5 Fast and Easy Instant Pot Dinners For Busy Work Nights
Why You Need These 5 Instant Pot Dinners
After a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen making a complicated meal. Thankfully, with the help of an Instant Pot, you can create delicious dinners for your family in a fraction of the time. In this article, we will show you five fast and easy Instant Pot dinners that will save you time and effort, without sacrificing flavor.
Dinner 1: Hearty Beef Stew in 40 Minutes or Less
Nothing says comfort food like a hearty beef stew, and this Instant Pot version is no exception. With tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and celery, this stew is the perfect way to warm up on a cold night.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dinner 2: Creamy Chicken and Rice in Just 20 Minutes
This creamy chicken and rice dish is sure to be a hit with your family. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dinner 3: Spicy Pulled Pork Sandwiches in Under an Hour
If you’re in the mood for something spicy and satisfying, these pulled pork sandwiches are just the ticket. The tender pork is coated in a flavorful rub and cooked in the Instant Pot until it falls apart.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, trimmed of fat and cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 4 hamburger buns
Dinner 4: Italian Chicken Alfredo in Only 30 Minutes
This Italian chicken Alfredo is a one-pot wonder that is sure to become a family favorite. The creamy sauce and tender chicken are perfect over a bed of pasta.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound fettuccine
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Dinner 5: Vegetarian Quinoa Chili in 35 Minutes or Less
This vegetarian quinoa chili is perfect for Meatless Monday, or any night when you want a healthy and flavorful meal. Loaded with vegetables and protein-packed quinoa, this chili is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients (4 servings):
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Conclusion: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Dinners Every Time
With the help of an Instant Pot, you can create delicious and healthy dinners for your family without spending hours in the kitchen. These five fast and easy Instant Pot dinners are perfect for busy work nights, and they are sure to become family favorites.
Bonus: Tips for Making the Most of Your Instant Pot
To get the most out of your Instant Pot, here are a few tips:
- Always use enough liquid to cook your food, as the Instant Pot needs liquid to build pressure.
- Make sure to release the pressure before opening the lid, as the steam can be dangerous.
- Use the sauté function to brown meats and vegetables before cooking for added flavor.
- Clean your Instant Pot thoroughly after each use to prevent any build-up of food and bacteria.
- Experiment with different recipes and cooking times to find what works best for you and your family.