11 Instant Pot Recipes for Quick School Meals

One-Pot Cheesy Pasta

One-Pot Cheesy Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy school nights. This creamy and flavorful pasta can be made in your Instant Pot with minimal ingredients and clean-up, allowing you to serve a delicious meal without any fuss. With gooey cheese and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Pasta (your choice) 8 oz
Chicken broth 2 cups
Cream cheese 4 oz
Cheddar cheese 1 cup, shredded
Garlic powder 1 tsp
Onion powder 1 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Pepper 1/4 tsp
Olive oil 1 tbsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil.
  2. Add the pasta, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged.
  4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual mode for 4 minutes.
  5. Once cooked, quickly release the pressure and stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy your One-Pot Cheesy Pasta!

Quick Beef Stroganoff

Quick Beef Stroganoff is a tantalizing and comforting dish that comes together effortlessly in your Instant Pot. This creamy beef and mushroom sauce served over egg noodles makes for a satisfying meal that’s ideal for hectic weeknight dinners. Rich in flavor and ready in no time, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients Quantity
Beef (sliced thin) 1 lb
Mushrooms (sliced) 8 oz
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Beef broth 2 cups
Sour cream 1 cup
Egg noodles 8 oz
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Pepper 1/4 tsp

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode; add olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  2. Add the sliced beef, mushrooms, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce; cook until the beef is browned.
  3. Pour in the beef broth and egg noodles, ensuring the noodles are submerged.
  4. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 6 minutes.
  5. Once cooked, quickly release the pressure and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy your Quick Beef Stroganoff!

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a delicious and versatile meal that can be prepared in a flash, making them perfect for busy school nights. These tacos are packed with flavor and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making them a hit with both adults and kids alike. With the Instant Pot, you can infuse the chicken with spices and cook it to tender perfection in just minutes.

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts 1.5 lbs
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Taco seasoning 2 tbsp
Chicken broth 1 cup
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Bell pepper (sliced) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Salt 1/2 tsp
Pepper 1/4 tsp
Corn tortillas 8
Optional toppings To taste (e.g., cheese, salsa, avocado, cilantro)

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté until soft.
  2. Add the chicken breasts, taco seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth; stir to combine.
  3. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 10 minutes.
  4. After cooking, quick release the pressure, shred the chicken with two forks, and mix with the juices.
  5. Serve the shredded chicken in corn tortillas with your choice of toppings. Enjoy your Instant Pot Chicken Tacos!

Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Creamy Mushroom Risotto is a comforting and rich dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner after a long day of school. This risotto is made creamy with Parmesan cheese and features earthy mushrooms, making it a delightful choice that both children and adults will love. With the Instant Pot, this classic dish can be prepared more quickly without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients Quantity
Arborio rice 1 cup
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Mushrooms (sliced) 8 oz
Chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups
Parmesan cheese (grated) 1/2 cup
Butter 2 tbsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (chopped) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Stir in the sliced mushrooms, cooking until they soften.
  3. Add the Arborio rice and stir for about a minute to toast the rice.
  4. Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 6 minutes.
  5. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release. Stir in butter, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy mushroom risotto!

Teriyaki Salmon and Broccoli

Teriyaki Salmon and Broccoli is a healthy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This vibrant meal features tender salmon fillets coated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and paired with steamed broccoli, making it a nutritious option for families looking to refuel after school and activities. With the Instant Pot, you can prepare this delicious dish in no time, ensuring dinner is on the table quickly.

Ingredients Quantity
Salmon fillets 4 (6 oz each)
Broccoli florets 2 cups
Soy sauce 1/4 cup
Honey 2 tbsp
Rice vinegar 1 tbsp
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Ginger (minced) 1 tsp
Cornstarch 1 tbsp
Olive oil 1 tbsp
Sesame seeds (optional) For garnish
Green onions (chopped) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch to create the teriyaki sauce.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat olive oil, and sear the salmon fillets skin-side down for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the salmon, placing the broccoli florets on top.
  4. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 3 minutes. Perform a quick release once done.
  5. Serve the salmon and broccoli garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy your Teriyaki Salmon and Broccoli!

Vegetarian Chili

Vegetarian Chili is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or stocking up for busy weeknights. This flavorful chili is packed with a variety of beans, vegetables, and spices, making it a nutritious and satisfying option for anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal. With the Instant Pot, you can whip up this delicious vegetarian dish in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Bell peppers (chopped) 2 (any color)
Carrots (diced) 2 medium
Celery (diced) 2 stalks
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
Canned diced tomatoes 1 (28 oz) can
Canned black beans 1 (15 oz) can
Canned kidney beans 1 (15 oz) can
Canned corn 1 (15 oz) can
Vegetable broth 2 cups
Chili powder 2 tbsp
Cumin 1 tbsp
Oregano 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Fresh cilantro (optional) For garnish

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat olive oil, then add onions, bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, kidney beans, corn, vegetable broth, and spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper). Mix well.
  4. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 15 minutes. Once done, allow for natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your hearty Vegetarian Chili!

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner. Using the Instant Pot to prepare the pork guarantees it becomes tender and infused with delicious BBQ flavors in no time. These sliders are easy to assemble and are sure to satisfy everyone at your table.

Ingredients Quantity
Pork shoulder (boneless) 2-3 lbs
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion (chopped) 1 large
Garlic (minced) 4 cloves
BBQ sauce 1 cup
Apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup
Brown sugar 2 tbsp
Chili powder 1 tbsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Slider buns 8-12
Coleslaw (optional) For topping

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Season the pork shoulder with salt, pepper, chili powder, and brown sugar, then add it to the pot along with the BBQ sauce and apple cider vinegar.
  4. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural release once the time is up.
  5. Shred the pork using two forks and mix it with the sauce. Serve on slider buns and top with coleslaw if desired. Enjoy your BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together effortlessly in your pressure cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a quick side for gatherings, this macaroni and cheese recipe is rich, cheesy, and loved by kids and adults alike. In just a few minutes, you can have a deliciously decadent dish ready to indulge in.

Ingredients Quantity
Elbow macaroni 2 cups
Water 2 cups
Heavy cream 1 cup
Cream cheese 4 oz
Cheddar cheese 2 cups shredded
Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup shredded
Garlic powder 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Add the elbow macaroni and water to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 4 minutes.
  2. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
  5. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot. Enjoy your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a creamy sauce, all cooked together in the Instant Pot for a delicious and easy family dinner. It’s bound to please both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients Quantity
Chicken breasts (diced) 1.5 lbs
Brown rice 1 cup
Chicken broth 2 cups
Cream of chicken soup 1 can (10.5 oz)
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Paprika 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Frozen peas (optional) 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add diced chicken, cooking until browned. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Add the brown rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and mix well.
  5. Close the lid, set to manual mode for 10 minutes, and verify the pressure valve is sealed.
  6. Once done, perform a quick release. If using, stir in the frozen peas before serving hot. Enjoy your Chicken and Rice Casserole!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and Meatballs is a classic Italian-American dish that offers a delightful combination of al dente spaghetti, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce. This meal is ideal for a busy weeknight, as you can prepare it quickly in the Instant Pot, allowing you to spend less time cooking and more time with your family.

Ingredients Quantity
Ground beef 1 lb
Ground pork (optional) 0.5 lb
Breadcrumbs 1 cup
Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup (grated)
Egg 1
Garlic (minced) 2 cloves
Italian seasoning 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Spaghetti 12 oz
Marinara sauce 3 cups
Water 1 cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into meatballs.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add the water and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Then, add the uncooked spaghetti and pour the marinara sauce on top.
  4. Gently place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce and spaghetti.
  5. Close the lid, set to manual mode for 8 minutes, and make certain the pressure valve is sealed.
  6. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release and serve your delicious Spaghetti and Meatballs hot! Enjoy!

Autumn Vegetable Soup

Autumn Vegetable Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that captures the essence of the season with its array of colorful vegetables and warm spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this Instant Pot recipe allows for a flavor-packed soup to be ready in no time, allowing you to enjoy the cozy taste of autumn with minimal effort.

Ingredients Quantity
Olive oil 2 tbsp
Onion (chopped) 1 medium
Carrots (chopped) 2 medium
Celery (chopped) 2 stalks
Garlic (minced) 3 cloves
Potatoes (diced) 2 medium
Zucchini (diced) 1 medium
Bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Vegetable broth 6 cups
Diced tomatoes 1 can (14.5 oz)
Italian seasoning 1 tsp
Salt To taste
Pepper To taste
Spinach (fresh) 2 cups

Cooking Steps:

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the diced potatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Close the lid and set to manual mode for 10 minutes. Confirm the pressure valve is sealed.
  5. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release, and stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Serve hot and enjoy!

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.