20 Best Instant Pot Recipes for Cozy Winter Meals

Winter is here, and so are the cravings for meals that warm the soul. I know that for me, there's nothing quite like coming home to a cozy, comforting dinner after a long, chilly day. That's where the magic of the Instant Pot comes in.

This incredible kitchen gadget has become my go-to for whipping up delicious, hassle-free meals in a fraction of the time. I've gathered my favorite 20 Best Instant Pot Recipes for Cozy Winter Meals, perfect for when you want something hearty and warming. Trust me, these dishes will become staples in your home, just as they are in mine.

1. Beef Stew

Nothing beats a classic beef stew on a cold winter night.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" on the Instant Pot and brown the beef stew meat.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and rosemary.
4. Add the carrots, potatoes, and beef broth.
5. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 35 minutes.
6. Once done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

This soup is both hearty and healthy, perfect for those cold, snowy days.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 25 minutes.
3. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
4. Stir well and serve warm.

3. Butter Chicken

Rich and creamy, this dish will satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and melt the butter in the Instant Pot.
2. Add the chicken and brown on all sides.
3. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, spices, and salt.
5. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and cook on "Sauté" for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve over rice or naan.

4. Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine macaroni and water in the Instant Pot. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 4 minutes.
3. Quick release the pressure and stir in the butter, cream, and cheeses.
4. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and creamy.
5. Serve immediately.

5. Lentil Soup

Nutritious and filling, this lentil soup is perfect for a healthy winter meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 20 minutes.
3. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
4. Stir well and serve warm.

6. Pulled Pork

An effortless way to make flavorful pulled pork.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub the pork shoulder with brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Select "Sauté" and brown the meat on all sides.
3. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Pour in chicken broth and BBQ sauce.
5. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 60 minutes.
6. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.
7. Shred the pork and mix with the sauce. Serve on buns or rice.

7. Chili

This robust chili will warm you from the inside out.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and brown the ground beef.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the spices, beans, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 20 minutes.
5. Quick release the pressure and stir well.
6. Serve with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on top.

8. Potato Leek Soup

Creamy and comforting, this soup is perfect by itself or as a starter.

Ingredients:

• 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 leeks, cleaned and sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and melt butter in the Instant Pot.
2. Add the onions, leeks, and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Add the potatoes and chicken broth.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 15 minutes.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth.
6. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

9. Risotto

For a creamy, dreamy risotto without all the stirring.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and melt the butter.
2. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the white wine, cooking until absorbed.
5. Add the chicken broth.
6. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.
7. Quick release the pressure, then stir in the parmesan, salt, and pepper.
8. Serve immediately.

10. Meatloaf with Potatoes

A classic comfort meal made all at once.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-5 potatoes, cubed
• 1 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape mixture into a loaf and place on a rack inside the Instant Pot.
3. Add potatoes and beef broth to the bottom of the pot.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 25 minutes.
5. Quick release and serve with the potatoes.

11. Chicken and Dumplings

Classic comfort food, made fast.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and melt butter in the Instant Pot.
2. Sear the chicken and set aside.
3. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft.
4. Stir in the chicken broth and return the chicken to the pot.
5. Mix flour, milk, baking powder, and salt to make dumplings. Drop spoonfuls into the pot.
6. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
7. Quick release and serve.

12. Spaghetti Bolognese

An Italian classic that’s even better in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 jar marinara sauce
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and brown the ground beef.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and beef broth.
4. Break spaghetti in half and layer on top, pressing down lightly.
5. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.
6. Quick release and stir well. Top with parmesan and serve.

13. Beef Stroganoff

A rich and creamy classic perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef stew meat
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and brown the beef.
2. Add the onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and soup.
4. Add the egg noodles on top.
5. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.
6. Quick release and stir in the sour cream. Serve immediately.

14. Minestrone Soup

A hearty, veggie-packed soup for cozy nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can white beans
• 1 cup pasta
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except pasta to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
3. Quick release and add pasta.
4. Set to "Sauté" and cook for an additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender. Serve hot.

15. Sausage and Peppers

A simple, flavorful dish that's quick to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and brown the sausage.
2. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release and serve with rice or pasta.

16. Spanish Rice

A simple but tasty meal or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups long grain rice
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and cook the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Stir in the rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, and chili powder.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release, stir, and serve hot.

17. Vegetarian Chili

A hearty meatless option that everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and cook the onion and bell pepper until soft.
2. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, and cumin.
3. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 15 minutes.
5. Quick release and serve with toppings like cheese and sour cream.

18. Clam Chowder

A creamy, dreamy chowder that's perfect for a chilly night.

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 1 can clams with juice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the potatoes, clams with juice, and chicken broth.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 10 minutes.
5. Quick release and stir in the heavy cream. Serve hot.

19. Sweet and Sour Chicken

A favorite takeout dish made easy at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and cook the chicken until browned.
2. Add the bell pepper, onion, and pineapple, cooking for a few minutes.
3. Stir in the pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and garlic powder.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.
5. Quick release and serve over rice.

20. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A creamy, cheesy soup that’s perfect for a snowy day.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Select "Sauté" and melt the butter.
2. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in the broccoli and chicken broth.
4. Seal the lid and set to "Pressure Cook" for 8 minutes.
5. Quick release and use an immersion blender to puree the soup.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted. Serve hot.

Conclusion

These 20 Best Instant Pot Recipes for Cozy Winter Meals are sure to keep you warm and satisfied all season long. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness that the Instant Pot brings to your kitchen!