15 Instant Pot Meals for Those “I Can’t Even” Days

When you’re running on empty and cooking feels like a chore, the Instant Pot has your back. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you can’t muster the energy to spend more than a few minutes in the kitchen. Think rich, hearty flavors with minimal effort required. From comforting soups to quick mains, these dishes practically cook themselves. Let the Instant Pot handle dinner while you relax.

Instant Pot Palak Paneer

Overhead shot of palak paneer in a metal serving dish. — Instant Pot Palak Paneer. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This creamy spinach and paneer dish is so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way. The Instant Pot handles all the work, so you get a comforting meal without standing over the stove. Perfect for those nights when you can’t be bothered with a complicated recipe.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Palak Paneer

Instant Pot Ham

Sliced ham with oranges and mint. — Instant Pot Ham. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Juicy and flavorful, this ham cooks up quickly in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooker locks in all the sweetness of the glaze, making it a great option when you’re too tired to fuss over a holiday-worthy dinner. Just set it and let it work its magic.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Ham

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Low angle shot of stuffed pepper soup in a white bowl. — Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This hearty soup has all the flavors of stuffed peppers without the hassle. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a satisfying dinner. Perfect for when you need something warm and filling but don’t have the energy to make a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup

Instant Pot Shrimp

Cooked shrimp in a green and white striped bowl, garnished with parsley. — Instant Pot Shrimp. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These shrimp cook up in minutes, making them perfect for an “I can’t even” kind of day. Toss in your favorite seasonings, and the Instant Pot does the rest. Serve with rice or pasta for a quick meal that feels like you put in way more effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp

Char Siu

This Chinese barbecue pork gets that deep, savory-sweet flavor with hardly any work. The Instant Pot makes it quick, tender, and perfect for when you just don’t have it in you to order takeout. Serve over rice for an easy dinner that’s better than delivery.
Get the Recipe: Char Siu

Instant Pot Duck Confit

Overhead shot of a confit duck leg with orange sauce and star anise pods. — Instant Pot Duck Confit. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cooking duck confit doesn’t have to take hours. The Instant Pot gives you tender, fall-off-the-bone duck without all the fuss. It’s an effortless way to enjoy something fancy on those days when you can barely pull yourself off the couch.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Duck Confit

Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

A bowl of stir-fried noodles with beef, carrots, red bell peppers, and greens. Hand using chopsticks to pick up noodles. — Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein. Photo credit: All The Noodles.

This lo mein is loaded with tender pork and chewy noodles, all cooked in one pot. It’s a no-brainer for those nights when you want something comforting but can’t handle a long recipe. Let the Instant Pot take care of everything while you relax.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pork Lo Mein

Instant Pot Pho

Overhead shot of bowls of pho. — Instant Pot Pho. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

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This rich, aromatic pho is ready in a fraction of the usual time, thanks to the Instant Pot. No need to babysit a pot for hours; just toss in the ingredients and let it do its thing. Perfect for a lazy night when you want something warming and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pho

Instant Pot Country Ribs

Country pork ribs on a plate next to an instant pot. — Instant Pot Country Ribs. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These country ribs turn out tender and flavorful without spending all day in the oven. The Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy a hearty meal that feels like you put in way more effort. Serve with mashed potatoes for a cozy, low-effort dinner.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Country Ribs

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Overhead shot of a plate of chicken adobo with rice and scallions on the side. — Instant Pot Chicken Adobo. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This tangy, savory chicken adobo practically cooks itself. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy, so you can have a rich, flavorful dinner with minimal effort. Great for those nights when you want something filling but can’t bring yourself to cook.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Low angle shot of a bowl of chicken pot pie soup with ingredients scattered around and an instant pot in the background. — Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

All the comfort of chicken pot pie, minus the work. This creamy soup is made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, giving you all those cozy flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re too tired to even think about baking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Low angle shot of a white bowl filled with tortilla soup. There is an instant pot in the background. — Instant Pot Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This zesty tortilla soup comes together quickly with the Instant Pot’s help. Loaded with chicken, veggies, and spices, it’s a one-pot wonder for those exhausting days. Just top with some tortilla chips and cheese, and you’re set for a satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tortilla Soup

Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Low angle shot of kalua pork on a white plate with pineapple and pepper chunks. — Instant Pot Kalua Pork. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Inspired by Hawaiian flavors, this kalua pork is smoky, tender, and practically effortless. The Instant Pot makes it simple to whip up a big batch, perfect for tacos or sandwiches. It’s a great way to enjoy something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Kalua Pork

Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Overhead shot of 3 plates of chicken biryani. — Instant Pot Chicken Biryani. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Fragrant, spiced, and satisfying, this chicken biryani is ready in no time with the Instant Pot. It’s a one-pot meal that takes the stress out of dinner, so you can have a flavorful dish without the usual fuss. Perfect for when you just can’t deal with complicated recipes.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Biryani

Instant Pot Turkey Chili

Bowl of chili with baked tortilla strips. — Instant Pot Turkey Chili. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This hearty turkey chili is perfect for when you need a quick, comforting dinner. The Instant Pot brings it together fast, with rich flavors and a hint of spice. Great for those nights when you’re low on energy but still want something filling.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Turkey Chili