12+ Best Instant Pot 3-Quart Recipes You Need to Try

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Just like a magician pulls a rabbit from a hat, the Instant Pot can transform simple ingredients into gourmet meals in no time. Imagine whipping up a hearty beef stew or a decadent chocolate lava cake without the fuss. With these 12+ best Instant Pot 3-quart recipes, you'll find something for every occasion. Ready to elevate your culinary skills and impress your family? Let's explore the possibilities together.

Key Takeaways

• The Instant Pot 3-quart is perfect for small households, providing quick and flavorful meals like beef stew and chicken noodle soup.
• Try garlic parmesan roasted potatoes as a versatile side dish that pairs well with various proteins and is easy to prepare.
• For a delightful dessert, make chocolate lava cake, which offers a rich, gooey center and is impressively simple in the Instant Pot.
• Quinoa and black bean salad is a nutritious, meal-prep-friendly dish that stores well and can be customized with various ingredients.
• Instant Pot recipes save time and enhance flavors, making them ideal for busy individuals seeking healthy and delicious meal options.

Hearty Main Dishes

Beef stew is a classic comfort food that warms the soul, especially on a chilly day. Using the Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also enhances the flavors, making this dish rich and satisfying.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, ensuring you have hearty portions ready to go throughout the week.

This beef stew recipe combines tender chunks of beef with hearty vegetables and a rich broth, creating a dish that's both filling and flavorful. The pressure cooking method locks in moisture and infuses the meat with the essence of the herbs and spices, resulting in a stew that rivals any slow-cooked version.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" mode and add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent. Scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent any stuck bits from burning.
3. Return the beef to the pot, then add the carrots, potatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Close the lid, set the valve to "Sealing," and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before switching the valve to "Venting."
5. If you'd like a thicker stew, mix cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it into the pot. Turn on the "Sauté" mode again and let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Extra Tips:

For the most flavorful beef stew, consider marinating the beef in the Worcestershire sauce and some herbs for a few hours before cooking.

Additionally, feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand—parsnips, peas, or green beans all make great additions.

Serve your stew with crusty bread for a complete meal!

Flavorful Side Dishes

There's nothing quite like a side dish that complements your main course while bringing its own burst of flavor. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are the perfect addition to any meal, thanks to their crispy exterior and tender interior.

The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare these delicious potatoes quickly, allowing you to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen. This dish isn't only packed with flavor but is also versatile enough to pair with various proteins, from chicken to steak.

With just the right balance of garlic and parmesan, these potatoes will have everyone asking for seconds. Let's plunge into this simple yet satisfying recipe that will elevate your dinner table.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly and cutting them in half. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Add the seasoned potatoes to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by turning the pressure valve to venting.
3. After the pressure has released, open the lid and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes. Toss gently to combine. For an added crispy texture, you can use the sauté function for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Extra Tips:

For an even more robust flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme during the cooking process. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, to give your roasted potatoes a unique twist.

If you prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to the dish. Enjoy your Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!

Quick and Easy Soups

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're feeling under the weather. The Instant Pot makes cooking this comforting classic a breeze, allowing you to have a delicious homemade soup ready in no time.

With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Making chicken noodle soup in the Instant Pot not only saves time but also infuses the flavors beautifully as the ingredients cook together under pressure.

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap out the vegetables or noodles based on what you have on hand. Enjoy this delicious soup on its own or serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot along with the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Close the lid, ensuring the valve is set to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the egg noodles, and set the Instant Pot to sauté again. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the noodles are tender. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Extra Tips:

For an added boost of flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. You can also throw in some fresh spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

If you prefer a thicker soup, consider blending a portion of the soup before adding the noodles, or simply reduce the amount of broth used. Enjoy your quick and easy chicken noodle soup!

Delicious Desserts

Indulging in a rich and gooey chocolate lava cake has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot. This delightful dessert is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, and the steam cooking guarantees that the cakes come out perfectly moist and decadent.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dessert right at home. The Instant Pot not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making this dessert a must-try. The warm, flowing chocolate center combined with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a heavenly experience that will leave everyone wanting more.

Let's explore the ingredients and get started on this delectable treat!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Begin by greasing four ramekins with cooking spray and placing them on a trivet in the Instant Pot. Add one cup of water to the bottom of the pot.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in 30-second intervals until smooth and well combined. Allow it to cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs while continuously whisking to avoid cooking the eggs. Finally, fold in the flour until just combined.
4. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full. Securely cover each ramekin with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in.
5. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.

Extra Tips:

To achieve the perfect lava flow, avoid overcooking the cakes; they should be set on the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.

You can also experiment by adding a few chocolate chunks or a dollop of peanut butter in the center of the batter for an extra surprise. Serve these warm right out of the Instant Pot, ideally with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate lava cakes!

Meal Prep Favorites

Meal prepping can be a game changer for busy individuals or families looking to eat healthy throughout the week. One of the standout recipes for meal prep is Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. Packed with protein, fiber, and a medley of colorful vegetables, this dish isn't only nutritious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish, a main course, or even a filling for wraps.

Plus, it stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for those looking to prepare meals in advance. Cooking this salad in your Instant Pot saves time and guarantees that the quinoa is perfectly fluffy. The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant dish that's sure to please anyone at the table.

With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal prep option ready in no time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:

Start by adding the rinsed quinoa, black beans, corn, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cumin, chili powder, and vegetable broth or water to the Instant Pot.

Season with salt and pepper, then secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

After releasing the pressure, open the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad, adjust seasoning if needed, and mix in the chopped cilantro. Allow the salad to cool before portioning it into meal prep containers.

This salad can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Extra Tips:

For added flavor and variety, consider customizing your salad with additional ingredients like avocado, diced cucumber, or jalapeños.

You can also substitute the black beans with chickpeas or kidney beans depending on your preference. If you're making this salad for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just verify that you have a sufficiently large Instant Pot or cook in batches.

Enjoy your meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Double Recipes in a 3-Quart Instant Pot?

You can't double recipes in a 3-quart Instant Pot without risking overflows. Instead, try cooking two batches separately or scaling recipes to fit your pot's capacity, ensuring delicious results every time!

What Is the Cooking Time Adjustment for Frozen Ingredients?

Imagine tossing your frozen ingredients in, hoping for a miracle. To adjust cooking time, add about 10-15 minutes to the usual time. Just keep an eye on it for perfect results every time!

How Do I Clean My Instant Pot After Cooking?

To clean your Instant Pot after cooking, unplug it, remove the inner pot, and wash it with warm soapy water. Wipe the lid and exterior with a damp cloth, ensuring everything's dry before reassembling.

Can I Use Regular Recipes for My 3-Quart Instant Pot?

Think of your 3-quart Instant Pot as a culinary canvas. You can adapt regular recipes, just remember to adjust cooking times and ingredients to fit its size. Get creative and enjoy the process!

What Accessories Are Recommended for the 3-Quart Instant Pot?

For your 3-quart Instant Pot, consider accessories like a steamer basket, silicone trivet, and a glass lid. These tools enhance versatility, making meal prep easier and allowing you to explore various cooking methods effortlessly.