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Have we ever found ourselves at the end of a hectic day, staring at an empty fridge and wondering what’s for dinner? If we have, we’re certainly not alone. This is where the beauty of meal prepping steps in, and when combined with the practical magic of an Instant Pot, we really begin to see the possibilities unfold before our eyes. Let’s embark on this journey together and explore 10 easy Instant Pot meal prep recipes that can make our lives simpler, healthier, and more delicious.

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1. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Chicken and rice is a comforting, fulfilling, and nutitionally balanced meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight and can be stored easily for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup of canned vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.)
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, cumin)

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot on the Sauté setting.
3. Add chicken, and brown slightly.
4. Pour in the rice, chicken broth, and spices.
5. Mix in the vegetables.
6. Lock the lid and set to manual pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
8. Remove the chicken, shred or dice, and combine it back with the rice.

This dish stores wonderfully in airtight containers and can be reheated easily.

2. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Nothing says comfort like a hearty bowl of beef stew. This recipe packs a delightful mixture of tender beef, veggies, and rich broth.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups of diced tomatoes
• 4 chopped carrots
• 3 chopped potatoes
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Spices (salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme)

Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to Sauté and brown the beef, adding salt and pepper.
2. Add chopped vegetables, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
3. Stir in the spices and bay leaves.
4. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 35 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then use the quick release.
6. Stir in the frozen peas and let sit for 5 minutes.

Package this stew in portion sizes for easy reheating throughout the week.

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3. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is a versatile, nutritious, and vegan-friendly option that keeps well and tastes great.

Ingredients

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 3 diced carrots
• 2 diced celery stalks
• 2 diced potatoes
• 1 cup green beans
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder)

Instructions

1. Sauté carrots, celery, and potatoes in the Instant Pot with some olive oil.
2. Add green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
3. Mix in the spices.
4. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Do a quick release for the pressure.

Once cooled, the soup can be split into portion-sized containers.

4. Instant Pot Chili

Chili is another fantastic make-ahead meal that improves with time as the flavors meld together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cans kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn kernels
• Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper)

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the spices.
4. Add beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and chicken broth.
5. Lock the lid and set to Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release.

This chili can be stored for up to a week in the fridge or frozen for extended periods.

5. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a versatile protein that we can use in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or on its own.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 chopped onion
• Spices (salt, pepper, paprika, brown sugar)

Instructions

1. Rub the pork shoulder with the spices.
2. Sauté the onion in the Instant Pot.
3. Add pork shoulder and brown on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and some BBQ sauce.
5. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 60 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.
7. Shred the pork with forks and mix in more BBQ sauce as desired.

Store the pulled pork in portion-sized containers to use throughout the week in different recipes.

6. Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Lentil curry is a great plant-based meal that’s rich in fiber and protein.

Ingredients

• 2 cups lentils
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup spinach leaves

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot.
2. Add curry powder and turmeric.
3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, spinach, and vegetable broth.
4. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally.
6. Stir in the coconut milk.

Divide the curry into containers and pair with cooked rice or naan.

7. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? This version is all cooked in one pot for simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 chopped onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• Spaghetti (break in halves to fit)
• Spices (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, parsley)

Instructions

1. Make meatballs by mixing ground beef with half the minced garlic and spices.
2. Sauté the onion and remaining garlic in the Instant Pot.
3. Add marinara sauce, beef broth, and mix.
4. Place the spaghetti in and push into the liquid.
5. Place meatballs on top.
6. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Do a quick release and gently stir.

This dish can be portioned and easily reheated.

8. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Chicken tacos are a quick and fun meal that stores well and can be customized to personal taste.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can black beans
• Spices (taco seasoning, salt, pepper)

Instructions

1. Sauté the onion in the Instant Pot.
2. Place chicken breasts, diced tomatoes, black beans, and chicken broth.
3. Mix in taco seasoning.
4. Seal the lid and cook on Manual High Pressure for 12 minutes.
5. Do a quick release and shred the chicken with forks.

Divide the mixture into containers. Serve with tortillas and toppings like avocado, lettuce, and cheese.

9. Instant Pot Frittata

A frittata is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Our version is effortless and can be made in bulk.

Ingredients

• 8 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• Spices (salt, pepper)
• 1 cup spinach

Instructions

1. Whisk eggs, milk, cheese, and spices together.
2. Sauté the onion and bell pepper in the Instant Pot.
3. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour the egg mixture into a baking dish that fits in the Instant Pot.
5. Pour water into the Instant Pot, place a trivet, and the baking dish on top.
6. Seal the lid and cook on Steam setting for 15 minutes.
7. Let the pressure naturally release.

Once cooled, slice and store the frittata in containers.

10. Instant Pot Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 2 cups quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 chopped cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 chopped red onion
• 1 cup black beans
• Spices (salt, pepper, parsley)

Instructions

1. Rinse the quinoa and place in the Instant Pot with vegetable broth.
2. Cook on Manual High Pressure for 1 minute and then let it naturally release for 10 minutes.
3. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.
4. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let it cool.
5. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black beans, and spices.
6. Toss to combine.

Store the salad in the fridge and serve with your favorite dressing.

These 10 easy Instant Pot meal prep recipes can genuinely transform our weekly routine, giving us more time to enjoy our meals and less time worrying about what to cook. Full of diverse flavors and nutritious ingredients, they prove that meal prepping can be both delicious and convenient. So, let’s embrace our Instant Pot and get started on a week of wholesome, homemade meals.

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