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

Introduction

Instant Pot meals have taken the culinary world by storm, making dinner time simpler, faster, and more flavorful. But with countless recipes swirling around the internet, which ones truly stand out? We rounded up 10 of the highest-rated, most talked-about Instant Pot recipes online—testing them all for taste, ease, and wow factor. These favorites aren’t just delicious—they’ll change how you think about weeknight meals and meal prep forever.

Why Instant Pot Recipes Are a Game-Changer

The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by making it possible to prepare rich stews, tender meats, and crowd-pleasing sides in a fraction of the time it usually takes. With the added benefit of one-pot cleanup and programmable settings, everyone from beginner cooks to seasoned pros can achieve flavorful results with minimal effort. Our top picks all delivered major flavor, straightforward steps, and dishes that belong in your regular meal rotation.

Our Absolute Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

Out of dozens of contenders, these five recipes rose to the top for their exceptional taste, convenience, and versatility:

• Instant Pot Beef Stew: Fall-apart beef, deeply savory broth, and tender vegetables—ready in under an hour.
• Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Perfectly cheesy, ultra-creamy, and worlds better than boxed.
• Instant Pot Butter Chicken: Restaurant-quality Indian flavors in just 30 minutes, with a creamy, aromatic sauce.
• Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Juicy, smoky-sweet, and fork-tender—amazing for sandwiches or tacos.
• Instant Pot Chicken and Rice: Wonderfully comforting and meal-prep friendly; loaded with veggies and flavor.

Looking to try these all in one week? Here’s how to get organized for effortless meal planning.

Shopping List for Our Favorite Instant Pot Recipes

To prepare these dishes, you’ll need staple ingredients plus a few special touches. Planning your grocery trip ahead means you’re always set up for success:

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save these recipes to CookifyAI and instantly generate an organized shopping list with all your ingredients sorted by category. This saves time, avoids forgotten items, and ensures a smooth meal prep experience every week.

Instructions: How to Make the Top 5 Instant Pot Recipes

1. Beef Stew: Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Brown the beef cubes, then add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Stir in tomato paste, beef broth, and seasonings. Pressure cook for 35 minutes with quick release. Stir in potatoes and cook an additional 5 minutes.
2. Creamy Mac and Cheese: Add pasta, water, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, quick release, then stir in butter, heavy cream, and cheese until creamy and smooth.
3. Butter Chicken: Sauté diced onions, garlic, and ginger. Add chicken and spices, then crushed tomatoes. Pressure cook for 10 minutes. Stir in Greek yogurt or cream before serving for extra richness.
4. Pulled Pork: Rub pork shoulder with spices, sear all sides, then add BBQ sauce and a splash of broth. Pressure cook on high for 60 minutes. Shred and toss in sauce.
5. Chicken and Rice: Sauté chicken and aromatics, add rice and broth, and top with vegetables. Cook on high for 10 minutes, natural release for 5. Fluff and serve.

Weekly Meal Planning

Maximize your time and reduce stress by mapping out meals for the week. Save and schedule these Instant Pot favorites with CookifyAI—your new meal planning assistant.

Planning Benefits:

• Aggregates all ingredient quantities from the week’s recipes, so you buy exactly what you need
• Organizes your list by grocery store aisles for speedy, efficient shopping
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Lets you adjust serving sizes and swap recipes as plans change

Pro tip: Schedule your week with variety—alternate between beef, chicken, and vegetarian recipes for balance and to keep things interesting. Let CookifyAI optimize your shopping list and watch meal prep become easier than ever.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 4-60 minutes per recipe (most under 30 minutes for active time)
Total Time for Weekly Prep: Approximately 1-1.5 hours for five meals (depending on recipe selection and batching)

Conclusion

With these top-rated Instant Pot recipes and a little planning, you can conquer any busy week with hearty, flavorful meals. Remember, organizing your recipes and shopping lists smartly gives you more time to enjoy around the dinner table—and fewer headaches come dinnertime. Try planning your week with CookifyAI for seamless grocery trips and stress-free meals you’ll look forward to all week long!