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Welcome to your culinary adventure with “10 Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners!” This article is your gateway to discovering the magic of the Instant Pot, a versatile kitchen appliance that makes cooking easier and quicker. You’ll find a collection of ten delightful and straightforward recipes, each one handpicked to ensure you can whip up delicious meals with minimal effort, even if you’re just starting. From comforting soups to hearty main courses, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen. So, grab your Instant Pot and let’s get cooking! Have you recently gotten an Instant Pot and are feeling both excited and overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This versatile kitchen gadget has taken the culinary world by storm, offering the perfect solution for busy people who still want to create delicious meals. But where do you start?

In this article, we’ll dive into “10 Must-Try Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners.” These recipes are tailored to your new Instant Pot journey, making your learning experience enjoyable and stress-free. By the end, you’ll be confidently using your Instant Pot like a pro.

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1. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Why You’ll Love It

Chicken and rice is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week. With the Instant Pot, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
3. Add the cubed chicken, cooking until browned on all sides.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the rice, peas, and carrots. Stir to combine.
5. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
7. Open the lid and fluff the chicken and rice with a fork. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success

• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, keeping it from becoming gummy.
• Do not stir the rice into the liquid too much; this can cause it to stick to the pot.

2. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Why You’ll Love It

Beef stew is another excellent comfort dish. It’s hearty, filling, and incredibly flavorful. With the pressure-cooking feature, you can cut down the cooking time significantly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cubed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Select sauté mode and heat olive oil.
2. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until tender.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Add the beef broth, baby carrots, and potatoes. Stir to combine.
6. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 35 minutes.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid, stir, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tips for Success

• For a thicker stew, mix a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the stew after cooking.
• Sear the beef well to lock in flavor.

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3. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love It

Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, making it in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier.

Ingredients

• 4 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Add the elbow macaroni and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and cook at high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure and open the lid carefully.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheeses, and Parmesan.
5. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success

• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier mac and cheese.
• Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before adding the cheese.

4. Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Why You’ll Love It

Lentil soup is a healthy, nutritious, and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and is very easy to prepare using the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Select sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
2. Cook the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
3. Stir in the cumin and paprika.
4. Add the lentils and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
5. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.
6. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
7. Open the lid, stir, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Tips for Success

• Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving gives the soup a fresh, bright flavor.
• For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup before serving.

5. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Why You’ll Love It

Mashed potatoes are a staple side dish that can accompany many meals. The Instant Pot makes preparing them quicker and easier.

Ingredients

• 6 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup water
• ½ cup milk
• ¼ cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Add the diced potatoes and water to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure and drain any remaining water.
4. Add the milk and butter to the potatoes. Mash until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success

• Warm the milk before adding to the potatoes for a smoother mash.
• Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or a hand mixer for a smoother consistency.

6. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Why You’ll Love It

Steel cut oats are a healthy, filling breakfast option. With the Instant Pot, you can make them effortlessly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Maple syrup or honey, to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Add the steel cut oats, water, butter, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.
4. Open the lid and stir well.
5. Sweeten with maple syrup or honey to taste.

Tips for Success

• For a creamier texture, replace half the water with milk.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

7. Instant Pot Pulled Pork

Why You’ll Love It

Pulled pork is versatile and delicious. Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or as a main dish, the Instant Pot makes it tender and juicy in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Select sauté mode and cook the onion and garlic until tender.
2. Add the pork shoulder pieces, browning on all sides.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and barbecue sauce, stirring to combine.
4. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes.
5. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.
6. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce.

Tips for Success

• Use a rich, flavorful barbecue sauce for the best results.
• Browning the pork before pressure cooking adds depth of flavor.

8. Instant Pot Quinoa

Why You’ll Love It

Quinoa is a nutritious, protein-packed grain that’s easy to prepare in the Instant Pot. It’s a great base for salads, bowls, or as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Add the rinsed quinoa and water or broth to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 1 minute.
3. Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
4. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and season with salt.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness.
• For added flavor, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth instead of water.

9. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

Why You’ll Love It

Butter chicken is a flavorful, creamy Indian dish that’s surprisingly easy to make in the Instant Pot. It’s perfect for impressing your family with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare

1. Select sauté mode and melt the butter.
2. Cook the onion, garlic, and ginger until tender.
3. Add the chicken pieces, browning them on all sides.
4. Stir in the garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and paprika.
5. Add the tomato sauce and heavy cream, mixing well.
6. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Open the lid and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Success

• Serve with rice or naan bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

10. Instant Pot Cheesecake

Why You’ll Love It

Yes, you can make a rich, creamy cheesecake in your Instant Pot! It’s a delightful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup water (for the Instant Pot)

Steps to Prepare

1. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust.
4. Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet at the bottom.
5. Carefully lower the cheesecake onto the trivet.
6. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 30 minutes.
7. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
8. Remove the cheesecake and let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
• Wrap the bottom of the cheesecake in foil to prevent any water from entering the crust.

Wrapping it Up

There you have it—ten must-try Instant Pot recipes for beginners! Each of these recipes is designed to get you comfortable with your Instant Pot’s features while creating delicious, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty stew, a creamy mac and cheese, or even a decadent dessert, your Instant Pot has you covered.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak the recipes to suit your taste preferences. Before you know it, you’ll be an Instant Pot master, whipping up meals with ease and delighting everyone at the dinner table. Happy cooking!

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