One of my New Year’s goals is to add more plant-based recipes to our weekly meal plan.
I won’t lie.
I love a good burger, but I also know how important it is to fuel my body with nutritious, wholesome meals (and keep up with my little ones!).
Plus, vegetarian with very little meat dinners can be seriously delicious.
I recently made a sweet potato black bean chili, and let me tell you…it was chef’s kiss.
My entire family devoured it, and even my picky twins asked for seconds!
So, my plan? One low-meat recipe a week… with a twist.
I’ll be experimenting with my Instant Pot (I really should use it more!) new flavors, sneaking in more veggies, and finding plant-based meals my family actually loves.
Let’s see how this goes!
Easy and Tasty Instant Pot Recipes Everyone Will Enjoy
Here are some easy and tasty Instant Pot recipes that make mealtime stress-free and delicious!
Perfect for busy families – like mine – and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
1. Instant Pot Lo Mein
I love lo mein, but my twins are a little iffy about Asian food, so I needed a kid-friendly version.
This Instant Pot Lo Mein is quick, flavorful, and packed with veggies they’ll actually eat!
To make: I start by sautéing garlic and ginger in sesame oil, then add vegetable broth, soy sauce, hoisin, and brown sugar.
Noodles go in (no stirring!), and I pressure cook for 3 minutes.
After a quick release, I mix in bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots.
A sprinkle of green onions for me (not my twins!), and it’s ready.
Even my picky eaters couldn’t resist slurping this up!
2. Instant Pot Fried Rice
My twins love rice and they love pineapple!
Will they enjoy this Instant Pot pineapple fried rice? We will see….
To make: start by sautéing garlic and onion in sesame oil, then add rice, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and a touch of curry powder for extra flavor.
I pressure cook for 4 minutes, do a quick release, and stir in pineapple chunks, bell peppers, peas, and a splash of lime juice.
The result?
A perfectly fluffy, sweet-and-savory fried rice that’s so good, even my kids go back for seconds!
3. Vegan Quinoa Instant Pot Burrito Bowls
If I could make one-bowl meals for my twins for EVERY meal, I would be the BEST MOM EVER!
So this burrito bowl will be a hit!
Sauté garlic and cumin in a little oil, then add quinoa (or rice), black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and vegetable broth.
Pressure cook for 4 minutes, do a quick release, and fluff it up.
Then, I load it up with avocado, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and red onion (but let’s be real, my twins skip the onions).
It’s a quick, protein-packed meal that even picky eaters love!
4. Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Veggies & Pasta
Some nights, I just need a quick, comforting dinner that everyone will eat and this Instant Pot recipe is IT!
I toss pasta, broth, garlic, and a little butter into the Instant Pot, pressure cook for 4 minutes, then do a quick release.
Stir in cream cheese, parmesan, and a splash of milk until it’s perfectly creamy.
I add peas (or whatever veggies I have on hand!), let them warm through, and boom—dinner is served. It’s rich, cheesy, and picky-eater approved!
5. Instant Pot Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
My twins love Mexican food, so this Instant Pot Tortilla Soup fits the bill for an easy, flavorful dinner!
I use black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green peppers, and veggie broth into the Instant Pot with some garlic, cumin, and chili powder for that warm, cozy flavor.
I pressure cook for 5 minutes, do a quick release, and give it a good stir.
Top it off with crushed tortilla chips, avocado, cheese, and a squeeze of lime, and it’s a dinner my whole family devours—no complaints, just happy slurping!
6. Mexican Red Lentil Soup (Instant Pot)
This is the Instant Pot recipe I’m most excited about—my family loves lentils, and as you know, Mexican food is always a win in our house!
This Instant Pot Mexican Lentil Soup is hearty, healthy, and packed with bold flavors.
I sauté onion, garlic, and cumin, then toss in lentils, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, veggie broth, and a dash of chili powder.
I pressure cook for 12 minutes, do a quick release, and stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice.
It’s cozy, protein-packed, and perfect with tortilla chips on the side—this one’s going on repeat!
7. Instant Pot Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
I’m not sure if my twins will love this one, but it’s Instant Pot Butternut Squash & Apple Soup, so it’s worth a try!
It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with cozy fall flavors. I start by sautéing onion and garlic, then toss in butternut squash, apples, veggie broth, and a pinch of cinnamon.
I pressure cook for 8 minutes, do a quick release, and blend until smooth.
A swirl of cream, crunchy pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries on top make it extra fancy – and sort of like art!
Now let’s see if my twins take the bait!
8. Instant Pot Walnut Lentil Tacos
Taco night is always a hit in my house, so I had to try these Instant Pot Walnut Lentil Tacos for a plant-based twist!
They’re hearty, packed with flavor, and surprisingly kid-approved. I start by sautéing onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, then add lentils, walnuts, veggie broth, and a splash of salsa.
I pressure cook for 10 minutes, do a quick release, and give it a stir.
The mixture turns out perfectly seasoned and “meaty,” ready to be loaded into warm tortillas with cheese, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Even my twins didn’t miss the beef—major win!
9. Instant Pot Sweet Potato and Kale Soup
10. Instant Pot Loaded Baked Potato Soup
If there’s one soup that never gets a “What is this? Do I have to eat it?” it’s Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with all the best toppings!
I start by sautéing onion and garlic, then toss in potatoes, broth, and a little seasoning. I pressure cook for 8 minutes, do a quick release, and blend it until smooth (or leave some chunks for texture).
Stir in cheddar, sour cream, and a splash of milk, then pile on crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese.
It’s basically a baked potato in a bowl, and yes, my family is obsessed!
11. Instant Pot Broccoli & Cheddar Pasta
My twins love anything cheesy, so this Instant Pot Broccoli & Cheddar Pasta is an easy win at dinnertime.
Toss pasta, broth, and a little butter into the Instant Pot, cook for 4 minutes, then stir in cheddar, cream, and steamed broccoli until it’s perfectly creamy.
It’s a quick, cozy meal that sneaks in some greens—though let’s be real, my twins mostly show up for the cheese!
12. Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili Mac
My daughter loves chili, my son loves mac and cheese, and this Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili Mac is the perfect mashup of both!
In this dish, there’s pasta, beans, diced tomatoes, veggie broth, and chili seasoning. Stir in cheddar cheese until it’s thick and creamy.
It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—aka the one meal they’ll both agree on!
13. Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers
My husband loves Instant Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers, but my twins?
They’ll only eat what’s inside—and honestly, that’s good enough for me!
I fill bell peppers with a mix of rice, ground turkey, tomatoes, and seasoning, pressure cook for 10 minutes, and top them with cheese.
Easy peasy!
14. Vegan Mac and Cheese
This Vegan Mac and Cheese is so creamy and cheesy, my son won’t even realize it’s vegan!
Cook pasta in the Instant Pot for 4 minutes, then stir in a silky sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic, and a splash of almond milk.
It’s rich, yummy, and totally kid-approved—no dairy, no problem!
15. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
Lasagna is a family favorite, but I don’t always have time to layer and bake—so Instant Pot Lasagna Soup is the perfect shortcut!
I will usually brown very small amount of ground turkey (or beef) with garlic, then add diced tomatoes, broth, and broken lasagna noodles, pressure cook for 6 minutes, and stir in ricotta and mozzarella for that rich, cheesy finish.
It’s everything we love about lasagna in a cozy, one-pot soup my whole family devours!
16. Instant Pot Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is my favorite pasta swap when I want something light but still comforting.
I pressure cook spaghetti squash for 7 minutes, then scrape out the strands and toss them with garlic, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan.
It’s fresh, flavorful, and even my twins will take a few bites—if there’s enough cheese on top!
17. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Some nights, we skip the savory and go for a healthy breakfast-for-dinner option—Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats!
I toss steel cut oats, almond milk, and a dash of cinnamon into the Instant Pot, pressure cook for 4 minutes, then let it naturally release for extra creaminess.
Topped with fresh fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s a cozy, nutritious meal that feels like a treat but keeps everyone full and happy!
18. Asian Steamed Dumplings
Homemade Asian Steamed Dumplings in the Instant Pot?
Yes, please! I fill dumpling wrappers with a mix of a small amount if you want of ground turkey (or tofu), garlic, ginger, and cabbage, then steam them on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Served with a side of soy sauce and sesame oil for dipping, they’re soft, juicy, and so good—even my twins can’t resist!
19. Instant Pot Pho
Nothing beats a warm, cozy bowl of Instant Pot Pho when I want something light yet satisfying!
I pressure cook vegetable broth with star anise, cinnamon, ginger, garlic, and mushrooms for 10 minutes to build that deep, rich flavor.
Then, I pour it over rice noodles, tofu, and more sautéed mushrooms, topping it with bean sprouts, fresh herbs, lime, and sriracha for the perfect plant-based twist on a classic!
20. Instant Pot Corn Chowder
When I need a quick and comforting meal, Instant Pot Corn Chowder always hits the spot (even if the whether is warm)!
I sauté onion and garlic, then toss in corn, potatoes, veggie broth, and a little seasoning, pressure cooking for 5 minutes.
A quick stir with cream and cheddar, and it’s thick, rich, and perfect with a side of crusty bread—total comfort food my whole family loves!
21. Vegan Split Pea Soup
A hearty, protein-packed soup that’s both cozy and easy? Vegan Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot is a winner…I think!
Not sure if the twins will look at this green soup and actually want to try it!
Toss in split peas, carrots, celery, garlic, onion, veggie broth, and a touch of thyme, then pressure cook for 15 minutes.
It comes out thick, creamy, and full of flavor—no ham needed, and still totally satisfying!
22. Yellow Rice With Peas & Corn
When I need a quick and flavorful side, try this dinner recipe out!
Sauté garlic and turmeric for that golden color, then add rice, veggie broth, peas, and corn, pressure cooking for 4 minutes.
It’s fluffy, slightly sweet, and the perfect easy side dish for any meal!
23. Italian Minestrone Soup
A bowl of Italian Minestrone Soup is the perfect way to pack in veggies while keeping things cozy and satisfying!
There’s onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, carrots, zucchini, pasta, and veggie broth.
Put the pressure cooking on for 5 minutes.
The result: Warm, comforting, and perfect with a sprinkle of parmesan and a side of crusty bread!
24. Chickpea Coconut Curry
My family loves butter chicken, so this Chickpea Coconut Curry is my way of keeping those rich, comforting flavors while going plant-based!
Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, then add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, coconut milk, curry powder, and a touch of cumin, pressure cooking for 5 minutes.
Delicious!
25. Tex Mex Instant Pot Rice
We love a good Tex-Mex side, and this Instant Pot Tex-Mex Rice is packed with flavor!
Sauté garlic and cumin, then add rice, veggie broth, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, pressure cooking for 4 minutes.
A quick stir with fresh cilantro and lime juice, and it’s the perfect easy side for tacos, burritos, or just by itself!
Vegetarian and Vegan Dinner Ideas for More Clean Meals
There ya go!
I can’t wait to incorporate these into my weekly meal plan!
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