20 Cheap Instant Pot Recipes for Budget-Friendly Meals

1. Instant Pot Rice and Beans

This classic dish is a staple in many households due to its affordability and nutrition. Combining rice and beans offers a complete protein, making it a perfect vegetarian option.

• 1 cup of rice
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup of vegetable broth
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot until translucent. Add the rice, beans, broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 22 minutes. Let it naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure.

2. Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

This hearty vegetable soup is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your fridge.

• 4 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, celery, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook onions and garlic until soft. Add vegetables, tomatoes, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

3. Instant Pot Chili

Chili is perfect for meal prep and can be made with various beans or ground meat. This recipe keeps it simple and inexpensive.

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 can of kidney beans, rinsed
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the ground meat, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot. Once cooked, add the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

4. Instant Pot Quinoa and Vegetables

This dish is both nutritious and filling, making it a great option for a healthy budget meal.

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot and stir well. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

5. Instant Pot Lentil Stew

Lentils are inexpensive and packed with protein, making this stew a perfect choice for a budget-friendly meal.

• 2 cups of lentils, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks of celery, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in the Instant Pot. Add lentils, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

6. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This creamy mac and cheese is a childhood favorite that can be made on a budget!

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 cups of water
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar works great)
• 1 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Add macaroni and water to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release the pressure, then stir in cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.

7. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

This one-pot meal is a family favorite and budget-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights.

• 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup rice
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot. Add chicken, rice, tomatoes, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing.

8. Instant Pot Potato Soup

This comforting potato soup is perfect for chilly days and incredibly budget-friendly.

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Add potatoes, onion, and broth to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for natural release, then mash potatoes slightly. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper before serving.

9. Instant Pot Frittata

This versatile dish can be customized with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to use leftovers.

• 6 eggs
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, etc.)
• 1/2 cup of cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Whisk eggs in a bowl and add vegetables and cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased Instant Pot-safe dish. Add 1 cup of water to the pot, place the dish on a trivet, and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes and then quick release.

10. Instant Pot Cabbage and Sausage

This dish is hearty and filling, perfect for a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

• 1 head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the sausage and onion in the Instant Pot until browned. Add cabbage, broth, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure before serving.

11. Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are a fun and easy way to enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.

• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• Taco shells and toppings of your choice

Instructions: Place the chicken in the Instant Pot, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and pour salsa over the top. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for natural release, shred the chicken, and serve in taco shells.

12. Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and are easy to make in the Instant Pot.

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
• 1 cup of cooked rice
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Mix rice, tomatoes, ground meat, seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stuff the mixture into the peppers. Place the peppers in the Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water, and seal the lid. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and allow for natural release.

13. Instant Pot Oatmeal

A warm bowl of oatmeal is an inexpensive and nutritious breakfast option that can be made in minutes.

• 2 cups of rolled oats
• 4 cups of water or milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Sweetener of choice (honey, maple syrup, etc.)

Instructions: Combine oats, water or milk, and cinnamon in the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release the pressure and stir in your preferred sweetener before serving.

14. Instant Pot Beef Stew

This classic beef stew is perfect for meal prep and is a filling option for dinners.

• 1.5 pounds of beef stew meat
• 4 cups of beef broth
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté the beef, onion, and garlic in the Instant Pot until browned. Add broth, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

15. Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken

This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is packed with flavor.

• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 1 cup teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions: Place chicken in the Instant Pot and pour teriyaki sauce over it. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure, add broccoli, and cook on sauté mode for an additional 3 minutes. Serve over rice.

16. Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are healthy, filling, and versatile. You can enjoy them as a side or mash them for a creamy dish.

• 4 sweet potatoes, scrubbed
• 1 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Place sweet potatoes on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Add water, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Quick release the pressure and let them cool slightly before serving.

17. Instant Pot Baked Beans

Homemade baked beans are a delicious and cost-effective dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course.

• 2 cups dried navy beans, soaked overnight
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups of water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Drain and rinse soaked beans. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow for natural release.

18. Instant Pot Risotto

Risotto is a creamy rice dish that can be made quickly in the Instant Pot without constant stirring.

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Sauté onion and mushrooms in the Instant Pot until soft. Add rice and broth, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Quick release the pressure and stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper before serving.

19. Instant Pot Vegetable Curry

This flavorful vegetable curry is quick to make and perfect for a filling vegetarian meal.

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt to taste

Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic in the Instant Pot until soft. Add vegetables, coconut milk, curry powder, and salt. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Allow for natural release.

20. Instant Pot Pea Soup

This simple pea soup is both nutritious and comforting, making it a perfect choice for a light meal.

• 2 cups dried green peas, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Allow for natural release and blend until smooth if desired.

With these 20 cheap Instant Pot recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals without straining your budget. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, these recipes offer variety and flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Happy cooking!