Leading a busy life can take a serious toll on a person's culinary adventures. But the simple act of owning an Instant Pot can be a kitchen game-changer. It's true: This multitasking marvel serves as a Crock-Pot, pressure cooker, and more, which means the sky's the limit when it comes to what can be made. And the best part of all? It can satisfy every single craving from savory to sweet!
The thing so many people tend to forget is that a meal doesn't have to be laborious to taste good. Using simple ingredients and a nifty appliance can make hearty meals accessible to everyone.
More from CafeMom: 11 Slow Cooker Recipes for Days When You Can't Even
And the benefits to making home-cooked meals are endless. Not only is it easier to save money, but the potential to get a nutrient-rich meal is also so much higher. Using real food intelligently can impact a person's day-to-day well-being, and who doesn't want that?
More from CafeMom: 14 Crock-Pot Dinners Kids Can Serve Themselves
From stews to homemade yogurt, it's a wonder how any household got by without this all-purpose appliance. We found some recipes that'll inspire folks to unbox that baby immediately and start cooking! Enjoy!
Image via Amazon.com
Lentil Tacos
Holly at My Plant Based Life says these Lentil Tacos "are great in crunchy or soft tacos, as part of a burrito, or taco salad." Sounds delicious and so healthy! Made with the electric pressure cooker, these are ready in no time.
More from The Stir: Lazy Mom Meals: BBQ Slow Cooker Pot Roast (PHOTOS)
Mexi-Meatloaf
How tasty does this Mexi-Meatloaf, created by Jenn at Predominantly Paleo, look? The whole food devotee says her recipe could easily be made into meatballs if you prefer. This loaf is cooked to perfection in just 35 minutes.
Maple Smoked Brisket
Angela of Bare Root Girl devised this delicious Maple Smoked Brisket recipe. Her secret? Liquid smoke!
"You'll get a nice smoky flavor from just the smoked sea salt and paprika, but you only need a small amount on liquid smoke to get a pretty-dang-close-to-smoked-with-an-outdoor-smoker taste," she says.
More from The Stir: Move Over Crock-Pot: Meet the New Instant Pot Moms Are Freaking Over
Creamy Dairy-Free Potato Soup With Kale
Jenn of Veggie Inspired Journey says her Creamy Dairy Free Potato Soup With Kale comes together quickly. She purees some of the veggies with an immersion blender for a smoother texture. This is an awesome way to use up any stray vegetables that might otherwise languish in your crisper.
Mongolian Beef
Barbara of Pressure Cooking Today says this Mongolian Beef recipe, prepared in the Pressure Cooker, is one of her most popular.
"This recipe was a big hit with my family," she explains. "It’s super easy to make and will definitely be making another appearance at our house soon."
Instant Stew
At the request of his readers, Russ of The Domestic Man decided to create this Instant Stew recipe that cuts down on your cooking time and won't turn your veggies to mush.
"This is where a pressure cooker really shines, as it shaves a multi-hour recipe into just over an hour, making it a potential weeknight option with superior texture," he explains. Sounds perfect!
Homemade Yogurt
Did someone say Homemade Yogurt? We're in! Cami at Tidbits was inspired to try her hand at whipping up this creamy snack in her pressure cooker at the urging of her sister.
"She proceeded to open my eyes to the new modern world of pressure cookers that don’t explode in your face and that cook things like rice, steel cut oats, meat, re-fried beans, vegetables, casseroles, and of course yogurt — with the push of a button," she says.
Chef AJ's Red Lentil Chili
Wendy of Healthy Girl's Kitchen calls Chef AJ's Red Lentil Chili a "fan-freakin-tastic recipe" you'll want to make right away. Serve it over a baked potato and you'll soon fall in love with the pressure cooking lifestyle!
Butternut Squash Risotto
Chelsea of Make Real Food says she's "in love" with the way the Instant Pot cooks butternut squash. So much so that it motivated her to create this Butternut Squash Risotto recipe, which is both gluten-free and vegan.
Summer Cherry Tomato Chicken Cacciatore
If your garden is overrun with cherry tomatoes, this Summer Cherry Tomato Chicken Cacciatore recipe created by Laura of Hip Pressure Cooking will put the tasty fruit to good use. Just toss everything in the Instant Pot and then wait to feast!
Paleo Butternut Squash Soup
Chef Kat of Savory Made Simple shares sher recipes for her fast and easy Paleo Butternut Squash Soup. Coconut milk is the secret ingredient that lends a rich creaminess to this soup.
One Pot Chicken, Black Beans & Rice Burrito Bowl
Laura of Hip Pressure Cooking makes her One Pot Chicken, Black Beans & Rice Burrito Bowl with the help of her Instant Pot. She recommends whipping up homemade salsa or guacamole while the burrito filling is cooking and shares her recipes for each on her site. Yum!
Chili Lime Chicken
The ladies at Our Best Bites serve up this delicious-looking Chili Lime Chicken which has become a week-night staple. It's that easy to make!
Eggplant & Olive Oil Spread
Try this delicious version of Baba Ganoush shared by Laura of Hip Pressure Cooking. Eggplant & Olive Oil Spread can be served as sauce, spread or dip
Peaches & Cream Oatmeal
Julie of Instantly Delicious shares her warm and wonderful Peaches & Cream Oatmeal recipe, which she makes in her Instant Pot using rolled oats. That's a delicious breakfast that'll get you ready for your day!
Braised Beef Short Ribs
Stephanie at Fresh Tart makes these Braised Beef Short Ribs in her Instant Pot and says it took an hour from start to finish! Paired with roasted cauliflower and a salad, it sounds like a delicious weekend treat!
