6 Recipes to Fuel Your Instant Pot Obsession (That Aren't Soup!) (2024)

Published: Jan 22, 2018 · Modified: Feb 19, 2021 by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

Last week I shared my must-try Instant Pot soups for this chilly season. This week I'm sharing six recipes to fuel your pressure cooker obsession that aren't soup because these countertop miracle workers can do so much more than that!

From breakfast classics to side dishes and entrees, it's amazing what all you can do with your Instant Pot! I admit, the first time I used mine I was a little intimidated. With all those buttons and thousands of recipes out there, it can be a little scary first starting out. If you're in the same boat I was, I want to help you out! Here are six basic but delicious recipes for the pressure cooker beginner. Let me know what else you'd like to see cooked insanely fast!! I need to try dairy-free yogurt and my husband wants a pot roast, but what does your family crave during the week? Let me know in the comments below!

Healthy Chocolate Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats – A Virtual Vegan
"Quick to make, simple & naturally sweetened with banana only."

Breakfast Potatoes – Where You Get Your Protein
"Breakfast Potatoes are an easy make-ahead recipe. They’re prepared and seasoned in the Instant-Pot the night before, then browned and crisped the next morning."

Instant Pot Refried Beans – Allergy Free Alaska
"They are creamy and satisfying, yet incredibly affordable. Enjoy these flavorful beans over rice, in tortillas, or however you desire."

Instant Pot Brown Rice – Recipes From A Pantry
"Here is how to make the perfect Instant Pot Brown Rice with only 3 ingredients and less than 30 mins. It is easy and fail-safe."

Mushroom Bourguignon – Vegan Heaven
"This vegan mushroom bourguignon is the perfect veggie alternative to the traditional French stew that is made with beef."

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – Veggies Save The Day
"Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy and delicious without any dairy or oil. And you don’t even need to drain the potatoes!"

What have you been cooking in your pressure cooker? Have a family favorite or a passed down recipe you'd like to share? I would love to hear your thoughts on Instant Pot cooking. I'm still a beginner, so share your tips with all of us!

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About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

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thenafranssen
February 11, 2018 at 8:51 am
Great recipe roundup! Ready to get my cooking game on now!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  February 12, 2018 at 4:24 pm
  Thank you 🙂 Woo hoo!
  Reply
annelawton
January 28, 2018 at 2:57 pm
I don't have an instapot, but after seeing these recipes I may just get one!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 29, 2018 at 11:23 am
  Haha yay!!
  Reply
fitfoodienutter
January 25, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Some real delicious gems there Jenna! Thank you so much for sharing.
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 25, 2018 at 3:56 pm
  Thanks so much, I'm glad you appreciate it!! You are so welcome 🙂
  Reply
charlottesnowball1
January 25, 2018 at 11:47 am
Oh wow! Taking healthy food recipes to a whole new level! Those breakfast potatoes look delicious ?
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 25, 2018 at 12:04 pm
  Heck yes 🙂
  Reply
jessalyn barker
January 25, 2018 at 10:42 am
These all look so delicious!!!! I need more variety in my meals, so this is perfect!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 25, 2018 at 12:04 pm
  Great 🙂
  Reply
Gabika Rošková
January 25, 2018 at 7:39 am
Everything looks so yummy ☃ ❄
Blog de la Licorne
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Learn about Chocolate Lesson Plan + Mexican Hot Chocolate Recipe!Hoecakes: a Revolutionary War Recipe - My Beautiful Mess Electric Pressure Cooker Vegetable Soup (Easy Instant Pot Recipe) - Recipes That Crock!15 Better Than Takeout Recipes » LeelaLicious
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 25, 2018 at 10:15 am
  Enjoy 🙂
  Reply
April
January 24, 2018 at 9:31 pm
I am always looking for new IP recipes, and these look great. I especially can't wait to try the breakfast potatoes. YUM!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 25, 2018 at 10:15 am
  Yay!!!
  Reply
Sarah Newman
January 24, 2018 at 12:38 pm
YAY! So many great options! Such a miraculous contraption 😉
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:04 pm
  Totally!!
  Reply
nicoleanndawson
January 24, 2018 at 9:36 am
I don't have an IP yet, but I'm so glad you shared some vegan recipes. I may have to venture out and get one now
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am
  Oh, yay! 🙂
  Reply
leslie morrison
January 24, 2018 at 6:03 am
WOW! That Mushroom Bourguignon looks amazing. I'm definitely going to try that!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am
  Woohoo!!
  Reply
Kaila (The Wanderlust Celiac)
January 23, 2018 at 8:32 pm
What great ideas! They all look delicious. I would love to make a Mushroom Bourguignon!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am
  Right!!
  Reply
Kara
January 23, 2018 at 8:17 pm
Love these ideas! Those oats look amazing!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am
  Mmm yes!
  Reply
alisamarie
January 23, 2018 at 8:02 pm
These all look so good and are tempting me to get an Instant Pot. I got my sister a multi-cooker for Christmas since she uses the crockpot a lot, but now I feel like I'm missing out!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 24, 2018 at 9:48 am
  That's how I was feeling, I was thrilled when I received one for Christmas.
  See Also
  The BEST Irish Meat Pie Recipe
  Reply
Miss Whisk, A Whisk and Two Wands
January 23, 2018 at 7:33 pm
My birthday is coming up I might have to get my an Instant Pot! So many yummy recipes and ways to use it!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 7:39 pm
  Oh, perfect timing!
  Reply
K.C.
January 23, 2018 at 6:51 pm
I gotta say, those oats sound beyond delicious. Instant pots rule!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 7:40 pm
  Yes!!!
  Reply
sproutingzenjen
January 23, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Wait whattt! Oats in the instant pot?! yesssss. I'm falling in love more and more each day with my IP! Thank you for this round up.
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 5:42 pm
  Totally!! You're welcome 🙂
  Reply
Amanda Kanashiro (@glutenfreemiami)
January 23, 2018 at 1:04 pm
I have to try the chocolate steel cut oats. I always make steel cut oats in my Instant Pot, but I haven't ventured out from plain. I will be making this tomorrow!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 2:28 pm
  Enjoy!!
  Reply
Amanda Kanashiro (@glutenfreemiami)
January 23, 2018 at 12:49 pm
My Instant Pot is a life saver! I want to try making a cheesecake in it.
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 2:28 pm
  Ohh, I want to know how that turns out 🙂
  Reply
Cait Weingartner
January 23, 2018 at 4:10 am
These recipes look so delicious! I've been on the fence for awhile about whether I need an Instant Pot, but now I think I've made up my mind!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 23, 2018 at 2:28 pm
  Woo!!
  Reply
Kelly Page (@TastingPage)
January 22, 2018 at 6:18 pm
I love my IP and still need to try some potatoes in there. Thanks for the inspiration!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 6:42 pm
  Absolutely!
  Reply
spabettie
January 22, 2018 at 4:21 pm
ours gets used most every week for beans and rice prep... we LOVE ours, and my husband actually uses it more than I do! 🙂
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 6:42 pm
  That's great 🙂
  Reply
Sharon Lachendro
January 22, 2018 at 3:48 pm
I just received an Instant Pot for Christmas this year. I've been looking for a bunch of recipes to try and these all look great!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 6:42 pm
  Yay!!
  Reply
Falak
January 22, 2018 at 1:00 pm
I am so ready to get on the instant pot bandwagon, but I am a bit hesitant because of the whole pressure thing. Just need to get over it. These recipes look so good!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 6:42 pm
  Heck yes! I'm trying to share my favorite beginner recipes since I'm still getting used to it too 🙂
  Reply
Anna Horvath
January 22, 2018 at 9:01 am
Amazing photos! 🙂 I will make the choc. oat one pot dish, easy-peasy but must be tasty! 🙂
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 10:49 am
  Yes, easy recipes are the best!
  Reply
Amy
January 22, 2018 at 8:25 am
What a great list showing just how versatile the instant pot is!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 8:34 am
  Thank you!
  Reply
randomlyyayar
January 22, 2018 at 8:19 am
Ive been looking to use my Instant Pot more, so i am pinning a few recipes now.
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 8:34 am
  Woohoo!
  Reply
amandela@meettheharrisfamily.com
January 22, 2018 at 8:12 am
Yummy!! I can not wait to share this with my husband. He is an instant pot genius in our house <3
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 8:33 am
  Yay, y'all enjoy 🙂
  Reply
Kim
January 22, 2018 at 8:01 am
Ooh! I hadn’t thought of refried beans in the Instant Pot. Thanks!
Reply
- Jenna | The Urben Life
  January 22, 2018 at 8:33 am
  Right?!
  Reply

6 Recipes to Fuel Your Instant Pot Obsession (That Aren't Soup!) (2024)

FAQs

Is there anything you should not put in the instant pot? ›

Here are the foods that experts recommend cooking using trusty traditional methods instead of your bright-and-shiny Instant Pot:

Fried Foods. The Instant Pot is a master at moist-heat cooking, which is precisely why fried foods fall flat. ...
Steak. ...
Burgers. ...
Stir-Fry. ...
Cream-Based Sauces. ...
Noodles. ...
Seafood. ...
Cookies.

Apr 8, 2020

View Details ›

What cooks good in an Instant Pot? ›

71 Of Our Best Instant Pot Recipes That Are Total Game Changers

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. ...
Tangy Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs. ...
Instant Pot Pasta Primavera. ...
Instant Pot Baby Potatoes. ...
Veggie-Packed Mac 'n' Cheese. ...
Instant Pot Chicken Soup with Matzo Balls. ...
Instant Pot White Bean Chicken Chili. ...
Instant Pot Crème Brûlée.

More items...

Dec 13, 2023

Learn More Now ›

What liquids are best for instant pot? ›

Just as I recommend swapping out the water in a cornstarch slurry for something with a bit more oomph, you can replace the water in Instant Pot recipes with broth (or Better Than Bouillon, which has more flavor than true broth), soy sauce, fish sauce, wine, beer, or juice. (Do not add spirits; the fumes may ignite.)

Read On ›

Can instant pot cook anything? ›

In general, Instant Pots do so much more than just pressure cooking and can be used as a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer yogurt maker, sauté pan, and a meal warmer.

Find Out More ›

What should never be cooked in a pressure cooker? ›

Foods containing dairy, like milk, cream, or yogurt, should not be pressure-cooked. The high heat and pressure can cause dairy products to curdle or separate, ruining the texture, taste and flavour of the dish. Cooking fried foods is a strict no no, when it comes to pressure cookers.

What should never be in a pressure cooker? ›

Avoid cooking deep-fried foods, cream-based soups, cakes, fruit desserts, and spinach in a pressure cooker. Deep-fried foods won't be crispy, cream-based soups may curdle, cakes may lose texture, fruit desserts can become mushy, and spinach can turn mushy too quickly.

Learn More Now ›

Are instant pots worth it? ›

Is it worth buying an Instant Pot? Yes, we do think an Instant Pot is worth it, particularly for pressure cooking. There's a reason it's one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there.

See Details ›

Is it OK to put oil in an Instant Pot? ›

To be clear, you can use a small amount of oil (one to two tablespoons) to saute using your Instant Pot — in fact, most models even have a specific mode for that. But, under no circ*mstance should you ever fill your Instant Pot to the brim with cooking oil and use it as an improvised deep fryer.

Get More Info Here ›

Can you use oil instead of water in Instant Pot? ›

You can safely pan fry with small amounts of oil in the Instant Pot. You can also stir fry. But do not attempt deep frying. You cannot use an Instant Pot in the pressure cooking setting with large amounts of oil.

Get More Info ›

How long do Instant Pots last? ›

The average lifespan of an Instant Pot ranges from 2-5 years, but it can last longer depending on how often it's used and how well-maintained it is. So it's safe to say Instant Pots aren't commonly being replaced, and may even be a one-time purchase.

See Details ›

What's the first thing I should cook in my Instant Pot? ›

Try making staples like eggs, sweet potatoes, rice, or lentils using just the pressure cooker function. Then move on to a recipe that uses both the sauté and pressure cooker functions, like Kalua pork, or spaghetti with meat sauce (hands down my favorite Instant Pot recipe).

Find Out More ›

Why shouldn't potatoes be cooked in a pressure cooker? ›

Mostly we boil potatoes in a pressure cooker, but like rice, potatoes also contain a lot of starch. This is the reason why boiling or cooking in this pressure cooker is not considered good for health. If you still plan to use cooker for the same, add a lot of water and wash them thoroughly post cooking.

Find Out More ›

Can you put frozen meat in an Instant Pot? ›

Yes, it is safe to cook frozen food in a pressure cooker or an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot. However, if you only have the slow cooker version of the Instant Pot, then it is not safe to cook frozen food in it.

Is cooking in a pressure cooker unhealthy? ›

Yes, cooking in a pressure cooker is healthy as it uses steam to cook food, the insulated and sealed body does not allow the water to evaporate thus preserving the nutrients in the food. Pressure cookers do not require oil to cook making them even healthier.

Keep Reading ›

Why does Instant Pot have p65 warning? ›

This model does come with a Prop 65 warning, as a small amount phthalates are present in the power cord. The food contact materials are standard stainless steel and aluminum. All Instant Brand products are compliant to all FDA standards.

Keep Reading ›

How safe is Instant Pot? ›

Are electric pressure cookers safe? Yes, electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot are generally safe and easy to use. The Instant Pot has so many safety mechanisms (PDF) built in that it's hard to make a catastrophic mistake. In general, if you follow the safety instructions, you should be good.

6 Recipes to Fuel Your Instant Pot Obsession (That Aren't Soup!) (2024)

More Food and Drink

About Jenna Urben

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FAQs

Is there anything you should not put in the instant pot? ›

What's the first thing I should cook in my Instant Pot? ›

References