15 instant pot recipes that practically make themselves—ideal for hectic days

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Let’s be honest: Some days, the idea of standing over a stove feels like running a marathon without any training. That’s where these 15 instant pot wonders step in, making you feel like you’ve hired a personal chef who needs zero supervision. Just set it and move on to dealing with whatever curveballs life throws—by the time you’re back, dinner’s on the table like it cooked itself in a magic show.

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.

If your day’s packed and you need something comforting without much work, then Instant Pot Tortilla Soup has got your back. It brings that deep, simmered-all-day taste in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for weeknights. You just let the pot handle the magic while you take a much-needed breather. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, no stress attached.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

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.

On nights when you need something more special than plain sides, Instant Pot Coconut Rice delivers fluffiness with an extra hint of flavor that feels fancy. It’s a game-changer, effortlessly pairing with anything you’re serving without needing much attention. This rice recipe practically cooks itself, freeing you up for more important things. You’ll be dishing this out on repeat once you see how simple it is.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

Instant Pot Hummus

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

When you’re craving that creamy dip but don’t have time for slow cooking, Instant Pot Hummus saves the day. It takes you straight from an idea to a spreadable snack without making you wait around. You can easily whip this up even on the busiest days, making it a perfect addition to any snack tray. Trust me, you’ll never look at store-bought hummus the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus

Instant Pot Shrimp

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

Think a quick seafood dinner is impossible on a hectic night? Instant Pot Shrimp proves otherwise, delivering perfectly cooked, tender bites faster than you can set the table. This recipe is all about letting the pressure cooker do the heavy lifting while you relax. It’s so simple and speedy that you’ll want to keep it on repeat for your weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Instant Pot Pho

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

In the mood for something warm and brothy but don’t have hours to spare? Instant Pot Pho brings you all that comforting flavor, like your favorite takeout spot, without the long wait. It’s a perfect shortcut for a meal that usually takes all day, giving you a cozy bowl in record time. Slurping up this noodle soup might just become your new favorite midweek ritual.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

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.

Tired of the holiday hustle? Let Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce take one task off your plate, delivering a perfect sweet-tart side in a fraction of the time. This method nails that classic flavor, making it just as good for a weeknight treat as it is for a big dinner. You might even find yourself making it year-round once you see how easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

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.

Fancy dishes don’t have to be complicated when you’ve got Instant Pot Duck Confit up your sleeve. It gives you all the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of a classic French recipe without hours of work. This one feels like a restaurant-level meal, but you’ll be enjoying it in your own kitchen on a regular weeknight. It’s the ultimate treat-yourself recipe with zero stress involved.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

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

If you’re craving something flavorful but can’t deal with takeout, Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani has got you covered. It packs all the spice and aroma you’d expect from your favorite restaurant dish but with way less hassle. This one-pot wonder handles the hard part while you get to kick back. Dinner’s ready before you even have time to think about setting the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Biryani

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.

Got a craving for ramen but want something a bit heartier? Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry steps up, combining all the noodle goodness with a stir-fry twist that feels like instant comfort. It’s the perfect fix for when you need something quick but rewarding. Let the pot handle the cooking while you unwind with a bowl full of deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Low angle shot of bowls of chicken korma.
Instant Pot Chicken Korma. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

When you’re looking for something creamy and comforting but don’t have time for slow cooking, Instant Pot Chicken Korma delivers. It’s rich in flavor without taking hours, making it the perfect choice for busy nights. The pressure cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a meal that feels like you put in way more effort. You’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Korma

Instant Pot Palak Paneer

Overhead shot of palak paneer in a metal serving dish.
Instant Pot Palak Paneer. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Craving something comforting but don’t want the usual long prep time? Instant Pot Palak Paneer steps in with all the rich, creamy flavor you’d expect from your favorite Indian restaurant, but in record time. It’s a no-fuss way to get that fulfilling, hearty dish without spending ages over the stove. This recipe practically makes itself while you relax, making it a perfect choice for hectic nights when you want something homemade without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Palak Paneer

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.

Running low on time but need a hearty side dish? Instant Pot Refried Beans skips the soaking step, giving you that creamy, savory goodness without the wait. It’s perfect for everything from tacos to burrito bowls or even just a quick snack. After trying this, you’ll forget canned beans ever existed.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Instant Pot Applesauce

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

Need a sweet snack that’s simple but still feels homemade? Instant Pot Applesauce brings that comforting taste without you having to stand over the stove. It’s the kind of recipe where you can set it and forget it, coming back to a warm, delicious treat. This one’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a must-have for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

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.

When takeout cravings strike but you’d rather stay in, Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein delivers all the stir-fried goodness without the delivery wait. It’s a fast, flavorful fix that turns into a no-fuss dinner everyone will love. The best part? You get to enjoy it fresh from your own kitchen, without the pile of takeout containers.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

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

Want a roast chicken dinner that doesn’t require hours in the oven? Instant Pot Whole Chicken takes care of that, delivering a juicy, flavorful bird with hardly any effort. It’s the perfect solution for when you want a comforting meal but are short on time. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get a homemade dinner on the table.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Whole Chicken

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