18 Life-Changing Instant Pot Dinners for Busy Days
When life gets hectic, the Instant Pot is your secret weapon for whipping up delicious meals in no time. These 18 life-changing dinner recipes are perfect for busy days when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. From hearty stews to comforting pastas, these dishes pack big flavor with minimal effort. Just toss in the ingredients, press a button, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to stress-free, home-cooked dinners that the whole family will love!
Instant Pot Short Ribs

I love braised short ribs. I don’t, however, love the time required to prepare my favorite short rib recipe. That’s why I came up with these Instant Pot Short Ribs that are still full of my favorite braised short ribs flavor without the time investment.
Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti
Dump and Start Instant Pot Creamy Ziti is saucy, cheesy and delicious. 20 minutes is all you need to make this creamy red sauce pasta dish!
Instant Pot Taco Meat
Instant Pot Taco Meat is the perfect and fast way to make tender ground beef for tacos. Serve it immediately or freeze it!
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Instant Pot Pho Recipe
Making traditional Vietnamese Pho can be a day-long affair, this Instant Pot Pho recipe is made in a fraction of the time without sacrificing flavor. This version of classic Vietnamese Pho Ga (chicken pho) features tender chicken, rice noodles and lots of fresh herbs in the most flavorful, rich broth.
Instant Pot French Onion Soup
This new take on French Onion Soup will make the process quick and easy! This recipe is made in the Instant Pot and is topped with French Baguette and melty gruyere cheese.
Instant Pot Beef Bourguignon
Stew Beef is cooked in red wine alongside bacon, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, for a deep, umami-rich meal. We are cooking this French classic in an Instant Pot to cut the cook time for this recipe in half!
The Best Vodka Sauce Recipe in the Instant Pot
This recipe is the Best Vodka Sauce out there! This recipe is made in the Instant Pot, so it takes only a few minutes and zero effort to throw together. And it is 100% delicious. You can make this recipe with Pappardelle Noodles or penne!
Instant Pot Ramen Noodles
These Ramen Noodles in the Instant Pot are served with peppers, bok choy, and shrimp, and the hoisin sauce and soy sauce give the perfect amount of unique flavor blends. With just a one minute cook time, it’s going to be on your table faster than you know it.
Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole
This recipe for Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole is a simple, healthy dinner. It will be easy to throw together for a delicious twist on a family classic.
Instant Pot Pizza Pasta Bake
Pizza + Pasta = The Ultimate Dinner Heaven! This Pizza Pasta Bake can be made in your Instant Pot and will be ready to enjoy in under 15 minutes!
Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe
This Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe is a delicious and quick dinner that will transport you right to New Orleans! This is a complete meal all in one, with protein, rice, and vegetables in one pot.
Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The cheese sauce is thick and creamy, and perfect for transporting you to a cheesy bliss. Plus it comes together in about 25-30 minutes from start to finish on the stovetop, and under 10 minutes in the Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried rice is amazing! It tastes like a lighter version of takeout fried rice and is simpler than even picking up the phone to order Chinese. And it cooks in 12 minutes!
Shrimp Scampi in the Instant Pot
The ever elegant restaurant entree that you love to order just became so much easier to make at home! This recipe for Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi cooks in– get this– 3 minutes! This is a one pot meal that you’ll love to serve up, either for a quick meal for yourself or to impress at a dinner party!
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian Pasta Salad Recipe is delightful! It has so much built-in flavor from the rotini being cooked in Italian Dressing. The pasta salad is then stocked full of salami, feta cheese, tomatoes, and bell peppers. Did someone say lunch?!
Honey Lime Chicken
Honey Lime Chicken is a sweet and savory infused shredded chicken that works great nestled in a tortilla with rice, cheese and beans to make a delicious Honey Lime Chicken Taco.
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Magic Pork Chops
When I think of easy ways to make pork, I often turn to easy instant pot recipes, a slow cooker recipe, or my air fryer. But this magic pork chop recipe is now my go-to!
Instant Pot Goulash
This Instant Pot Goulash is a delightful blend of meat, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese. It has a cook time of 6 minutes in the Instant Pot, and will satisfy your family’s cravings without needing to slave away over the stove!