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15 Dump & Go Instant Pot Dinner Ideas for Busy Nights

In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare a wholesome dinner can often feel like an insurmountable challenge. The Instant Pot has become a game changer for many home cooks, especially for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something delicious with minimal effort. Here are 15 "dump and go" dinner ideas that you can set and forget in your Instant Pot, allowing you to focus on what matters most: spending time with family and unwinding after a busy day.

1. Chicken and Rice Casserole

Simply combine chicken thighs, long-grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, and your choice of frozen vegetables in the Instant Pot. Season with salt and pepper before sealing the lid. In 20 minutes, you’ll have a comforting, one-pot meal that everyone will love.

2. Beef Stew

This classic dish is made easy in the Instant Pot. Add chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef broth. Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary, then let the pot do the work. In just an hour, you’ll have a hearty stew ready to serve.

3. Vegetarian Chilli

For a meat-free option, dump black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and chilli spices into your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and serve with bread or rice for a filling dinner.

4. Teriyaki Chicken

Pour chicken breasts or thighs into the pot with a generous splash of teriyaki sauce. Add some broccoli or snap peas for a fresh touch. After a quick cook, serve it over rice for an instant Asian-inspired meal.

5. Pulled Pork

Place a pork shoulder in the Instant Pot with a bottle of barbecue sauce and a bit of cider vinegar. Cook on high pressure for about an hour, shred it with forks, and serve on buns for a finger-licking dinner.

6. Pasta Primavera

Toss your choice of pasta, mixed vegetables, vegetable broth, and olive oil into the pot. Add Italian herbs for flavour, and in a mere 8 minutes, you’ll have a tasty dish that’s ready to be enjoyed.

7. Beef Tacos

Put minced beef, taco seasoning, and a jar of salsa in the Instant Pot. After cooking on high pressure for 10 minutes, serve in taco shells with your favourite toppings for a fun and quick dinner.

8. Coconut Curry Lentils

Combine red lentils, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, curry paste, and a handful of spinach in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for a warming vegetarian dish that’s packed with flavour and protein.

9. Honey Garlic Chicken

Add chicken pieces, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to the pot. After cooking on high pressure for 12 minutes, serve it with steamed rice for a sweet and savoury dinner.

10. Quinoa and Black Beans

Mix quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning in the Instant Pot. Cook for 12 minutes, and you’ve got a protein-packed dish that can be served on its own or as a filling for burritos.

11. Sausage and Lentil Stew

Add sliced sausages, green lentils, carrots, celery, and vegetable broth to the pot. Season with bay leaves and thyme. After cooking for 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.

12. Greek Chicken Bowls

Layer chicken breasts, olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese in the Instant Pot. Once cooked, serve over rice or quinoa, drizzling with olive oil for a Mediterranean feast.

13. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Dump arborio rice, mushrooms, broth, garlic, and onion into the pot. Once it’s finished cooking, stir in some cream and cheese for a creamy, comforting risotto in under 30 minutes.

14. Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry

Combine diced sweet potatoes, canned chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, and a splash of vegetable broth. After cooking on high pressure for 15 minutes, serve with rice or naan for a warm, satisfying meal.

15. Citrus Herb Chicken

Throw chicken thighs or breasts into the pot with orange juice, lemon juice, and a variety of herbs like rosemary and thyme. Cook for 10 minutes, and you’ll have a refreshing dish that’s perfect for busy evenings.

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With these 15 dump-and-go recipes, you’ll find that preparing a delicious dinner doesn’t have to take up all your time or energy. The Instant Pot makes it easy to enjoy homemade meals while keeping things simple. So, on those hectic evenings, set it and forget it—dinner is ready when you are!

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