Not sure what to make in your Instant Pot? Here are my favorite easy, foolproof recipes that are perfect for beginners! They are all super simple and perfect for helping you get comfortable with using your Instant Pot before you move on to more complicated foods.
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I bought my first Instant Pot over 4 years ago and it quickly became one of my favorite kitchen tools!
I use it regularly and it has simplified meal prep for me in so many ways.
But when I first got my Instant Pot, I felt pretty intimidated by it.
I remember wondering what the best things were to cook in it? What foods could I easily make that would be forgiving as I was learning? What were some of the best ways to make the most of this appliance?
So I thought that I’d share some of my favorite easy Instant Pot recipes for beginners.
They’re all pretty much foolproof and are great recipes for helping you get used to your Instant Pot without a lot of stress or fear of ending up with a flop.
For reference, this is the Instant Pot that I have and love.
Best Beginner Instant Pot Recipes
1. Oatmeal via Longbourn Farm
Not only is making oatmeal in the Instant Pot quick and easy but if you have people eating breakfast at different times, it’s especially handy because you can use the “Keep Warm” function to keep the oatmeal hot for hours.
2. Hard Boiled Eggs via Cooking with Curls
One of the simplest things that you can make in your Instant Pot! And you’ll love how easy it is to remove the shell. Even fresh eggs peel beautifully!
3. Yogurt via Tastes Better from Scratch
Homemade yogurt is so delicious and you’ll save money by making it too!
The recipe above is great, but because I prefer to sweeten my yogurt with sugar. So I use my own homemade yogurt recipe and just adapt the instructions for the Instant Pot. Basically, the only change that I make is to stir in the sugar, gelatin and vanilla once the milk has reached 180 degrees.
4. Apple Butter via Thrifty Frugal Mom
Homemade apple butter in an hour? Yes, please!
5. Refried Beans via Thrifty Frugal Mom
These refried beans are so easy to make and are cheaper and healthier than storebought.
6. Dried Beans via Tidbits
The absolute easiest and fastest way to cook dried beans! I love doing a potful and then freezing them to use in place of canned beans in recipes.
7. Corn on the Cob via Kristine’s Kitchen Blog
Perfect corn on the cob, every time. Yum!
8. Carrots via Graceful Little Honey Bee
A simple, healthy side dish made super easy thanks to the Instant Pot.
9. Rice via Rachel Cooks
My favorite thing to cook in my Instant Pot. It’s totally foolproof and leaves you with fluffy, perfectly cooked rice each time.
10. Spaghetti Noodles via Miss Wish
The simplest way to make noodles for spaghetti or other dishes!
11. Mac and Cheese via Simply Happy Foodie
Classic comfort food made extra easy thanks to your Instant Pot!
12. “Baked” Potatoes | Sweet Potatoes via Shugary Sweets
Another Instant Pot favorite! It’s especially handy for those times when your oven is tied up with something else that is baking at a totally different temperature.
The recipe above only talks about potatoes but I use the same instructions for sweet potatoes. In fact, I often cook the two together since some of us like one and some the other.
13. Mashed Potatoes via The Salty Marshmallow
These mashed potatoes are the best. And of course, so super easy!
14. Butternut Squash via Clean Eating Kitchen
Such a simple way to cook up a squash! And it’s incredibly easy to peel once it’s cooked too.
15. Spaghetti Squash via Sweet Peas and Saffron
This method lets you cook the squash whole (no need to try to saw through that hard shell!) and makes perfect noodles that aren’t one bit soggy.
16. Pumpkin via Noshtastic
I love making my own pumpkin puree and this method is super easy!
17. Chicken Breasts via Tastes Better from Scratch
You’ll love how juicy this chicken is! And you can even cook them from frozen if you want. So handy!
18. Chicken Stock via Easy Chicken Recipes
My favorite way to make chicken stock! And I actually do the bones a second time to get more broth from one batch!
19. Rotisserie Chicken via A Pinch of Healthy
This makes such a juicy delicious chicken! And it only takes minutes to prep. Who needs store-bought rotisserie chicken anymore?
20. Pulled Pork via Home Made Interest
Quick, easy and creates such tender meat!
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Lorraine K Emch
I love your posts. I am older and a widow and appreciate cost-cutting ideas. If you have any ideas for those of us that don’t have large families to feed I would love to see them. At this time I make large amounts and eat off of it for 4 days. I like nonmeat meals as well. I typically use pork, chicken, and fish since usually it is cheaper than beef. I do love a good pot roast though. Thanks for all you share.
Christine
I’m very intimidated by my instant pot. I’m 66, old school in some ways. I do love learning from you younger people. It is harder to do things I once did. These recipes will be a blessing for my husband and I. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day.
Lydia Beiler
I’m not quick to jump into learning new things either, but I have been so glad that I decided to give the Instant Pot a chance! Thanks for your lovely comment, Christine, and I’m delighted that these recipes can help you.