot Chicken Adobo, you get all that tangy, savory goodness without spending your evening in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel special, even though it’s surprisingly easy to make. You’ll probably find yourself making it more than once in a week, just because it’s so good.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Refried Beans

Bowls of refried beans garnished with sliced jalapenos, cheese, and tomatoes with a napkin and two spoons on the side.
Instant Pot Refried Beans. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Refried beans don’t always get the spotlight, but Instant Pot Refried Beans are about to change that. These are creamy, flavorful, and ready to add to just about anything, from tacos to burritos or even as a side dish. You’ll never look at canned beans the same way again after trying this. Trust me, they’re worth making a batch and keeping them around all week long.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Whole chicken with lemons.
Instant Pot Whole Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Roasting a whole chicken is usually an all-day affair, but Instant Pot Whole Chicken makes it easy to get that same result in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for meal prep, or just when you need a hearty dinner but don’t have hours to spare. Leftovers won’t last long, though, because you’ll be using them in everything from sandwiches to salads. This chicken is a game-changer for your weekly meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles.
Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

Lo mein is a takeout favorite, but with Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein, you can bring that same rewarding dish into your own kitchen. It’s quicker than waiting for delivery, and you still get all those delicious flavors without the wait. It’s so simple, you’ll be wondering why you ever ordered out in the first place. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself craving it on a regular basis.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Instant Pot Applesauce

Easy Instant Pot applesauce recipe is so quick and easy.
Instant Pot Applesauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Applesauce sounds like something basic, but Instant Pot Applesauce takes it up a notch. It’s ready in no time, and the homemade version is miles better than anything you can buy in a jar. Keep it around for snacks, desserts, or even to top off your breakfast—it’s so versatile, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. One batch, and you’ll be set for the week.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

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