From cozy soups to sturdy sandwiches filled with juicy fall-apart-tender meat, these Instant Pot lunch recipes make midday meals more exciting than leftovers and more affordable than ordering in.
Lunch doesn’t have to be a rushed bite of whatever you find in the fridge. These Instant Pot lunch recipes make it easy to plan a warm midday meal with minimal effort by turning pantry staples into soups, tender meats and saucy fillings. From chickpea tagine to lemony shredded chicken, these recipes bring variety to lunch, whether you’re eating at home or packing it to go.
We chose these recipes because they’re quick to prep, nourishing but not so heavy that you need a nap afterwards. Most start with simple ingredients, like canned tomatoes, broth or dried spices, which make it easier to meal plan and stock your cabinets with the essentials. There are recipes with varied cook times, including fast recipes that cook while getting breakfast ready and ones that take a bit more time if you are home but still need a hands-off meal. Whatever your lunch needs, these recipes deliver flavor without fuss, for a satisfying warm meal that encourages you to slow down and eat, even for just a few minutes.
1/43
Pressure-Cooker Char Siu Pork
From the Recipe Creator:
I based this juicy pork on Asian influence in Hawaii. It's tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. Use leftovers with fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 392 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 981mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein.
Just getting started? Try these easy Instant Pot recipes for beginners.
2/43
Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 111 calories, 4g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 415mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 2g protein.
3/43
Pressure-Cooker Italian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy all the flavors of Italian sausage sandwiches with this healthier alternative. —Lia Dellario, Middleport, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 285 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/43
Pressure-Cooker Vegetable Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. It's wonderful for lunch alongside a healthy salad or a light sandwich. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
5/43
Pressure-Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Orzo
From the Recipe Creator:
Orzo pasta with chicken, olives and herbes de Provence has the bright flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Here’s a bonus: Leftovers reheat well. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 415 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 941mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
Free up your weekend by making these easy family dinners for Sunday nights.
6/43
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.
7/43
Instant Pot Beef Stew
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 389 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1188mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.
8/43
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this stew, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! Serve the dish with cornbread to make the meal even more filling. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 172 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
9/43
Instant Pot Chili con Carne
From the Recipe Creator:
Although multicookers can’t replace every tool in the kitchen, they sure are coming close. Chili con carne is a classic all-time favorite dish to prepare in them. This cooks up fast but tastes as if it simmered all day! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 248 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 687mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
10/43
Shrimp and Asparagus Risotto
From the Recipe Creator:
This speedy method of making risotto works every time! —Kim Gray, Davie, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 424 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 157mg cholesterol, 661mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
And for breakfast, try these make-ahead breakfast recipes to avoid morning mayhem.
11/43
Pressure-Cooker Asian Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is similar to other Asian wraps but it's packed with even more deliciously healthy flavor. Instead of ordering Chinese, why not try making these yourself? —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 wrap: 195 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/43
Pressure-Cooker Beef Burritos with Green Chiles
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a family favorite that gets mouths watering simply with its heavenly aroma! Hearty and flavorful, it's quick comfort food. —Sally Pahler, Palisade, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 burrito: 355 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 499mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Check out these dinner recipes every working mom needs to know.
13/43
Pressure-Cooker Turkey Vegetable Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, giving me plenty of time to have fun with the family. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
14/43
Pressure-Cooker Pork Satay with Rice Noodles
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the addition of peanuts to savory recipes. Intensify the flavor by sprinkling with minced fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for that restaurant-quality look and taste. —Stephanie Anderson, South Gardiner, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 427 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 754mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
15/43
Instant Pot Fajitas
From the Recipe Creator:
When friends call to ask for new recipes to try, suggest these tasty fajitas. Top as you like to add healthy color and extra flavor. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 fajita: 314 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 374mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
16/43
Pressure-Cooker Eggs in Purgatory
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomatoes and red pepper flakes add spicy zing to these saucy eggs. Serve them with toasted bread or sauteed polenta rounds for an unforgettable morning meal. —Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 255 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 193mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat.
17/43
Lora’s Pressure-Cooker Red Beans & Rice
From the Recipe Creator:
My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies, it's tasty, easy and economical too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup bean mixture: 249 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
18/43
Pressure Cooker Rigatoni with Sausage & Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
With a tomatoey meat sauce and tangy goat cheese, this weeknight wonder is my version of comfort food. You want to have bowl after bowl. —Lizzie Munro, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 563 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 802mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 23g protein.
19/43
Pressure-Cooker Chicken Thighs in Wine Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe for its incredible flavor—and it seems everyone who tries it does, too. For an easy pairing, try mashed potatoes and peas.—Heike Annucci, Hudson, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 243 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
20/43
Pressure-Cooker Tandoori Chicken Panini
From the Recipe Creator:
The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled for Indian-inspired panini sandwiches. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 sandwich: 351 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
21/43
Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today's appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it's "soup's on!" Finish it with more milk if you like your split pea soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
22/43
Pressure-Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
These sandwiches are melt-in-your-mouth delicious! Everybody loves a good cheesesteak smothered with onions and peppers, then topped with cheese. —Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 547 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 1381mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 51g protein.
23/43
Instant Pot Pork Loin
From the Recipe Creator:
Even though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today.—Martha Nickerson, Hancock, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 312 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 592mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
24/43
Pressure-Cooker Carolina-Style Vinegar BBQ Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I live in Georgia but I appreciate the tangy, sweet and slightly spicy taste of Carolina vinegar chicken. —Ramona Parris, Acworth, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without buns): 135 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
25/43
Pressure Cooker Hearty Pork & Black Bean Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are both graduate students right now, so we don't have a lot of time to cook dinner. Our family loves coming home to this incredible nacho platter, and I love how easy it is to prepare. —Faith Stokes, Chickamauga, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 469 calories, 24g fat (9g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1055mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 7g fiber), 33g protein.
26/43
Pressure-Cooker Chickpea Tagine
From the Recipe Creator:
While traveling through Morocco, my wife and I fell in love with the complex flavors of the many tagines we tried, so we came up with this no-fuss dish. It's great alongside grilled fish, or add shredded cooked chicken in the last 10 minutes for a change-of-pace entree. —Raymond Wyatt, West St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 127 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 224mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
27/43
Instant Pot Beef Carnitas
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this pressure-cooker beef carnitas recipe while cleaning out my refrigerator, and trying to figure out what I could do with a pot roast that had been in the freezer. I LOVE how easy this is. —Ann Piscitelli, Nokomis, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 415 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 830mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
28/43
Pressure-Cooker Lemon Chicken with Basil
From the Recipe Creator:
No matter when I eat it, this tangy chicken dish always reminds me of summer meals with friends and family. The recipe produces a lot of lovely sauce; serve it as is or spoon it over some lightly herbed couscous. —Deborah Posey, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 200 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 337mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat.
29/43
Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Life can get really crazy with young children, but I never want to compromise when it comes to cooking. This recipe is healthy and so easy thanks to my one-pot cooker! —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 125 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 517mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
30/43
Pressure-Cooker Easy Pork Posole
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a meal in a bowl? Sit down to a Mexican classic full of cubed pork, sliced sausage. hominy and more. It all goes into the pressure cooker, so you can come home at night and dinner is ready in a flash. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, TX
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 189 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 954mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
31/43
Pressure-Cooker Curried Chicken Meatball Wraps
From the Recipe Creator:
My strategy to get picky kids to eat healthy: Let everyone assemble their dinner at the table. We love these easy meatball wraps topped with crunchy veggies and peanuts, sweet raisins and a creamy dollop of yogurt. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 82 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 88mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
32/43
Pressure-Cooker Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
Preparing the pulled turkey in a delicious teriyaki sauce for these snack-size sandwiches is a breeze using a pressure cooker. Serving the turkey on lightly toasted sweet dinner rolls is a finishing touch.—Amanda Hoop, Seaman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 mini sandwich: 252 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 501mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.
33/43
Pressure-Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a true comfort food! Cajun spice adds a nice heat to the creamy Alfredo sauce. Add more or less seasoning depending on your preferred spice level. And nothing beats having to clean only one pot. The dish would also be tasty with shrimp or smoked sausage. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 717 calories, 40g fat (22g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 935mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein.
34/43
Pressure-Cooker Beef and Veggie Sloppy Joes
From the Recipe Creator:
Because I’m always looking for ways to serve my family healthy and delicious food, I started experimenting with my go-to veggies and ground beef. I came up with this favorite that my kids actually request! —Megan Niebuhr, Yakima WA
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 316 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 566mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2.500 starch.
35/43
Pressure-Cooker Italian Sausage & Kale Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this colorful soup, our home smelled wonderful. We knew it was a keeper to see us through cold winter days. —Sarah Stombaugh, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-3/4 cups: 297 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 1105mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 16g protein.
36/43
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a good-for-you dinner that's also a meal-in-one classic. Add a salad and, in just moments, call everyone to the table. —Michelle Gurnsey, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 333 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 8g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1 fat.
37/43
Pressure Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
What's the quickest and tastiest way to bring the flavor to your favorite chicken tortilla soup? Instant Pot! This soup delivers a big bowl of fresh comfort—just ask my husband. Toppings like avocado, sour cream and tortilla strips are a must. —Heather Sewell, Harrisonville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
About 2 cups: 132 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 1117mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
38/43
Pressure-Cooker Creamy Cauliflower Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I love indulgent cream soups but not the fat that goes along with them. The velvety texture of this healthier cauliflower soup makes it feel so rich, and the spicy kick warms you from the inside out. —Teri Schloessmann, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 434mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
39/43
Pressure Cooker Shredded Beef Burrito Filling
From the Recipe Creator:
Create a taco or burrito bar! For a variation, I make beef and bean burritos by mixing a can of refried beans into 3 or 4 cups of cooked beef filling.—Hope Wasylenki, Gahanna, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 380 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 553mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
40/43
Pressure-Cooker Black Bean Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
One of my favorite local restaurants, Zeppelins, has the best chicken nachos. Its famous dish inspired me to create my own, with the added convenience of using the pressure cooker. I recommend fresh cilantro because it makes the dish pop with flavor. —Natalie Hess, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without chips): 280 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 27g protein.
41/43
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.
42/43
Pressure Cooker Beer-Braised Pulled Ham
From the Recipe Creator:
To jazz up leftover ham, I cooked it with a beer sauce. Buns loaded with ham, pickles and mustard are irresistible. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 378 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 1246mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
43/43
Pressure-Cooker Beef and Rice Cabbage Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
My family can't wait for dinner when I serve my tasty cabbage rolls. The dish comes together in a pinch and always satisfies. —Lynn Bowen, Geraldine, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
2 cabbage rolls: 219 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 446mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
Instant Pot Lunch Recipes FAQ
What quick Instant Pot meals can I make in the morning for lunch?
Whether you need to make a fast lunch in the morning to take with you, or have time to let the Instant Pot cook while you work at home, it’s easy to make a pot of soup, a batch of tender shredded chicken for wraps or a one-pot pasta. To keep prep quick, choose recipes that rely on shortcuts like canned beans, frozen vegetables and canned tomatoes or broth, so you can add it all at once to the pot and set it to cook while you get ready for the day.
What healthy lunch recipes can I make in a pressure cooker?
The pressure cooker is great for healthy lunch options because it uses pressure to intensify flavor without added oil or butter. Soups, stews, chili and lean, shredded meats are all recipes that are nutrient-dense but not heavy, and adaptable for different dietary needs. Since healthy means different things to different people, it might mean meals that are lower in sodium, higher in fiber or protein or made without heavily processed ingredients. Recipes made with whole grains, legumes, colorful vegetables or lean meats tend to check these boxes, along with other healthy lunch ideas built on everyday staples.
What are the best meal prep lunches to make in an Instant Pot?
The best meal prep lunches to make in an Instant Pot yield big batches and hold up well for days after, like a stew with tender chunks of beef or a chicken and orzo dish studded with briny olives. Use some helpful big-batch meal prep strategies and make a few recipes on one day to mix and match throughout the week. For the best results, cool dishes completely before packing, and store sauces, fresh herbs or crunchy toppings separately to preserve their texture.
