Our 7 Favorite Easy Instant Pot Meals for Cold Days

Last updated Jun. 27, 2024 by Peter Jakes

As the chilly winds of winter bite at our windows and the days grow shorter, nothing tugs at the heartstrings quite like a warm, home-cooked meal. The instant pot, a modern day superhero of the kitchen, swoops in to save our evenings with comfort dishes that can be made without much fuss. Here are our seven favorite easy Instant Pot meals that will keep you warm and satisfied on those frigid days.

1. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add diced onion, garlic, and cook until fragrant.
2. Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, water, carrots, and celery to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once cooked, release the pressure manually. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them, and return to the pot.
5. Switch the Instant Pot back to sauté mode. Add the egg noodles and cook for 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender.

2. Instant Pot Beef Stew

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the beef stew meat.
2. Add onions and garlic and cook until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.
4. Add beef broth, carrots, potatoes, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
6. Once done, release the pressure manually. Remove bay leaf before serving.

3. Instant Pot Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Brown the ground beef.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until veggies are softened.
3. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
5. Once cooked, release the pressure manually.

4. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion until translucent.
2. Add butternut squash, apple, and vegetable broth to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
4. Once done, release the pressure manually.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in the coconut milk and serve.

5. Instant Pot Risotto with Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their juices.
3. Add Arborio rice and toast for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
6. Once done, release the pressure manually.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

6. Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 leeks, washed and sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add butter and sauté the leeks until softened.
2. Add potatoes and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once done, release the pressure manually.
5. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream and serve hot.

7. Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add onion and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent.
2. Add soaked black beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
4. Once done, release the pressure manually.
5. Remove bay leaf before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meat in my Instant Pot recipes?

Yes, you can use frozen meat in many Instant Pot recipes. However, keep in mind that it will take longer for the pot to come to pressure, and you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes depending on the size and type of meat.

2. How do I avoid the "Burn" message on my Instant Pot?

To avoid the "Burn" message, make sure there is enough liquid in your pot and avoid thick sauces. Deglaze the pot after sautéing by adding a bit of liquid and scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

3. Can I double the recipes?

Yes, most Instant Pot recipes can be doubled, but make sure not to fill the pot past the maximum fill line. Also, expect the pot to take longer to come to pressure when it’s more full.

4. Is it safe to release pressure manually?

Yes, it is safe to release pressure manually using the quick release method. However, be sure to keep your hands and face away from the vent to avoid burns.

5. Do I need to adjust cooking times at high altitudes?

Yes, cooking at high altitudes often requires longer cooking times because the boiling point of water is lower. As a general rule, increase the cooking time by 5% for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet elevation.

6. How do I clean the Instant Pot after use?

Cleaning the Instant Pot is quite simple:

• Wash the inner pot, lid, and sealing ring with warm, soapy water.
• Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth.
• Ensure the sealing ring is properly positioned before next use.

By incorporating these hearty, satisfying meals into your winter menu, your Instant Pot will quickly become your best friend on those cold, dark days.