15 instant pot recipes that take the stress out of busy days

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When you’re juggling work, errands, and the occasional crisis, dinner shouldn’t be the wild card that throws you off. These pressure-cooked meals make it possible to whip up something warm and hearty without breaking a sweat or the clock. The best part? No one will believe how quick and effortless it was, leaving you looking like a kitchen wizard with zero extra effort.

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 Hummus

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

Who knew creamy perfection could come from an instant pot? Instant Pot Hummus delivers a smooth and rich experience that takes snack time to a whole new level without adding any extra effort. It’s a great alternative to store-bought versions, offering a texture and taste that feels homemade. Whether it’s for dipping, spreading, or impressing your guests, this one is ready to make life easier and more delicious.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Hummus

Instant Pot Ham

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

Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or just an upgrade to your weekly meals, Instant Pot Ham is a stress-free way to get a hearty dish on the table. The instant pot locks in flavor and tenderness, saving you hours of cooking time without skimping on quality. Perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just making an ordinary day feel a little more special. This dish truly brings convenience and taste together.
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.

Side dishes don’t have to be boring, and Instant Pot Coconut Rice proves that in the best way possible. It’s fluffy, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with anything you want to serve alongside it—or it’s just as good on its own. The instant pot takes away the guesswork, leaving you with consistently amazing results every time. If you’re tired of plain rice, this version is here to change your mealtime routine for the better.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice

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.

Busy weeknights are no match for Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry, which makes dinner both fast and flavorful. It’s everything you love about a quick stir-fry but without the hassle of multiple pans or long prep times. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and fulfilling, perfect for when you need something easy but still crave something delicious. Once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever got through a hectic evening without it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ramen Noodle Stir-Fry

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.

Who says you can’t enjoy a gourmet meal on a weeknight? Instant Pot Duck Confit delivers restaurant-quality results in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. The instant pot takes care of all the heavy lifting, ensuring the duck is tender and full of rich flavor. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a Tuesday, this dish feels like a true win.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Instant Pot Pho

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

Comfort food doesn’t have to take hours to prepare, and Instant Pot Pho proves just that. It’s everything you love about this classic dish, with rich, warming flavors that feel like they’ve been simmering all day. The best part is how easy it is to make, freeing up your time without compromising on taste. Whether you’re battling a cold or just want something hearty, this pho will hit all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Falafel

Low angle shot of falafel in a pita with parsley and tomatoes.
Instant Pot Falafel. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Making falafel at home doesn’t have to mean standing over a frying pan, and Instant Pot Falafel makes sure of it. This version nails the crispy texture while being unbelievably simple to prepare. It’s perfect for wraps, bowls, or just grabbing a quick bite without any stress. If you’ve ever thought making falafel was too much work, this recipe will quickly change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Falafel

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.

Holiday meal prep just got a whole lot easier thanks to Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce, which delivers fresh flavor without the extra fuss. It’s the perfect side dish for big gatherings but simple enough to whip up on any day you’re in the mood for something tangy and sweet. By freeing up your stove space, the instant pot lets you focus on other parts of your meal. Once you’ve tried this, you’ll never go back to canned versions again.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Instant Pot Shrimp

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

Cooking seafood can feel intimidating, but Instant Pot Shrimp takes all the guesswork out, leaving you with perfectly cooked results every time. It’s a fast, hassle-free option whether you’re making a main dish or adding shrimp to a salad or pasta. The instant pot locks in the flavor while ensuring the shrimp stays tender and juicy. For busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe keeps things easy without sacrificing quality.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

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.

Dinner just got a whole lot easier and more exciting with Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma on your menu. It’s packed with flavor and works perfectly for wraps, salads, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The instant pot makes it a breeze to get tender, perfectly seasoned chicken without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a quick and reliable way to mix up your routine, this recipe is a must-try.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

Instant Pot Applesauce

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

Fresh, homemade applesauce is just minutes away with Instant Pot Applesauce, making it easier than ever to ditch the store-bought stuff. It’s the kind of recipe that works for everything—snacking, baking, or even as a quick side dish. The instant pot handles all the hard work, leaving you with a smooth, flavorful batch every time. This is one of those recipes you’ll wonder how you lived without.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Applesauce

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.

Forget the long marinating times because Instant Pot Chicken Adobo brings big, bold flavors to your plate with minimal effort. It’s a dish that feels comforting and rewarding, perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty. The instant pot takes care of the cooking, so you can focus on enjoying a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Once you’ve had this, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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

Falling-off-the-bone ribs don’t have to take hours in the oven, and Instant Pot Spare Ribs proves it with ease. This recipe is perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or game day meals that don’t keep you tied to the kitchen. The instant pot makes the cooking process quick and consistent while still delivering all the flavor. Once you’ve tried this, your old way of making ribs might just become a thing of the past.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spare Ribs

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.

Soup that feels like comfort food while still being easy to make is exactly what Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup delivers. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own as a meal, yet simple enough for any day of the week. The instant pot ensures the flavors blend together perfectly without any extra effort on your part. Plus, it’s just as good the next day—if there’s any left to save.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

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.

Takeout nights might just become a thing of the past once you’ve tried Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. It’s faster than delivery, with all the comfort and flavor you’d expect from your favorite dish. The instant pot makes it quick and easy, cutting down on cleanup without sacrificing taste. For busy nights when you need dinner in a flash, this recipe is a total game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

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