For new cooks, the variety of techniques, recipes and appliances can feel overwhelming. The good news is you don’t need years of experience to make tasty meals — with clear instructions and a reliable multi-cooker like the Instant Pot, many dishes become much easier and faster to prepare. Modern multi-cookers combine sauté, slow cook and pressure functions in one appliance, helping you turn labour- and time-intensive recipes into simple, hands-off meals.
The Instant Pot’s pre-set programmes take the guesswork out of timing, and beginners will appreciate easy recipes created especially for pressure cooking. Below are ten straightforward recipes that highlight the versatility of the Instant Pot and are perfect for anyone getting started.
Quick List — 10 Instant Pot Recipes to Try
- Chicken Noodle Soup — Comforting, easy, and great for when you’re under the weather.
- Cannellini Beans — Nutritious, tender beans cooked from dry in one pot.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs — Foolproof eggs that peel easily every time.
- Beef Stew — Deep flavour and tender beef in a fraction of the usual time.
- Mac and Cheese — Creamy and quick, no constant stirring needed.
- Butter Chicken — Restaurant-style curry simplified for home cooks.
- Baked Potatoes — Fluffy insides and nicely textured skins in under 20 minutes.
- Risotto — Creamy risotto without the stove-side stirring.
- Pork Carnitas — Tender, shred able pork that crisps up beautifully after pressure cooking.
- Cheesecake — Rich, smooth cheesecake made easy with the Instant Pot’s gentler heat.
1. Chicken Noodle Soup
A classic when you need comfort, chicken noodle soup is simple in the Instant Pot. Add chicken breasts, chopped celery, carrots and onions with stock, pressure-cook briefly, then remove and shred the chicken. Return it to the pot and add noodles — they only need a few minutes under pressure. The result is a hearty, flavourful soup ready in far less time than the stovetop method.
2. Cannellini Beans
Dry cannellini beans become soft and flavourful without overnight soaking. Rinse the beans, add water, garlic, rosemary and a little sea salt, then pressure-cook according to your pot’s guidance. These beans make a great side, snack or base for soups and salads.
3. Hard-Boiled Eggs
The Instant Pot’s egg function is a revelation for easy peeling. Place eggs on a trivet with a cup of water and use the egg programme (or a short pressure cycle). After a quick ice bath, the shells slip off cleanly and the yolks are perfectly cooked.
4. Beef Stew
Traditional stews need long simmering to tenderise meat. The Instant Pot shortcuts this: sear beef first with the sauté mode, add vegetables and stock, then pressure-cook for 25–35 minutes. The meat becomes fork-tender and the sauce concentrates beautifully.
5. Mac and Cheese
For a quick family hit, combine dry pasta, water (or stock), butter and a pinch of salt, then pressure-cook briefly. Stir in milk and grated cheese afterward until silky. You’ll have creamy mac and cheese in about 30 minutes total without constant attention.
6. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken often intimidates home cooks, but the Instant Pot makes it straightforward. Marinate chicken thighs in yogurt and spices, pressure-cook until tender, then finish in a simple tomato-butter sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner served over basmati rice.
7. Baked Potatoes
A steamer basket and one cup of water are all you need. Clean and pierce russet potatoes, place them in the basket, and pressure-cook for 15–20 minutes. You’ll get fluffy interiors and skins that take on a roasted texture after a quick finish under the broiler if desired.
8. Risotto
Skip the stovetop stirring: sauté aromatics, add Arborio rice and stock, then pressure-cook for about six minutes. Stir in butter and Parmesan for a creamy result that rivals the traditional method with far less effort.
9. Pork Carnitas
Pork shoulder becomes falling-apart tender after pressure cooking with orange juice and spices. Finish the shredded pork under a grill or quickly pan-fry to add crisp edges, then use in tacos, burritos or bowls.
10. Cheesecake
The Instant Pot can produce an evenly-cooked, creamy cheesecake. Use a springform or small cake pan on a trivet, pressure-cook gently, then chill overnight. The result is reliably smooth and rich.
Instant Pot Tips for Beginners
- Read your Instant Pot manual for safety and correct sealing instructions.
- Use natural release for dense foods (meat, beans) and quick release for delicate items (vegetables, pasta).
- Brown meats using the sauté function first to build deeper flavour.
- Avoid overfilling — keep liquids and food below the recommended max line.
- Experiment with small adjustments to cook times; every model varies slightly.
Get Started Today
The Instant Pot opens a lot of possibilities for fast, tasty home cooking. These ten beginner-friendly recipes are a great starting point to build confidence and learn the functions of your cooker. Once you’ve tried a few, you’ll find new favourites and feel comfortable adapting family recipes for pressure cooking.
