7 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Effortless Meal Prep

Meal prep doesn’t have to be a chore! With "Meal Prep Made Easy: Instant Pot Recipes for the Week," you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that make cooking effortless and fun. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these Instant Pot dishes will save you time and keep your weeknight dinners exciting and delicious.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. The image showcases a rich, creamy risotto, glistening with cheese and herbs, ready to be served. The Instant Pot makes this dish simple and quick, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

To make this risotto, you will need arborio rice, garlic, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, and a few other ingredients. The process is straightforward, and the result is a creamy, cheesy dish that pairs well with various proteins or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in the Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add arborio rice and stir for a minute to toast it lightly.
3. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, do a quick release of the pressure. Open the lid carefully.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Mix until creamy.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Hearty Beef Stew With Root Vegetables

There's something comforting about a warm bowl of beef stew, especially when it's packed with root vegetables. This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day. The rich flavors of tender beef, carrots, and potatoes create a hearty meal that satisfies.

Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy. You can have a delicious stew ready in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights. The aroma of the stew cooking will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

Let’s get into the ingredients you’ll need and how to whip up this delightful dish!

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and brown the beef cubes in batches. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Stir in carrots, potatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, thyme, rosemary, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serve: Stir the stew and taste for seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty beef stew!

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Classic Italian Spaghetti And Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs is a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. The image shows a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with juicy meatballs, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and flavor, making this dish not just delicious but also visually appealing.

This classic meal is perfect for meal prep. You can easily make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The combination of pasta and meatballs is satisfying and can be paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking with an Instant Pot makes this recipe even easier. You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in one pot, saving time on cleanup. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully as they cook together.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the pot and stir in the meatballs. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs are cooking, boil water in a separate pot and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Serve: Once the Instant Pot timer goes off, do a quick release. Serve the meatballs and sauce over the spaghetti. Garnish with fresh basil.

Sweet And Tangy Bbq Pulled Pork

Sweet and tangy BBQ pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for meal prep. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make, especially with an Instant Pot. The image showcases a mouthwatering sandwich filled with tender pulled pork, drizzled with rich BBQ sauce and topped with crunchy coleslaw. The steam rising from the sandwich hints at the warmth and flavor packed inside.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it irresistible. You can enjoy it in a sandwich, on a salad, or even as a filling for tacos. Let’s get into the details!

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Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs

These Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs are a fantastic way to bring flavor to your meal prep. The image shows beautifully cooked chicken thighs, golden brown and garnished with fresh herbs. The bright yellow lemon slices add a pop of color and hint at the refreshing taste that awaits.

Cooking with an Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy. You’ll enjoy tender chicken infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for busy weekdays, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal in no time.

Pair these chicken thighs with your favorite sides, like steamed veggies or rice, for a complete meal. The leftovers are great for salads or wraps, making your meal prep even more versatile!

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Once hot, add a little olive oil and sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Add Liquid: Pour in 1 cup of water or chicken broth to the pot. This will help create steam for cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, let it naturally release for 5 minutes before doing a quick release.
5. Serve: Carefully remove the chicken thighs and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon slices on the side.

Tasty Teriyaki Salmon With Broccoli

This teriyaki salmon dish is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy meal. The salmon is glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, making it incredibly flavorful. Paired with vibrant green broccoli, this meal is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Cooking salmon in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. The fish comes out tender and juicy, while the broccoli retains its crunch. This dish is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place them in the Instant Pot and drizzle with teriyaki sauce.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets on top of the salmon. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.
3. Pressure Cook: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release.
4. Serve: Carefully remove the salmon and broccoli. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Nutritious Sweet Potato Chili

Sweet potato chili is a hearty dish that warms you up from the inside out. The vibrant colors of the sweet potatoes, beans, and spices make it not just tasty but also visually appealing. This chili is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect meal prep option for the week.

Using an Instant Pot makes this recipe quick and easy. You can toss in your ingredients, set it, and let the pot do the work. The result is a delicious, comforting chili that you can enjoy for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s great for freezing, so you can always have a healthy meal on hand.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Avocado and cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potatoes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Sauté: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add a splash of water or oil and sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Ingredients: Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and mix well.
4. Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
5. Serve: Stir the chili and taste for seasoning. Serve hot, garnished with avocado slices and fresh cilantro.

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