Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen to prepare a delicious meal? Look no further! Pressure cookers have revolutionized cooking by allowing you to cook meals quickly and efficiently. With a pressure cooker, you can cook a variety of dishes from tender meats to flavorful soups and stews. Whether you’re short on time or want to try something new, this article has got you covered.
In the following pages, we’ll be sharing 20 quick and easy pressure cooker recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. From comforting classics like Instant Pot Beef Stew and Easy Pressure Cooker Risotto to spicy curries and flavorful international dishes, these recipes will satisfy your taste buds and save you time in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll be covering everything from tender meats like Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork and Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast to hearty soups and stews like Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup and Vegetable Pressure Cooker Stew. We’ll also have some sweet treats like Creamy Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.
So, without further ado, let’s get cooking!
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Enjoy a comforting and flavorful beef stew with minimal effort using your Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on the Instant Pot and heat the inner pot until it reads “HOT”.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, beef stew meat, potatoes, carrot, beef broth, red wine (if using), and thyme. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “SEALING”. Press the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and set the cooking time to 30 minutes at high pressure.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Pressure Cooker Chicken Curry
A flavorful and aromatic curry made with tender chicken, potatoes, and a blend of spices, cooked to perfection in under an hour using your pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on your pressure cooker and heat oil until shimmering.
2. Add onion, garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add chicken, potatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”.
5. Pressure cook on “High” for 25 minutes.
6. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 55 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Easy Pressure Cooker Risotto
Quickly prepare a creamy risotto with minimal effort using your pressure cooker! This recipe yields a delicious and tender result without the tedious stirring required for traditional stovetop methods.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups chicken broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until coated in oil and slightly toasted.
5. Add the warmed chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition until absorbed.
6. If using wine, add it during the last broth addition.
7. Close the pressure cooker lid and set to “rice” or “manual” mode for 6-8 minutes.
8. Let the pressure release naturally, then stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Spicy Pressure Cooker Chili
This recipe yields a hearty, flavorful chili that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With the help of your pressure cooker, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (16 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Close the lid and set the pressure cooker to high for 10-12 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork
Transform a pork shoulder into tender, juicy pulled pork with minimal effort using your pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Instructions:
1. Season the pork shoulder with brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the pork to the pressure cooker along with the chicken broth and barbecue sauce.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook at high pressure for 90 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
5. Remove the pork from the cooker and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (including natural pressure release)
Quick Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
Quick Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Satisfy your mac and cheese cravings with this speedy recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the pressure cooker, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes at high pressure or 10-12 minutes at low pressure.
Yield: Serves 4
Cooking Time: 10-17 minutes (depending on pressure level)
Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup
This pressure cooker lentil soup recipe is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch. With just 15 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious and filling bowl of goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Add the lentils, broth, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and thyme to the pressure cooker.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
3. Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, drizzled with olive oil if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (includes natural pressure release)
Garlic Butter Pressure Cooker Shrimp
Quickly cook succulent shrimp with a flavorful garlic butter sauce using your pressure cooker. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that’s ready in under 10 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Press the “Saute” button on your pressure cooker and melt the butter.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Pressure cook at high pressure for 2 minutes.
5. Quick-release the pressure and open the lid.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Pressure Cooker Honey Soy Chicken
This recipe combines the richness of honey with the savory flavors of soy sauce to create a delicious and tender chicken dish, all cooked to perfection in under 30 minutes using your pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ginger.
2. In a pressure cooker, combine the chicken, honey, and soy sauce.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook at high pressure for 12-15 minutes.
4. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 17-20 minutes
Vegetable Pressure Cooker Stew
This hearty stew is a perfect way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a single pot, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a nutritious and satisfying meal ready for the whole family.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mixed vegetables (such as carrots, potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers)
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and thyme to a pressure cooker.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
4. Cook at high pressure for 30 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before opening the lid.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Pressure Cooker Beef and Broccoli
Ready in under 30 minutes, this pressure cooker recipe is a perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender beef and crisp broccoli come together in a savory sauce that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Pressurize the cooker for 5 minutes.
2. Add beef strips, broccoli, garlic, beef broth, soy sauce, and olive oil to the cooker.
3. Close the lid and set valve to “sealing”.
4. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Transform mashed potatoes into a rich and creamy side dish with the help of your pressure cooker! This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a quick and delicious accompaniment to your meal.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, chives, or grated cheese for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Add the cubed potatoes, butter, salt, and pepper to the pressure cooker.
2. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing”.
3. Cook at high pressure for 10-12 minutes.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally (NR) for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
5. Open the lid and add the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir until the potatoes are mashed and creamy, adding more cream if needed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Pressure Cooker Turkey Breast
Cooking turkey breast in a pressure cooker is a game-changer – it’s quick, easy, and tenderizes even the toughest meat. This recipe yields a deliciously moist and flavorful turkey breast with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
– 1 (4-6 pound) boneless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Season the turkey breast with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey breast until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the chicken broth, thyme, and turkey breast to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
5. Cook at high pressure for 30-40 minutes or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pressure Cooker Coconut Rice
Quickly cook flavorful coconut rice with the convenience of your pressure cooker. This recipe is perfect for a side dish or as a base for other dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and add it to your pressure cooker.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together coconut milk, water, and coconut oil.
3. Pour the liquid mixture over the rice in the pressure cooker.
4. Add salt and cinnamon (if using). Stir gently to combine.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
6. Cook at high pressure for 6 minutes.
7. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining steam.
Cooking Time: 16 minutes
Pressure Cooker BBQ Ribs
Tender, juicy, and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, these pressure cooker ribs are a game-changer for anyone who loves slow-cooked meat without the long cooking time. With this recipe, you can enjoy tender, flavorful ribs in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds beef or pork ribs
– 1/4 cup barbecue sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the pressure cooker to high heat.
2. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. Add the ribs to the pressure cooker in a single layer.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”.
5. Cook for 25 minutes at high pressure, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
6. Open the lid and brush the ribs with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
7. Return the lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Pressure Cooker Minestrone Soup
This classic Italian-inspired soup is a staple for any time of year, packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. This pressure cooker version cooks the ingredients quickly and efficiently, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and oregano to the pressure cooker.
2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
3. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, pasta, salt, and pepper.
4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for an additional 5-7 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
5. Let the pressure release naturally before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Pressure Cooker Lemon Garlic Salmon
A flavorful and moist salmon dish infused with the brightness of lemon and pungency of garlic, all cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
2. In a pressure cooker, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Add the lemon juice to the pressure cooker and stir to combine.
4. Place the salmon fillets in a single layer on top of the garlic-lemon mixture.
5. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook at high pressure for 8-10 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
6. Remove the salmon from the pressure cooker and garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 13-15 minutes
Pressure Cooker Mushroom Risotto
A creamy and savory risotto dish packed with the earthy flavor of mushrooms, cooked to perfection in a pressure cooker.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup white wine
– 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in the pressure cooker over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Add the white wine and stir until absorbed.
7. Add the chicken broth, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition and allowing the liquid to absorb before adding more.
8. Close the pressure cooker lid and set to “manual” mode with 5 minutes of cooking time at high pressure.
9. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
10. Stir in the butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including natural pressure release)
Pressure Cooker Corn on the Cob
Elevate your summer grilling game with this easy and flavorful pressure cooker corn recipe. In just a few minutes, you’ll have perfectly cooked, tender, and buttery corn on the cob.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Add 1 cup water to the pressure cooker.
2. Place the corn on the cob in a single layer at the bottom of the cooker.
3. Sprinkle the butter, salt, and pepper evenly over the corn.
4. Close the lid and make sure the valve is set to “sealing”.
5. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Let the pressure release naturally for 2 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Start your day with a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal infused with the sweetness of apples and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 apple, diced (about 1/2 cup)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Add the oats, water, cinnamon, and salt to the pressure cooker.
2. Stir in the diced apple, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and make sure the valve is set to “sealing”.
4. Cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
5. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
6. Open the lid and stir in any additional toppings you like (such as milk, butter, or chopped nuts).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal!
Summary
Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinners with these quick and delicious pressure cooker recipes! With just a few minutes of prep time, you can whip up a hearty beef stew, spicy chili, or creamy mac and cheese. Impress your family with pulled pork, turkey breast, or BBQ ribs that are tender and flavorful. And don’t forget the comfort foods like lentil soup, mashed potatoes, and coconut rice. These 20 easy recipes will make mealtime a breeze, even on the busiest of nights.
