Instant Pot 101: 27 Easy Recipes for the Beginner Chef

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Get comfortable with the world of Instant Pot cooking with our essential roundup of beginner-friendly recipes. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook looking for straightforward and delicious Instant Pot meals, this collection has you covered. From the simplicity of Pulled Pork to the aromatic delights of Chicken Tikka Masala, these recipes are designed to make your Instant Pot experience stress-free and rewarding.

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Shredded BBQ Chicken

Shredded BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: Honest & Truly.

Easy Instant Pot cooking is at your fingertips with Shredded BBQ Chicken—a must-try for beginners. Achieve tender and delicious results effortlessly, introducing you to the convenience and satisfaction of cooking with the Instant Pot.
Get the Recipe: Shredded BBQ Chicken

Potato Corn Chowder

Spoon holding potato and corn chowder with bacon with the full bowl of soup behind it.
Potato Corn Chowder. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into Instant Pot cooking with Potato Corn Chowder—a fantastic option for beginners. This hearty and flavorful soup effortlessly demonstrates how the Instant Pot can turn basic ingredients into a comforting and satisfying chowder with ease and efficiency.
Get the Recipe: Potato Corn Chowder

Meatballs and Sauce

Image shows Spaghetti and meatballs with a fork twirling pasta in a white bowl.
Meatballs and Sauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, try making Meatballs and Sauce—a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers delicious results with minimal effort. This dish showcases the convenience and efficiency of Instant Pot cooking, making it a great option for those just starting out.
Get the Recipe: Meatballs and Sauce

Pulled Pork

Image shows a Pulled pork sandwich on white plate with pretzels on the side.
Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Step into the world of Instant Pot cooking with Pulled Pork, a beginner-friendly recipe delivering tender and flavorful results effortlessly. Perfect for those new to the Instant Pot, it’s an ideal introduction to the ease and convenience of this kitchen appliance.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork

Beer Cheese Soup

Image shows Pretzel dipping into beer cheese soup.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

New to the Instant Pot? Beer Cheese Soup is a delicious and easy option for beginners. This recipe showcases how the Instant Pot effortlessly melds beer, cheese, and other ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful soup with minimal hands-on effort—a perfect introduction to Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Carnitas

Image shows Tongs holding carnitas over a tray.
Carnitas. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover the ease of Instant Pot cooking with Carnitas—a perfect choice for beginners. This recipe delivers tender and flavorful shredded pork effortlessly, showcasing how the Instant Pot can turn basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Carnitas

Instant Pot Chicken Stock

Image shows four mason jars of chicken stock sitting on a railing in the snow.
Instant Pot Chicken Stock. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover the simplicity of Instant Pot cooking with Chicken Stock—a perfect choice for beginners. This recipe demonstrates how the Instant Pot can efficiently turn basic ingredients into a flavorful and versatile chicken stock, making it an essential skill for any home cook new to Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stock

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Close up image of lemon garlic chicken with rice on a white plate.
Lemon Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

New to the Instant Pot? Try Lemon Garlic Chicken—a beginner-friendly recipe that offers a burst of flavor with minimal effort. This dish demonstrates how the Instant Pot can effortlessly infuse simple ingredients with vibrant and zesty notes for a delicious result.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Chicken

Tomato Basil Bisque

Image shows a close up of a bowl of Tomato Basil Bisque with grated parmesan on top of it.
Tomato Basil Bisque. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into Instant Pot cooking with Tomato Basil Bisque, a beginner-friendly option that effortlessly combines everyday ingredients. This comforting soup showcases how the Instant Pot can turn basic elements into a flavorful and homemade classic with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque

Honey Bourbon Chicken

Overhead shot of honey bourbon chicken in a bowl on a black counter.
Honey Bourbon Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Discover the simplicity of Instant Pot cooking with Honey Bourbon Chicken. This beginner-friendly recipe offers a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors, showcasing how the Instant Pot can turn basic ingredients into a flavorful dish with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bourbon Chicken

Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup

Image shows A bowl of cheesy loaded baked potato soup with bacon and cheese.
Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Start your Instant Pot journey with the simplicity of Baked Potato Soup—a great option for beginners. This recipe showcases how the Instant Pot transforms humble potatoes into a creamy and comforting soup, making it an easy and delicious introduction to Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup

Chicken Tikka Masala

Overheat shot of chicken tikka masala in a green bowl on a white table.
Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Easy Instant Pot cooking is at your fingertips with Chicken Tikka Masala. Ideal for beginners, this recipe introduces you to the magic of the Instant Pot, transforming basic ingredients into a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tikka Masala

Tomato Soup

Overhead image of a bowl of tomato soup with parmesan grated into it.
Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, try making Tomato Soup. It’s a straightforward and hearty option for beginners, demonstrating how this kitchen appliance can effortlessly handle the task of creating a wholesome and satisfying tomato soup.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup

Chicken Curry

Image shows a Bite of chicken curry on a fork with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Chicken Curry. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

New to the Instant Pot? Try Chicken Curry, a fantastic starting point for beginners. With minimal effort, create a flavorful and comforting curry, introducing you to the efficiency and ease of Instant Pot cooking. It’s a must-try for those just starting out.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Curry

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, try making Mashed Potatoes—a beginner-friendly recipe that streamlines the process of achieving creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes. This dish showcases the efficiency of Instant Pot cooking, making it a must-try for those just starting out with this versatile kitchen appliance.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Tomato Lime Chicken

Image shows a Bite of tomato lime chicken on a fork with rice and the rest of the bowl in the background.
Tomato Lime Chicken. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Start your Instant Pot journey with the vibrant flavors of Tomato Lime Chicken. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, offering a delightful balance of zesty lime and juicy tomatoes, showcasing the simplicity and efficiency of Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Lime Chicken

Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

Image shows A bowl of lentil soup with a spoon in it.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, try the Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe. It’s a straightforward and hearty option for beginners, demonstrating how this kitchen appliance can effortlessly handle the task of creating a wholesome and satisfying lentil soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Soup Recipe

French Onion Soup

Image shows a Spoon pulling cheese from a bowl of French onion soup in a blue ramekin.
French Onion Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Beginners, rejoice! French Onion Soup in the Instant Pot is an easy and satisfying introduction to this versatile kitchen appliance. Enjoy the rich flavors of caramelized onions and hearty broth, showcasing the simplicity and efficiency of Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Image shows A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup with broccoli around it.
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Dive into Instant Pot cooking with Broccoli Cheddar Soup—a beginner-friendly recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavors. This dish effortlessly showcases the convenience and efficiency of using the Instant Pot to create a creamy and comforting soup with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup Recipe

Chicken Paprikash

Image shows Bite of chicken paprikash on a fork sitting on a glass plate on a wooden table.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

New to the Instant Pot? Chicken Paprikash is a simple and richly flavored recipe, making it a perfect choice for beginners. This dish showcases the simplicity and efficiency of Instant Pot cooking, providing a delightful introduction to creating flavorful meals with ease.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Image shows a Spoonful of risotto with peas and lemon with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Delve into the simplicity of Instant Pot cooking with Risotto with Peas and Lemon—a great choice for beginners. This recipe demonstrates how the Instant Pot effortlessly produces a creamy and flavorful risotto with minimal effort, making it a must-try for newcomers.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

Image shows A bowl of creamy chickpea tomato soup with dried chickpeas around it.
Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

If you’re a beginner with the Instant Pot, try Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup. This easy recipe showcases the efficiency of Instant Pot cooking, turning pantry staples into a creamy and satisfying soup with minimal effort—a perfect introduction to the world of Instant Pot recipes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chickpea Tomato Soup

Chicken and Rice Soup

Image shows Chicken and rice soup on a spoon with the full blue bowl behind it.
Chicken and Rice Soup. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

New to the Instant Pot? Chicken and Rice Soup is a great starting point. This comforting soup is easy to make and perfect for beginners, showcasing how the Instant Pot streamlines the process of creating a wholesome and hearty chicken and rice soup at home.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Soup

Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

A spoonful of soup is shown in the foreground over a bowl of Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup.
Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking with Navy Bean Soup—a beginner-friendly recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavors. This dish effortlessly showcases how the Instant Pot transforms humble navy beans into a hearty and satisfying soup with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Low angle shot of chicken shawarma on a white platter with harissa paste and tomatoes and cucumbers in the background.
Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

New to the Instant Pot? Try Chicken Shawarma—a flavorful and easy option for beginners. This recipe demonstrates how the Instant Pot efficiently cooks tender and spiced chicken, introducing you to the convenience of creating a delicious and aromatic dish with minimal hands-on effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Thai Chicken Curry

Low angle shot of a blue and white striped bowl filled with Thai chicken curry.
Thai Chicken Curry. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Discover the simplicity of Instant Pot cooking with Thai Chicken Curry—a great choice for beginners. This recipe effortlessly combines Thai-inspired flavors, showcasing how the Instant Pot can turn basic ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying curry with ease and efficiency—a must-try for those new to Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Thai Chicken Curry

Instant Pot Applesauce

Mason jar with instant pot applesauce next to a green napkin.
Instant Pot Applesauce. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

If you’re new to the Instant Pot, making Applesauce is a beginner-friendly option that showcases the efficiency of this kitchen appliance. This recipe transforms fresh apples into a sweet and homemade applesauce with minimal hands-on effort, making it an easy and delightful introduction to the world of Instant Pot cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

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