10 Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes For Beginners

If you’ve recently picked up an Instant Pot or are considering adding one to your kitchen, you’re about to discover one of the best things to happen to home cooking. 10 Easy Instant Pot Dinner Recipes for Beginners allow you to prepare delicious, healthy meals for the whole family in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests, this list of must-try recipes will help you get started.

These easy steps and must-haves will turn you into an Instant Pot pro in no time. First, let’s cover some basics and then dive into the recipes. This list includes both beef recipes and chicken recipes to give you a great variety. Get ready to find your new favorite recipe!

Why You Will Love Cooking with an Instant Pot

The Instant Pot is a game changer for busy cooks. For beginners, these benefits make cooking less intimidating and more enjoyable. Plus, the recipes below are simple enough for anyone to master.

• Saves time: Pressure cooking significantly reduces cook times, making even the toughest cuts of meat tender in under an hour.
• Healthier meals: Less oil is required, and nutrients are better preserved due to reduced cooking times.
• Versatility: You can sauté, steam, slow cook, and more—all in one pot.
• Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes mean less time spent scrubbing.

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Handy Tools You Will Need

• 6 or 8 QT Instant Pot
• 3PCS Silicone Sealing Ring Extra Rings
• Steamer Basket
• Steamer Rack Trivet
• Egg Steamer Rack
• Steam Diverter Pressure Release

Instant Pot Cashew Chicken

You have to try making Instant Pot Cashew Chicken — it’s one of my absolute favorites! It’s super flavorful, and somehow feels a little fancy without being complicated at all. You toss in some juicy chicken, a handful of crunchy roasted cashews, and this awesome sauce that hits all the right notes — sweet, savory, and just a tiny bit of spice (but you can totally adjust that to your taste).

The Instant Pot does all the magic — locks in all the flavors and keeps the chicken perfectly tender. Plus, the ginger, garlic, and soy sauce combo makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. It’s like takeout but healthier and way cheaper.

The best part? It comes together crazy fast, so it’s perfect for busy nights when you want to cook something that feels special without spending hours in the kitchen. And seriously — everyone in the family will love it. The cashews add this awesome crunch that just makes it so good. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation

Instant Pot Sesame Chicken

You know what you need to try in your new Instant Pot? Sesame Chicken! It’s one of those dishes that tastes like a treat but is so simple to pull off at home. The chicken turns out super tender and juicy, and the sesame sauce it’s rich, glossy, and packed with flavor without feeling heavy.

You’ll get this perfect balance of nutty toasted sesame, a little tang from soy sauce, and just enough sweetness from the honey to keep everyone coming back for more. And the Instant Pot makes it crazy fast, but it still tastes like it’s been simmering for ages.

When you serve it up, that beautiful amber sauce coats every bite of chicken — it looks gorgeous and tastes even better. Trust me, this is going to be one of those ‘why didn’t I make this sooner?!’ recipes.

Instant Pot Ginger Garlic Chicken

One of the first recipes you’ll want to try in your new Instant Pot is this Ginger Garlic Chicken — it’s packed with flavor and so simple to make. While it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma of fresh ginger and garlic (I swear it smells like a fancy restaurant!).

The chicken turns out incredibly tender — it literally falls apart with a fork — and soaks up all those bright, bold flavors. The balance of that warm ginger heat with rich garlic makes every bite feel both comforting and refreshing.

It’s the kind of dish that feels light and clean but still totally satisfying — perfect for when you want something healthy without giving up flavor. And since it comes together so quickly, it’s ideal for busy nights when you want a dinner that feels special but doesn’t take a ton of effort. Trust me, this one’s going straight into your weekly rotation!

Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken

Instant Pot Barbecue Chicken is one of those recipes that will totally surprise you with how easy and delicious it is. You get all those smoky, tangy barbecue flavors you love — but without having to babysit the grill or simmer sauce for hours.

The Instant Pot makes the chicken so tender it practically falls apart, while the rich sauce soaks into every bite. The whole thing tastes like you’ve been slow-cooking it all day, but it comes together in no time.

This is the perfect dinner when you’re craving those bold barbecue vibes — think backyard cookout, but indoors and on a busy weeknight. Pair it with some classic sides and you’ve got a meal that’s comforting, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, no smoky mess to clean up!

Instant Pot Salisbury Steak

If you’re in the mood for something cozy and comforting, you’ve got to try making Salisbury Steak in your Instant Pot. It’s one of those classic, old-school dinners that feels like a warm hug — and the best part is, it’s super easy to pull off.

The beef patties turn out incredibly tender, almost like they’ve been simmering all day, thanks to the Instant Pot. And that mushroom gravy? Rich, savory, and packed with deep flavor, it thickens up perfectly while everything cooks under pressure.

Every bite gives you juicy beef and earthy mushrooms, all wrapped up in that luscious gravy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a fork and dig in the second it hits the plate. Perfect for when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me — this one will become a new comfort food favorite.

Instant Pot Juicy Chicken Fajitas

If you’re looking for a fun and easy dinner, you’ve got to try making Chicken Fajitas in your Instant Pot. It’s one of my favorite ways to get that bold, Tex-Mex flavor on the table fast, perfect for busy nights when you still want something that feels festive.

The Instant Pot makes the chicken super juicy and tender, while the bell peppers and onions soak up all those smoky spices. You get this great balance of savory and sweet in every bite, and the whole dish comes out so colorful and fresh.

Just pile it all into warm tortillas, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got yourself a fajita night that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually did. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles — and trust me, there won’t be any leftovers!

Instant Pot Beef Tips

If you want a cozy, comforting dinner that’s super easy to pull off, you’ve got to make Beef Tips in your Instant Pot. It’s one of those meals that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day — but thanks to the Instant Pot, it comes together in no time.

The beef turns out melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the rich, savory gravy is absolutely packed with flavor. Every bite is loaded with juicy beef, soft veggies, and that luscious sauce that’s just begging to be poured over mashed potatoes or egg noodles (seriously — don’t skip the sides!).

This is one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s pure comfort food, and the whole family always loves it. Once you try it, I promise it’ll be in your regular dinner rotation.

Instant Pot Egg Frittata

If you haven’t tried making a frittata in your Instant Pot yet, you’re going to love this. It’s such an easy way to whip up a fluffy, savory egg dish without having to watch the oven or worry about it overcooking.

You can pack it with whatever you’ve got on hand — veggies, cheese, even a little bacon or sausage — and it always turns out tender and full of flavor. The Instant Pot keeps the eggs perfectly moist and light, and the whole thing feels way fancier than the effort it takes.

This is one of my go-to recipes for brunch, meal prep, or even a quick dinner when I want something healthy but satisfying. You can make it for just you and a friend, or double it up to feed a crowd. It’s so versatile, and honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making frittatas this way all along!

Chicken Salad Instant Pot

One of my favorite Instant Pot hacks is using it to make the best-ever Chicken Salad. You start by pressure cooking the chicken — it cooks super fast and comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor (way better than boiled or store-bought chicken).

Once the chicken cools, you shred it up and toss it with crisp celery, a little tangy yogurt or mayo, and fresh herbs. The result? A chicken salad that’s packed with flavor, perfectly tender, and way more exciting than your average version.

I love keeping a batch of this in the fridge for quick lunches — it’s perfect in sandwiches, wraps, or even over a bed of greens. The Instant Pot really makes this recipe a total time-saver while giving you chicken that tastes so much better. Once you try it this way, you’ll never go back to plain old boiled chicken again!

How To Make Simple Instant Pot Potato Salad

Making potato salad in the Instant Pot is an absolute game-changer. You get perfectly cooked potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. No more juggling pots on the stove or worrying about overcooking anything. First, you cook the hard-boiled eggs and then the potatoes.

Once you try making potato salad this way, you’ll never go back to the stovetop method. It’s quicker, easier, and gives you perfectly tender potatoes every time — no mush, no guesswork. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just as a tasty side dish any night of the week!