We Tried 10 of the Internet’s Best Instant Pot Recipes. And These Are Our Favorites.

Introduction

Busy weeknights call for flavor-packed meals that don’t take hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot has revolutionized how we cook comfort foods, one-pot dinners, and even decadent desserts—all with incredible speed. After testing 10 of the internet’s most raved-about Instant Pot recipes, these standout favorites deliver on both taste and convenience.

Whether you’re a pressure cooking pro or just getting started, these recipes combine crowd-pleasing flavors, easy-to-source ingredients, and simple prep for dishes the whole family will love.

Why These Instant Pot Recipes Stand Out

The Instant Pot shines by turning slow-cooked classics into quick weeknight staples—without sacrificing flavor or tenderness. The recipes we chose impressed us for their versatility: think ultra-creamy risotto, fork-tender carnitas, or hearty stews, all made in under an hour. Fast prep, minimal cleanup, and reliably excellent results cement these dishes as repeat players in any home cook’s repertoire.

Our Top 3 Instant Pot Favorites and How to Make Them

1. Instant Pot Creamy Chicken & Rice

Creamy, comforting, and packed with colorful vegetables, this one-pot meal is a life-saver for busy nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Set your Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, 6 Quart to Sauté mode with olive oil. When hot, add chicken, season, and brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until fragrant. Return chicken to the pot. Stir in rice and broth. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
3. Quick release pressure. Stir in peas and cream. Let sit for 5 minutes, season to taste, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.

*Tip: Pre-dicing onions, carrots, and celery is a breeze using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even cuts and less prep time.*

2. Instant Pot Carnitas Tacos

Juicy, shredded pork with crispy edges—these carnitas bring bold flavor and texture in record time.

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1 onion, quartered
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to your Instant Pot. Set to Pressure Cook on high for 45 minutes.
2. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
3. Shred pork with a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen. For crispy bits, broil shredded pork on a lined sheet pan or sear in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch.*
4. Serve in warm tortillas with onions, cilantro, and lime.

*Tip: Use Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet to make after-dinner cleanup a snap!*

3. Instant Pot Beef and Vegetable Stew

Rich, hearty, and bursting with tender beef and root vegetables, this stew hits all the right notes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Using your Instant Pot, select Sauté mode and brown beef in batches. Set aside.
2. Add onion, carrots, potatoes, and celery; sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Return beef, add broth, tomato paste, herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Seal and pressure cook for 35 minutes.
4. Use a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender to blend a cup of the finished stew until smooth, then stir back in for a creamy, thickened texture (optional step!).
5. Let pressure naturally release before serving.

Serving and Meal Prep Tips

– For busy nights, prep weeks ahead and freeze soups or stews in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup).
– Use leftovers for next-day work lunches—simply reheat right in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10–20 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 8–45 minutes (depending on recipe)
Total Time: 30–70 minutes (including pressure release)

Recap: Why These Are the Best Internet Instant Pot Recipes

These top-rated Instant Pot recipes stood out for their unbeatable combination of speed, flavor, and versatility. With streamlined steps, approachable ingredients, and consistent results, they’re destined to become staples in your own kitchen rotation. For anyone seeking maximum flavor in minimum time, your Instant Pot is the secret weapon for stress-free, gourmet-worthy meals—night after night.