Are you a busy mom looking for quick and easy dinner recipes that your whole family will love? Look no further than your Instant Pot! This versatile kitchen appliance can help you whip up delicious meals in a fraction of the time. In this article, we’ll share five mouthwatering Instant Pot dinner recipes that are perfect for families. These recipes are not only flavorful and nutritious but also require minimal prep and cooking time. Let’s get started!
What you’ll learn:
- 5 delicious dinner recipes that can be made quickly using an Instant Pot
- Recipes that are perfect for families and can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions
- Tips and tricks for using your Instant Pot to make dinner prep a breeze
- 5 mouthwatering Instant Pot dinner recipes for the whole family, including dishes like beef stew, chicken curry, and macaroni and cheese
- Ideas for customizing these recipes to suit different taste preferences or dietary restrictions, such as adding extra vegetables or using gluten-free pasta
- Tips and tricks for using your Instant Pot effectively to save time and make dinner prep easier.
1. Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos
Tacos are always a hit with the whole family, and this recipe takes it up a notch with tender and flavorful shredded chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Corn tortillas
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
- Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot and add the chicken broth, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the chicken.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
- Serve the shredded chicken in warmed corn tortillas and top with your favorite toppings.
This Mexican shredded chicken is incredibly versatile and can be used in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or even over a bed of rice. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that will have your family asking for seconds!
2. Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal, especially during the colder months. This creamy tomato basil soup is packed with flavor and can be made in a matter of minutes in your Instant Pot. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and broth to the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the creamy tomato basil soup hot with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
This creamy tomato basil soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
3. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are a classic crowd-pleaser, and your Instant Pot can make the process a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
- Coleslaw (optional)
Instructions:
- Cut the pork shoulder or pork butt into large chunks and place them in the Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the pork in the Instant Pot.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Remove the pork from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the Instant Pot and mix it with the sauce.
- Serve the BBQ pulled pork on hamburger buns, topped with coleslaw if desired.
These BBQ pulled pork sandwiches are perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The tender and flavorful pork combined with the tangy BBQ sauce will have your family coming back for seconds.
4. Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort dish that is sure to please the entire family. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can have this delicious meal on the table in no time. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Egg noodles or rice for serving
Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat some oil.
- Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the meat from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
- In the same Instant Pot, add the sliced onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Return the beef to the Instant Pot and pour in the beef broth.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, flour, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture into the Instant Pot.
- Set the Instant Pot to the sauté function and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the beef stroganoff over egg noodles or rice.
This creamy and flavorful beef stroganoff is a crowd-pleasing dinner option. The tender beef and rich sauce will have your family asking for this dish again and again.
5. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
If you’re looking for a one-pot meal that combines protein, veggies, and grains, this teriyaki chicken and rice recipe is perfect. It’s a complete meal that can be made in your Instant Pot with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
- In the Instant Pot, combine the chicken thighs, teriyaki sauce, chicken broth, and jasmine rice.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot lid and stir in the mixed vegetables.
- Close the Instant Pot lid again and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for an additional 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quick release the pressure.
- Stir in the chopped green onions and fluff the rice with a fork.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken and rice hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
This teriyaki chicken and rice dish is a complete meal that is both flavorful and satisfying. It’s a great way to incorporate protein, vegetables, and grains into one tasty dish.
Conclusion
With these five Instant Pot dinner recipes, you can create delicious and fast meals that your whole family will love. The Instant Pot is a busy mom’s best friend, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a meal with your loved ones. Whether you’re in
Personal Experience: Quick and Easy Chicken Curry
As a busy working parent, I understand the struggle of finding time to prepare a healthy and delicious meal for the whole family. One evening, after a long day at work, I found myself in a time crunch to get dinner on the table. That’s when I remembered a quick and easy recipe for Chicken Curry that I could make in my Instant Pot.
I quickly gathered all the ingredients – chicken breasts, coconut milk, curry powder, onions, garlic, and ginger. Within minutes, I had the Instant Pot preheating and ready to go. I sautéed the onions, garlic, and ginger until they were fragrant, and then added the chicken breasts to brown them slightly.
Next, I added the curry powder and coconut milk to the pot, closed the lid, and set the timer for 15 minutes of pressure cooking. While the Instant Pot worked its magic, I had enough time to help my kids with their homework and set the table.
When the timer went off, I released the pressure and opened the lid to reveal a mouthwatering aroma that filled the kitchen. The chicken was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I served the Chicken Curry over a bed of fluffy rice, and my family couldn’t get enough of it.
Not only was this recipe incredibly delicious, but it also saved me a lot of time and effort. The Instant Pot allowed me to have a homemade dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, leaving me with more quality time to spend with my loved ones.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that will please the whole family, give this Instant Pot Chicken Curry a try. You won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Who can benefit from these instant pot dinner recipes?
Families looking for quick and delicious meal ideas.
What are some popular instant pot dinner recipes?
Some popular recipes include chili, chicken curry, and pasta.
How can I make these recipes in an instant pot?
Simply follow the recipe instructions and set the cooking time accordingly.
What if I don’t have an instant pot?
You can still make these recipes using a slow cooker or stovetop.
How do these recipes cater to families?
They are designed to be family-friendly and can serve multiple people.
What if I’m short on time to cook these meals?
These recipes are specifically chosen for their quick cooking times.