17 Instant Pot dinners you can start after work and still eat by 7 pm

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Some nights, you just want dinner to make itself—and that’s where the Instant Pot comes in. These recipes are perfect for those post-work hours when you’re short on time but still want something good by a decent hour. With everything from hearty stews to creamy pastas, these meals come together fast and don’t leave you with a pile of dishes. Forget the stress of multi-step dinners; these dishes pack in the flavor without the wait.

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot bean soup made with dried bean mix in bowls.
Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot bean soup combines a 13-bean and lentil mix with a hearty tomato base and fresh kale for added color and nutrition. Ready in a fraction of the usual time, it’s a complete, comforting meal for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot beef and mushroom stew served in a bowl over polenta.
Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Beef and mushrooms come together in this rich, comforting stew made in the Instant Pot. It’s a perfect choice when you want a stick-to-your-ribs dinner that’s quick enough for a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot bolognese recipe on a plate with a fork.
Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Bolognese made in the Instant Pot captures all the depth of the classic Italian meat sauce in much less time. Perfect over pasta with parmesan, it’s an easy, flavor-packed dinner after work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Ground beef cabbage soup made in the Instant Pot in a white serving bowl.
Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This Instant Pot cabbage soup is loaded with wholesome ingredients in a rich tomato base. A quick, cozy dinner that’s ready when you need something simple yet hearty after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot coconut pulled pork served with turmeric rice in a bowl.
Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Coconut pork cooked with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom delivers big, aromatic flavor in minimal time. Serve it over rice for a fast, satisfying meal on a weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters

Instant Pot buffalo chicken leg quarters on a plate with celery, carrots and a creamy dipping sauce.
Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These buffalo chicken leg quarters come out tender and juicy in the Instant Pot. Using an economical cut, this dinner is big on flavor and super easy to whip up after work.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot lentil vegetable soup in two white bowls with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with mushrooms, green beans, and spinach, this lentil vegetable soup is made entirely in the Instant Pot, offering a quick and comforting vegetarian dinner full of rich flavors.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Picadillo

Vegan tempeh picadillo served in a bowl with cauliflower rice.
Instant Pot Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A plant-based spin on Cuban picadillo, this dish with tempeh, lentils, and potatoes brings bold flavors from olives, capers, raisins, and spices. A filling, flavorful dinner ready without a long wait.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot white beans and tomatoes on sourdough toast garnished with fresh herbs and crumbled feta.
Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tomato and white beans made quickly in the Instant Pot for a hearty, simple meal. Serve over toasted sourdough for a complete dinner that’s ready in record time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot in a bowl.
Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato tortellini soup is ready fast, thanks to the Instant Pot. Bursting with basil and cheesy tortellini, it’s a quick meal that tastes like it took hours.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot BBQ beef brisket shredded on a plate.
Instant Pot Brisket. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This BBQ beef brisket in the Instant Pot is tender and juicy, perfect as a roast dinner or for leftover sandwiches. Great for when you want a hearty, flavorful meal that’s ready by dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Brisket

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.

Quick to make in the Instant Pot, Chicken Adobo brings tender chicken in a sweet-savory glaze. It’s a simple way to get the classic Filipino flavors on your table fast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl.
Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This Instant Pot stuffed pepper soup with ground beef or turkey brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers in a single bowl. An easy, one-pot meal for a cozy night in.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Instant Pot Beef Stew Goulash

Goulash inside white casserole.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Goulash. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This Hungarian-inspired beef stew, also known as goulash, is rich and hearty. Made in the Instant Pot, it delivers tender, juicy beef in a fraction of the usual time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef Stew Goulash

Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

An Instant Pot recipe featuring a spoonful of chicken and squash soup.
Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Butternut squash, chicken, carrots, and spinach come together in this Instant Pot stew. Full of flavor, it’s a quick dinner that covers all the bases without extra sides.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Stew with Squash

Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

Bowl of Instant Pot beef stew with carrots and potatoes.
Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This beef stew uses apple cider for a slightly sweet gravy that coats tender beef and hearty vegetables. Made in the Instant Pot, it’s ready quickly and perfect for a fall evening.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Instant Pot Beef Stew

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.

Bacon, navy beans, celery, and carrots come together in this Instant Pot navy bean soup, giving you a savory, complete meal in under an hour. Great for a quick, warming dinner everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Navy Bean Soup

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