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15+ Family Friendly Instant Pot Meals When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

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The Instant Pot is my lifesaver on days I need a home-cooked meal but have limited time or energy. This roundup of family-friendly Instant Pot meals includes one-pot soups and hearty chilis that taste like they’ve simmered all day, plus taco night favorites and comforting dishes that bring a cozy feel to the kitchen. 

overhead view of plated chicken thighs, carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy next to instant pot and serving bowl of chicken

15+ Family Friendly Instant Pot Meals

As much as I love a good meal plan, sometimes after a busy day, it’s tempting to skip it and opt for the drive-through or takeout. These easy, family-friendly Instant Pot recipes take the hassle out of dinnertime and will inspire you on those nights you just don’t feel like cooking.

Just grab a few ingredients, chop some veggies, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Save this list for the next time you’re stuck in a cooking rut or need something quick!

Easy Instant Pot Soups, Stews & Chili Recipes

Who doesn’t love a hearty, all-in-one meal? These soups, stews, and chilis use easy shortcuts such as canned vegetables or precooked meat. After a few simple steps, sit back, relax, and enjoy the flavor-packed results!

1
overhead shot of instant pot turkey chili
Instant Pot Turkey Chili
This quick and easy turkey chili is a favorite meal in my family!  It takes only 10 minutes in the Instant Pot and will just as quickly become your favorite too!
Check out this recipe
2
spaghetti noodles topped with Cincinnati chili on plate
Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili
It may not really be chili, but it’s delicious none the less! Enjoy this easy Instant Pot Cincinnati Chili over steaming spaghetti noodles and topped with plenty of melty cheese. Onions optional!
Check out this recipe
3
ladle full of beef chili in instant pot
Instant Pot Beef Chili
This recipe is always on rotation in our home!  Everyone needs a simple chili recipe that you can make for a quick dinner and this one is quick and easy in the Instant Pot!




Check out this recipe
4
overhead shot of chicken stew with spoon, blue striped napkin with half eaten bread, instant pot, salt and pepper shakers and another bowl of stew in background
Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Stew
A warm bowl of Creamy Chicken Stew made right in the Instant Pot is the perfect ending to a busy day! With no canned ingredients, this hearty stew is made from scratch in one pot, with minimal prep and cleanup. Enjoy a cozy, homestyle meal loaded with flavorful chicken and vegetables in just minutes!
Check out this recipe
5
vegetarian soup in gray and white bowl
Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
Looking to add more veggies to your diet? This quick and easy Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup includes sweet potatoes and fresh onions and peppers for a delicious dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes!


Check out this recipe
6
instant pot full of chili
Instant Pot Chicken Chili
A chili that tastes like it's been slow smoked over a campfire all day, yet only cooks for about 15 minutes! With the help of your Instant Pot and a few special ingredients, this will become your new favorite chili recipe.
Check out this recipe

Instant Pot Taco Night & Mexican-Inspired Meals

A flavorful Mexican-style main dish is the perfect solution for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal! Just add a protein or soup to the Instant Pot, then source your fridge for all the toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and lime wedges. Grab a bag of tortilla chips or cook some quick rice, and dinner is ready in no time!

7
overhead shot of chicken carnitas and corn slaw on rice on a blue plate
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Make the best use of your time and cook these Chicken Carnitas in the Instant Pot! They require only a few minutes of hands-on time, they'll serve a crowd, and they can be used for a variety of meals throughout the week!
Check out this recipe
8
overhead view of white platter containing shredded pork, 2 lime wedges and gold fork, surrounded by instant pot, bowls of onions, cheese, plate of tortillas and cilantro
Best Instant Pot Carnitas
The Instant Pot is your shortcut to fall-apart tender pork that tastes like it’s been cooking for hours! With pork shoulder, citrus, and a few simple spices, try the best Instant Pot Carnitas recipe for dinner and then some! It’s perfect for meal prep for the week and serving in tacos, burritos, bowls, and more.
Check out this recipe
9
instant pot with taco soup and ladle
Instant Pot Taco Soup
Hey you! The one in need of a quick dinner recipe that your family will actually like! Try this 6 ingredient Instant Pot Taco Soup that cooks up in only 10 minutes for a winning family dinner!
Check out this recipe
10
Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
A simple throw everything in and turn it on recipe! Only 10 minutes to cook! Forget working over a hot stove and make this Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Instant Pot instead!
Check out this recipe
11
taco pasta in instant pot
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
Take your Taco Tuesday to a whole new level by combining it with pasta night! Instant Pot Taco Pasta has all of your favorite flavors paired with comforting creamy pasta!
Check out this recipe
12
chicken fajita soup in a bowl with garnish
Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup
For a soup the whole family will love, try this Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Soup! So easy to make but so full of flavor that it makes the perfect satisfying dinner!
Check out this recipe

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes & Comfort Food Classics

Most people think comfort food recipes require lots of extra time and effort. Think again! The Instant Pot makes it easy to serve simple, flavorful meals for the family and bring them back for seconds.

13
honey garlic chicken over rice on black plate
Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
A quick and simple chicken dish that the whole family will love! Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with rice and veggies for a wholesome dinner.
Check out this recipe
14
white bowl of chicken and dumplings with gold spoon, another bowl of chicken and dumplings, instant pot and blue and white striped dish towel in background
Easy Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
Instant Pot chicken and dumplings is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food for busy nights. Each spoonful is packed with juicy chicken, tender veggies, creamy broth, and fluffy, seasoned dumplings. This cozy, easy meal will warm you from the inside out!
Check out this recipe
15
Mongolian beef with rice and green onions in white bowl
Instant Pot Mongolian Beef
Want your kids to gobble down dinner instead of turning up their noses? This Instant Pot Mongolian Beef is a snap to make and is melt-in-your-mouth tender with a delicious sweet and spicy sauce.
Check out this recipe
16
shredded bbq chicken in a white bowl
Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
Make this simple, quick and easy Instant Pot BBQ Chicken and have a tasty main dish or a base for other recipes! With a 12 minute cook time and only 3 ingredients, you can make this for dinner tonight!
Check out this recipe
17
instant pot fried rice
Instant Pot Fried Rice
Why get greasy take-out fried rice when you can make your own healthier fried rice at home? Instant Pot Fried Rice is a real game changer that's families go nuts for!
Check out this recipe
18
teriyaki chicken on a gray plate with a fork
Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
Need a meal guaranteed to make the kids go nuts without breaking the bank? Try this better than takeout Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken that takes less than 10 minutes of prep time!
Check out this recipe
19
overhead view of plated chicken thighs, carrots, mashed potatoes and gravy next to instant pot and serving bowl of chicken
Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Gravy
This isn’t your average chicken recipe! Chicken thighs are so easy to make and adding gravy is one of the most flavorful ways to serve chicken. Try one of my favorite Instant Pot chicken thigh recipes and serve with your choice of sides for a delicious home-cooked meal!
Check out this recipe

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