12 Easy Instant Pot Recipes for Families

Cooking can be a challenge for kids who don’t love their food all mixed together, but these easy Instant Pot recipes are PERFECT for kids…even those with strong opinions about what they do and don’t eat!

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

I love having a handful of really great Instant Pot recipes to turn to for busy weeknight meals that deliver on nutrition, flavor, and appeal to everyone in the family.

And while it’s hard to find a recipe that everyone likes, these 10 healthy Instant Pot recipes are perfect for families.

So even if you just pick one to try, that’s one more easy family dinner than you had before!

1. Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

We love to use this tender shredded chicken (which takes just two ingredients!) in sandwiches, though you could also serve it over a grain or with buttered noodles. Add a simple veggie on the side and dinner is ready!

2. Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls

My husband and I love this dish as a burrito bowl and my girls love it as quesadilla filling. Both ways are easy and delicious.

3. Instant Pot Chicken and Bean Tacos

I’ve made this recipe twice recently and it’s so easy and fast—especially if you use precut veggies from the store. (P.S. We love the leftovers over rice!)

4. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Stir some frozen peas or steamed broccoli into this finished mac and cheese and a healthy family dinner is ready to serve.

5. Perfect Instant Pot Pinto Beans

Transform inexpensive dried beans into super tender and flavorful taco beans—or beans for burritos, grain bowls, or refried beans—with this super simple method. It’s almost as easy as opening a can of beans from the store!

6. Moroccan Spiced Chickpeas

These flavors might be new for the kids, but pair this with some pita bread, plain yogurt, and sliced cucumbers, and everyone is sure to be happy! (It also works as an easy freezer meal.)

Recipe via Pinch of Yum

7. Instant Pot Butter Chicken

I love this recipe so much we have it at least once a month with rice, an easy veggie and a side of naan or pita. It’s great because it’s flavorful and easy, but the chicken is also super moist and easy for little kids to chew.

8. Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Put out an assortment of toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl!

Recipe via Bless this Mess

9. Instant Pot Channa Masala

This veggie-loaded sauce is just flavorful enough to be yummy for parents, but not too much to overwhelm the kids. It’s an easy vegetarian meal to share with the family.

10. Instant Pot Spaghetti

I still can’t believe that it’s possible to cook this whole meal in the Instant Pot, but it’s just so good! (And easy, which is key come 5:30 pm.)

Recipe via The Kitchn

11. Instant Pot Black Bean Soup

The IP version of my Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup is easy, delish, and perfect healthy comfort food. This is one bean soup that my girls adore! (My son is still learning to like it, but I’m hopeful!)

12. Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

This is one of our favorite soups and it’s so fast to make. You can find it in my Happy Family Meals meal planning system.

You May Also Like

• Favorite Slow Cooker Recipes
• Master List of Healthy Family Meals

What’s your family’s favorite instant pot meal? I’d love to know if you can drop it into the comments below!

This post was first published January 2021.