Top 10 Best Pressure Cooker Recipes

Making traditional red wine-braised beef ribs on the stove takes all day; but using this pressure cooker recipe, tender meat can be ready in three hours!

Instant Pot is the go-to device for easy hard boiled eggs that peel cleanly; delicious soups and stews; even fast, quick desserts--it has everything!

1. Chili

Pressure cookers make making classic red wine-braised beef short ribs much quicker and make for an efficient weeknight dinner option.

Chili: A Symphony of Spices in Every Bite

Chili is a hearty meal made of meat, beans and tomatoes combined into one satisfying dish that can range in spice level from mild to hot depending on personal taste. 

Chili usually includes ground up dried chilies (also known as pepper powder) which give its signature flavor.

2. Beef Bourguignon

If there's one recipe you absolutely must try, it is this hearty French beef stew made with red wine, pearl onions and mushrooms.

A French Culinary Masterpiece: Beef Bourguignon

This dish requires low and slow cooking so the tough connective tissues break down, becoming meltingly tender with an irresistibly succulent sauce that coats every spoonful.

Red wine, lean beef stewing meat (typically chuck or brisket), bacon and thyme will be your essential ingredients, while the rest should come from your pantry and fridge: onions, carrots and mushrooms as well as garlic cloves, salt and pepper will complete this recipe.

3. Chicken and Dumplings

Red wine-braised beef short ribs typically take half a day to make in a traditional method, but using a pressure cooker shortens that time by three hours. 

They turn out just as rich, tender and flavorful!

Peeling fresh homegrown eggs (even double yolker ones) can be nearly impossible, but using a pressure cooker makes the task far simpler and cleaner than standard boiling methods.

Indulge in the Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken and Dumplings

This recipe uses several shortcuts to reduce prep and cooking times, including chicken thighs from your freezer and store-bought broth, in one pot with homemade dumplings made with refrigerated biscuit dough.

4. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Make an easy, tasty teriyaki chicken dinner without resorting to takeout orders and store-bought sauce! 

With this quick and easy oven-baked version, there is just the right amount of sweetness that makes for a satisfying and healthier option than store-bought versions.

Grilled to Perfection: Dive into Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

Traditional teriyaki is a marinated meat dish composed of soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar; my version includes fresh grated ginger and garlic for additional flavor depth. 

Corn starch helps thicken the sauce; alternatively add more water instead. 

Serve alongside rice and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before enjoying!

5. Chicken Pho

Make any recipe that requires slow simmering - such as tough cuts of meat or dried beans - much faster in an Instant Pot by selecting the slow cooker setting that allows natural release, taking longer but much safer.

Rich Broth, Fresh Herbs, and Tender Chicken: That's Chicken Pho

Vietnamese soup is an incredible culinary treat! Made with simmering chicken bones, aromatics and aromatic toasted spices. 

When served up to your table with noodles, shredded chicken, scallion or cilantro garnishing each bowl you are sure to delight everyone!

6. Moroccan Chicken Stew

Moroccan chicken tagine is an irresistibly flavorful stew full of succulent chicken pieces and comfort food spices, ideal for use in a tagine clay pot; however, any large pot will do.

Experience the Magic of North African Cuisine with Moroccan Chicken Stew

Paprika made from dried sweet red peppers adds both flavor and color to this Moroccan dish, while turmeric provides its beautiful yellow hue as well as its subtle flavor. 

You may add dried dates or apricots for an additional burst of sweetness; serve over couscous with cilantro as garnishing.

7. Creole Shrimp and Sausage

This innovative Cajun dish includes shrimp and sausage topped with peppers, tomatoes and herbs for an innovative yet classic Cajun taste. 

Rosalynn uses her favorite Zatarain's smoked sausage in this recipe but Andouille sausage could also work nicely.

Elevate Your Dinner with Creole Shrimp and Sausage Magic!

Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add slices of sausage, and fry both sides until both have turned brown before removing from heat and setting aside.

This delectable meal is an alternative to Jambalaya or Gumbo with its thicker sauce and delicious ingredients! 

Filled with protein-packed shrimp, flavorful andouille sausage and vibrant bell peppers - making this perfect weeknight dinner!

8. Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs make for an enticing meal when served with lingonberry jam and creamy mashed potatoes, or you could try pairing them with pickled cucumbers for an added kick!

Swedish kottbullar differ from Italian meatballs in that they use warm spices such as allspice to add warmth, and feature a creamy sauce instead of tomato-based tomato sauces. 

As such, they're a staple at buffet-style events called Smorgasbords.

A Taste of Sweden: Enjoy Delicious Swedish Meatballs

Serve these meatballs with any of your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles to speed up dinner! 

For even quicker prep, frozen, pre-cooked meatballs make this even simpler; use an ice cream scoop to quickly portion them out perfectly round balls!

9. Pot Roast

Pot roast is an iconic comfort dish. 

Made with bottom round steak - one of the least-expensive cuts of beef - and other simple ingredients, pot roast can provide satisfying nourishment on an everyday budget.

Pot Roast: The Perfect Combination of Flavor and Comfort

Make this meal even heartier by searing the meat before adding liquid, creating a golden-brown crust. 

To thicken the gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch into simmering liquid before whisking until it thickens. 

It is also perfect for freezing. Simply transfer everything to an airtight container or freezer bag before refrigerating to defrost before serving!

10. General Tso’s Chicken

General Ts Chicken is an irresistibly sweet and savory classic Chinese cuisine dish, perfect for satisfying cravings with just the right amount of heat to bring out all your senses.

Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: General Tso’s Chicken

Chinese-American classic, featuring breaded chicken pieces covered with sweet and tangy sauce. 

Perfect for takeout or delivery services, but you can easily create this dish yourself at home! 

Tip: Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness & serve immediately-it can become soggy over time.

FAQ

Q: What are the benefits of cooking with a pressure cooker?

Ans: Pressure cookers drastically reduce cooking time while retaining nutrients and enhancing the flavor of your meals. 

They also use less energy than traditional cooking methods and can handle a wide variety of dishes from meats to vegetables to desserts.

Q: Can I cook vegetarian dishes in a pressure cooker?

Ans: Absolutely! Some popular vegetarian recipes include:

• Lentil soup: A hearty, protein-packed soup.
• Vegetable risotto: Creamy and flavorful without constant stirring.
• Chickpea curry: A flavorful, protein-rich curry that's quick and easy.

Q: Are pressure cookers good for soups and stews?

Ans: Yes, pressure cookers are perfect for making soups and stews. They rapidly infuse flavors while cooking ingredients evenly. 

Recipes like chicken noodle soup, minestrone, and beef stew can be made in much less time than on the stovetop.

Q: What’s the best way to adapt traditional recipes for the pressure cooker?

Ans: To adapt traditional recipes, reduce cooking times by about two-thirds and use less liquid than you would in stovetop or oven cooking. 

Pressure cookers retain moisture, so less liquid is needed to achieve tender results. Always consult your pressure cooker’s manual for specific guidance on adapting recipes.

Conclusion

The versatility of pressure cookers makes them an essential tool in any kitchen, allowing you to prepare a wide variety of delicious dishes in a fraction of the time.

From hearty stews and tender meats to nutrient-packed vegetarian meals and even indulgent desserts, the top 10 best pressure cooker recipes showcase the appliance’s ability to enhance flavor and texture. 

Whether you're cooking a comforting soup or experimenting with a rich, creamy cheesecake, pressure cookers make cooking more efficient without sacrificing taste. 

By exploring different recipes, you can enjoy fast, flavorful, and nutritious meals with minimal effort.