Blog

Are we looking for a way to enjoy tasty, low carb meals without spending hours in the kitchen? If so, we might just be in luck. Our trusty Instant Pot can significantly cut down our cooking time while delivering delectable dishes that align with our dietary goals. With this in mind, let’s explore ten delightful Instant Pot low carb recipes that are sure to impress.

Find Out More On Amazon

What is an Instant Pot?

An Instant Pot is a multifunctional kitchen appliance that combines the capabilities of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more into one device. It’s a game-changer for those of us who lead hectic lives but still long for homemade meals. One of the best aspects of the Instant Pot is its ability to produce complex flavors in a fraction of the time it takes using traditional cooking methods.

Why Choose Low Carb Recipes?

Low carb diets are embraced for various health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced energy levels. By focusing on meals that are low in carbohydrates, we can enjoy these health perks while still indulging in delicious, satisfying foods.

Recipe 1: Instant Pot Cauliflower Mash

This cauliflower mash is a fantastic substitute for traditional mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and lower in carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, chopped into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the chopped cauliflower to the Instant Pot and cover with water.
2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Quick-release the pressure and drain the cauliflower well.
4. Return the cauliflower to the pot, add butter and heavy cream.
5. Use an immersion blender or potato masher to mash until smooth.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
7. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Key Benefits

Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that’s rich in vitamins and fiber. This recipe makes it easy to incorporate more veggies into our diet while keeping carbs low.

Find Out More On Amazon

Recipe 2: Instant Pot Chicken Thighs

Juicy, tender chicken thighs cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot are a quick and simple dinner option.

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until browned.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Place a trivet inside the pot and arrange the chicken thighs on top.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
7. Serve hot with a side of veggies or a fresh salad.

Why We Love This Recipe

This dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and packed with protein. Plus, the chicken thighs come out incredibly tender and juicy.

Recipe 3: Instant Pot Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that is typically laden with carbs. This version maintains all the hearty goodness while cutting back on the carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 3 cups chopped vegetables (celery, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
2. Remove the beef and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pot, sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add the beef, diced tomatoes, chopped vegetables, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
6. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
7. Stir and serve hot.

Noteworthy Nutrients

This stew is rich in protein and essential vitamins from the vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal.

Recipe 4: Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup

This creamy broccoli cheese soup is both comforting and nutritious. It’s low in carbs but high in flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Add broccoli, onion, and chicken broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick-release the pressure and use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Key Highlights

This soup provides a good serving of vegetables while maintaining a creamy texture and rich flavor that feels indulgent.

Recipe 5: Instant Pot Fajita Chicken

Skip the tortillas and enjoy this flavorful fajita chicken on its own or over a bed of lettuce for a delicious low carb meal.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil.
2. Add the sliced chicken, bell pepper, and onion, sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
5. Quick-release the pressure and stir.
6. Serve with optional toppings like avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Delicious and Nutritious

The fajita seasoning provides a burst of flavor while the chicken and vegetables keep the dish nutritious and low carb.

Recipe 6: Instant Pot Cabbage Roll Soup

All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in a comforting soup that’s perfect for a low carb diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups chopped cabbage
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 4 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Quick-release the pressure, stir, and serve hot.

Satisfying and Hearty

This soup is packed with protein and fiber, making it both satisfying and hearty while keeping carbs in check.

Recipe 7: Instant Pot Lemon Garlic Salmon

This lemon garlic salmon is light, refreshing, and perfect for a quick dinner that’s low in carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions:

1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and place a trivet at the bottom of the pot.
4. Arrange the salmon fillets on the trivet and top with lemon slices.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
6. Quick-release the pressure and serve hot.

Light and Flavorful

This recipe combines the freshness of lemon and the pungency of garlic, enhancing the natural flavors of salmon.

Recipe 8: Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash is a fantastic low carb substitute for pasta. The Instant Pot makes cooking it a breeze.

Ingredients:

• 1 large spaghetti squash
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
2. Place the steamer basket in the Instant Pot and pour in the water.
3. Arrange the squash halves on the steamer basket.
4. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes.
5. Quick-release the pressure and carefully remove the squash.
6. Use a fork to scrape out the strands of squash, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Simple and Versatile

The spaghetti squash can be paired with various sauces and toppings, making it a versatile addition to our low carb meal plan.

Recipe 9: Instant Pot Egg Bites

Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack, these egg bites are easy to make and customize to our liking.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/4 cup diced ham or bacon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the eggs and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stir in the shredded cheese, bell peppers, and ham or bacon.
3. Pour the mixture into silicone egg bite molds, dividing evenly.
4. Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet at the bottom.
5. Carefully set the mold on the trivet.
6. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
7. Quick-release the pressure and allow the bites to cool slightly before removing from the mold.

Nutritious and Convenient

Egg bites are a portable, protein-packed option that can be customized with various mix-ins to suit our tastes.

Recipe 10: Instant Pot Zucchini Lasagna

This zucchini lasagna is a low carb version of a beloved classic, featuring layers of zucchini, meat sauce, and cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for greasing

Instructions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and brown the ground beef or turkey. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
3. Lightly grease a baking dish that fits inside the Instant Pot. Spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
4. Layer zucchini strips over the sauce, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese.
5. Repeat the layers, ending with mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet at the bottom. Carefully set the baking dish on the trivet.
7. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
8. Quick-release the pressure and let cool slightly before serving.

Classic with a Twist

Using zucchini instead of pasta keeps this lasagna low in carbs while still delivering all the comforting flavors we love.

Conclusion

Incorporating low carb meals into our diet doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flavor or spend eternity in the kitchen. The Instant Pot enables us to prepare delicious, nutritious meals in a fraction of the time, making healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. From hearty beef stew to creamy broccoli cheese soup, these ten recipes provide a variety of options that are perfect for any meal of the day. Let’s take advantage of this innovative kitchen tool to keep our meals exciting, healthy, and, most importantly, low carb!

Find Out More On Amazon