From hearty soups and creamy chowders to tender pork chops and pasta dinners, these Instant Pot winter recipes are easy-to-make, cozy meals for any night of the week.
1/27
Pressure-Cooker Caribbean Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is definitely an all-year recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup vegetable mixture : 282 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 442mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
2/27
Instant Pot Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
Clam chowder is especially tasty when it's served with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, bacon crumbles and crispy oyster crackers on top. If you like your chowder on the thick side, add another tablespoon of flour after it is done in the pressure cooker. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 227 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
3/27
Pressure-Cooker Beef Stew
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this twist on traditional stew with fresh rolls or crusty bread. The roast and vegetables cook quickly and make a comforting meal. My family loves this unique pressure-cooker beef stew. —Joanne Wright, Niles, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 530 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 403mg sodium, 58g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 36g protein.
4/27
Pressure-Cooker French Onion Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love French onion soup on a cold night, but I don't love the time it takes. This is my quick version for when we're short on time. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 87 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 724mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
5/27
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Bog
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken Bog is a South Carolina tradition with lots of variations—think herbs, spices and fresh veggies—but the standard ingredients remain sausage, chicken and rice. This pressure-cooked rendition is a simple take on the classic. — Anna Hanson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 409 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 1275mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein.
6/27
Pressure-Cooker Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes or a salad. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup gravy: 257 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1.500 fat, 0.500 starch.
7/27
Instant Pot Short Ribs
From the Recipe Creator:
These tender pressure-cooker short ribs explode with flavor, and they're a quick and easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs. Serve with egg noodles, rice or polenta. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 265 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 412mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein.
8/27
Instant Pot Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I decided to add some character to a basic potato chowder with roasted red peppers. The extra flavor gives a deliciously unique twist to an otherwise ordinary soup. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 289 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 848mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
9/27
Instant Pot Taco Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This Instant Pot taco pasta is a welcome change from boring meals. I’ve taken all the flavors of tacos and created an easy pasta dish. Kids love the taste, and Mom loves how quick and easy it comes together. To lighten things up, use ground turkey. —Christine Hadden, Whitman, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups: 598 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 1845mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
10/27
Pressure-Cooker Five-Bean Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
A hearty bowl of chili always reminds me of my mom’s cooking. While I love this classic recipe, I wanted a faster way to cook the dried beans so I decided to make it in my pressure cooker. Now we get to enjoy the same from-scratch recipe, but in a fraction of the time. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 308 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 9g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
11/27
Pressure-Cooker Buffalo Shrimp Mac & Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
For a rich, creamy and slightly spicy shrimp and pasta recipe, you can’t beat this crowd-pleasing dish. It’s a nice new twist on popular Buffalo chicken dishes. —Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 551 calories, 34g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 1269mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 38g protein.
12/27
Cornbread-Stuffed Pork Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
Tart apple adds a delicious flavor to the moist stuffing that fills these savory chops. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 519 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1159mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 37g protein.
13/27
Bacon Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I made a twist on my favorite white chicken chili and used my pressure cooker, which made it very quick and easy. I like to serve it with avocado, cilantro and onions. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 387 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 1033mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 20g protein.
14/27
Pressure-Cooker Pork with Apples and Dried Plums
From the Recipe Creator:
The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 3/4 cup fruit mixture: 286 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
15/27
Grandma’s Pressure-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I've made this soup weekly since I modified my grandma's recipe for the pressure cooker. Chicken soup, especially this one, is quick to make and budget-friendly for any large family. —Tammy Stanko, Greensburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 cups soup with 1 chicken thigh: 389 calories, 29g fat (5g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 1262mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
16/27
Instant Pot Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
17/27
Pressure-Cooker Pot Roast Hash
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to cook a Sunday-style pot roast for weeknights. Make it into pot roast hash for any day of the week. —Gina Jackson, Ogdensburg, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 429 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 281mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
18/27
Instant Pot Beef Shank
From the Recipe Creator:
I adapted this from a slow-cooker recipe to one that takes about 2 hours start to finish, using a pressure cooker. Served over egg noodles or rice, this dish reminds me of Grandma. —Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef with 1/2 cup sauce: 172 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
19/27
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Pork and Squash Ragu
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo perfect for cooler fall weather—so satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ragu: 196 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 469mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
20/27
Pressure-Cooker Smoked Sausage and White Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband grew up in the South, where sausage and beans were on the menu weekly. I quickly became a fan. The pressure cooker eliminates the lengthy process of soaking the beans overnight and then slow-cooking them. Serve the dish over white rice, and use crusty bread to soak up the broth. I used gourmet smoked sausage flavored with Gouda and pear for this dish, but you can use any smoked sausage you like. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups bean mixture: 382 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 909mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 12g fiber), 21g protein.
21/27
Pressure-Cooker Lentil Pumpkin Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Plenty of herbs and spices brighten up my hearty pumpkin soup. It?s just the thing we need on nippy days and nights. —Laura Magee, Houlton, WI
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 210 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 starch, 1 lean meat.
22/27
Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
This Instant-Pot pork tenderloin with a sweet glaze of brown sugar and balsamic vinegar will become a go-to dinner your whole family will love. It's perfect for busy weeknights, but also special enough for company. —Karen Kelly, Germantown, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 188 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
23/27
Pressure-Cooker Lentil and Sausage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I added a cup of dry red wine to this recipe because red wine in lentil soup is the bread to my butter. Without the wine, the flavors are not as rich and delicious. —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 229 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 977mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
24/27
Pressure-Cooker Mushroom Pot Roast
From the Recipe Creator:
Packed with wholesome veggies and tender beef, this is one company-special entree that will delight all ages. Serve mashed potatoes alongside to soak up every last drop of the beefy gravy. —Angie Stewart, Topeka, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked beef with 2/3 cup vegetables and 1/2 cup gravy: 316 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 373mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat.
25/27
Pressure Cooker Loaded Chicken Veggie Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
When someone at our house gets sick, I whip up this quick and easy chicken soup. It resembles chicken noodle soup but uses a variety of veggies instead of noodles for even more nutrition. Using a pressure cooker makes meal prep even simpler! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 205 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
26/27
Pressure-Cooker Beef Osso Buco
From the Recipe Creator:
Our beef osso buco boasts a thick, savory sauce complemented by the addition of gremolata, a chopped herb condiment made of lemon zest, garlic and parsley. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 398 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 640mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 47g protein.
27/27
Instant Pot Goulash
From the Recipe Creator:
Goulash always reminds me of living in Germany when my father was in the Army there. We had a German friend who didn't speak English, but she would always bring us her traditional dishes to try and this was one of my favorites. I'm sure she cooked it in the oven or on top of the stove for hours, but having a pressure cooker speeds up the time so it's ready in less than an hour. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
0.750 cup: 326 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
Instant Pot Winter Recipes FAQ
What easy pressure-cooker recipes can I meal-prep for dinner?
Soups, stews and braised meat dishes are a few easy pressure-cooker recipes to meal-prep for dinner, especially when you’re short on time but still want something hearty. Many of these taste even better after a day or two in the fridge, and do not have ingredients that will fall apart over time. Instant Pot chicken dinners are another smart option for batch cooking and eating throughout the week. They’re easy to pair with cooked grains, roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal. Portion into individual containers or freeze in resealable bags for quick reheating. To freshen things up, top with chopped herbs, a splash of broth or a squeeze of lemon just before serving.
Which winter comfort foods can I make in a pressure cooker?
Hearty soups, stews, braised meats and pasta are some of the best winter comfort foods to make in a pressure cooker. Soups come together faster than stovetop versions, but still deliver slow-simmered flavor and a pressure cooker makes tough cuts of meat fall-apart tender in a fraction of the time as an oven braise. For something a little different, try recipes with sweet potatoes, beans, root vegetables or leafy greens, which show just how versatile pressure-cooker recipes can be on cold nights.
What pressure cooker soups and stews can I make to bring to work?
Hearty pressure-cooker soups and stews with beans, lentils, shredded chicken, braised beef or root vegetables are great for work lunches because they’re filling, flavorful and reheat well. Some recipes, like chicken and wild rice soup, or ones with pasta, thicken as they cool because the grain or noodle absorbs the broth. So, if bringing it to work, enjoy it more as a stew than a soup or thin it with some hot water before eating. For easy packing, use wide-mouth thermoses or airtight jars to keep portions warm and mess-free.
