15 Instant Pot Winners We Tried And Loved

The Instant Pot has totally changed how we cook—meals are faster, easier, and still packed with flavor. Every recipe feels like a little cheat code for turning simple ingredients into something seriously good. From cozy stews to fresh soups, these dishes have quickly become our go-to favorites. It just proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something great.

A bowl of coconut pulled pork and turmeric rice on a wooden table. — Instant Pot Coconut Pork. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot Bean Soup

A bowl of bean soup on a wooden table. — Instant Pot Bean Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The Instant Pot bean soup brings together a mix of 13 beans and lentils in a hearty tomato base. The addition of Tuscan kale leaves at the end adds a fresh touch. We loved the rich flavors and the comforting, home-cooked feel of this soup.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bean Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

A bowl of tomato and tortellini soup on a table. — Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This creamy tomato tortellini soup made in the Instant Pot was a revelation in terms of flavor and ease. The creaminess and cheesy goodness, combined with fresh basil, made it a favorite for its bright and comforting taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

A bowl of beef stew with mushrooms. — Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The beef and mushroom stew made in the Instant Pot is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty and rich, perfect for cozy nights. We were impressed by how the Instant Pot retained the meat’s tenderness and the stew’s depth of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Beef and Mushroom Stew

Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of lentil vegetable soup in front of an instant pot. — Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Packed with mushrooms, green beans, and spinach, this lentil vegetable soup made entirely in the Instant Pot was full of flavor. We loved how quickly and effortlessly it came together, offering a comforting vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Vegetable Soup

Instant Pot Coconut Pork

The Instant Pot coconut pork, with its mix of turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, was aromatic and tender. Served over rice with dried fruit and almonds, it was a hit for its unique flavors and juicy texture.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Pork

Instant Pot Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti with meat sauce and parmesan cheese. — Instant Pot Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Making bolognese in the Instant Pot proved to be a game-changer. This quick method retained all the rich, hearty depth of flavor we love in the classic Italian meat sauce. Served over pasta with parmesan, it was a hit for its convenience and taste.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Steel Cut Oats

A bowl of sweet potato oatmeal with a spoon next to it. — Instant Pot Sweet Potato Steel Cut Oats. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The sweet potato steel cut oats in the Instant Pot, filled with golden raisins and warming spices, were a cozy start to the day. We loved setting it the night before and waking up to a warm, flavorful bowl of oatmeal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Sweet Potato Steel Cut Oats

Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

A bowl of cabbage soup with meat and vegetables. — Instant Pot Cabbage Soup. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This cabbage soup recipe in the Instant Pot is a mix of wholesome ingredients in a flavorful tomato base. We loved its comforting and cozy qualities, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cabbage Soup

Instant Pot Brisket

Instant pot pulled brisket on a plate next to a bowl of sauce. — Instant Pot Brisket. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The Instant Pot brisket was surprisingly easy and resulted in a tender, juicy BBQ beef that everyone loved. Whether enjoyed as a roast or in leftover recipes, its versatility and flavor were a standout.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Brisket

Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

A plate of beans and feta on toast next to a pot. — Instant Pot Tomato White Beans. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The Instant Pot tomato white beans, made in a fraction of the usual time, was a simple yet satisfying meal. We loved serving it over toasted sourdough bread for a humble yet flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato & White Beans

Instant Pot Picadillo

Two bowls of picadillo on a table. — Tempeh Picadillo. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

The Instant Pot picadillo, a plant-based take on the Cuban recipe, was packed with flavors from olives, capers, raisins, and spices. We were impressed by the hearty texture and the depth of flavor in the tomato base.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Picadillo

Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters

A plate of buffalo chicken leg quarters with celery and carrots. — Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These buffalo sauce chicken leg quarters in the Instant Pot were the perfect balance of tender, juicy meat and delicious flavor. We loved how economical and easy to cook this cut was, making for an incredibly satisfying dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Leg Quarters

Gina Matsoukas

Founder and Writer at Running to the Kitchen | About

Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.