25 Best Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes (Easy & Delicious)

So, you’ve welcomed an Instant Pot into your kitchen. Congratulations!

You’re holding a powerhouse of culinary potential. If you’re following a vegetarian lifestyle, you’re in for a treat.

The Instant Pot isn’t just for meat-eaters; it’s a game-changer for plant-based cooking. Why is it so perfect for vegetarian meals?

It develops deep, slow-cooked flavors in record time, and makes one-pot meals a weeknight reality. This means less time watching the stove and more time enjoying your food.

We’ve sifted through the noise and gathered 25 of the absolute best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes from talented food bloggers and culinary sites like Love and Lemons and Vegan Richa to get you started. To make it easy, we’ve grouped them into categories.

Use the links below to jump to what you’re craving!

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Hearty Soups, Stews, and Chilis

Nothing says comfort like a warm bowl of soup or a hearty chili. The Instant Pot is uniquely suited for these dishes, melding flavors beautifully under pressure to taste like they’ve been simmering for hours.

1. Instant Pot Black Bean Soup
   This isn’t your average black bean soup. The Instant Pot infuses it with deep, smoky flavor in a fraction of the time, creating a velvety texture that’s both comforting and packed with plant-based protein.
2. Vegan Tomato Soup
   Forget canned soup forever. This recipe delivers a rich, creamy tomato soup with a vibrant, fresh flavor that is perfect for pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich on a chilly day.
3. Simple Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Chili
   A classic for a reason. This straightforward chili is perfect for a weeknight, loaded with pantry staples, and comes together with minimal effort for a satisfying and fiber-rich meal.
4. Instant Pot Lentil Soup
   Lentil soup is a vegetarian staple, and this version is a must-try. The pressure cooker makes the lentils incredibly tender, and the recipe is packed with vegetables and savory herbs.
5. Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup
   Bright, zesty, and nourishing. The sweetness of the carrots and the spicy kick of ginger are a perfect match in this silky-smooth soup that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
6. Vegan Black Eyed Peas Curry
   A hearty and wholesome curry that’s perfect for a healthy dinner. The Instant Pot makes cooking the black-eyed peas from scratch a breeze, infusing them with aromatic spices.
7. Vegan Potato Leek Soup
   Elegant and creamy without any dairy, this soup is pure comfort. The subtle sweetness of the leeks pairs wonderfully with the earthy potatoes for a sophisticated yet simple meal.
8. Lentil Chili
   This recipe takes chili to the next level with hearty lentils and a blend of spices that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a fantastic, protein-packed option for meal prep.
9. Vegan White Chili
   A delicious twist on traditional chili, this version is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. It uses white beans and a savory broth to create a satisfying and unique main course.

Flavor-Packed Main Dishes

Ready to move beyond soups? These main dishes showcase the versatility of the Instant Pot, from creamy pastas and savory curries to crowd-pleasing sandwiches and tacos.

10. Instant Pot Vegan Burritos
    This brilliant recipe cooks your filling to perfection. Seasoned rice, beans, and veggies all come together in one pot for the easiest burrito night ever.
11. Vegan Shepard’s Pie Recipe with Kale
    A comforting classic, reimagined. This recipe features a savory lentil and vegetable base topped with fluffy mashed potatoes—a truly satisfying plant-based meal.
12. Instant Pot Vegan Butter Chicken
    Enjoy the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors of butter chicken in this clever vegan version. Using tofu or chickpeas, it perfectly captures the essence of the beloved dish.
13. Instant Pot Alfredo
    Creamy, decadent, and completely dairy-free! This clever recipe uses cauliflower and cashews to create a luxurious Alfredo sauce, ready in just 20 minutes thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.
14. Vegan Instant Pot BBQ Meatballs
    Perfect for parties or a fun weeknight dinner, these “meatballs” are made from wholesome ingredients and smothered in a tangy BBQ sauce.
15. Instant Pot Pasta Puttanesca
    A classic Italian dish made incredibly simple. The salty olives, capers, and rich tomato sauce all cook together with the pasta for a flavor-packed, one-pot meal.
16. Easy Indian Green Bean Curry with Potatoes
    This simple but flavorful curry is a wonderful example of homestyle Indian cooking. It’s a lightly spiced and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.
17. Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto
    Get perfectly creamy, restaurant-quality risotto without all the stirring. The Instant Pot does the hard work for you, creating a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for date night.
18. Lots O’ Veggies Bolognese
    A hearty, plant-based take on a meat sauce that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. It’s loaded with finely chopped vegetables and lentils for a rich and satisfying pasta topper.
19. Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Jackfruit
    Jackfruit’s texture is a fantastic substitute for pulled pork. This recipe delivers sweet, smoky, and tangy sandwiches that are sure to be a hit with vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
20. Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joes
    A healthy and delicious spin on a childhood favorite. These lentil sloppy joes are packed with flavor and make for a fun, messy, and satisfying meal.
21. Instant Pot Vegan Jackfruit with Potato Curry
    This hearty curry combines the unique texture of jackfruit with tender potatoes in a fragrant, spiced coconut milk broth. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that highlights the versatility of the Instant Pot.
22. Chickpea Tikka Masala
    A beloved Indian restaurant favorite made easy at home. This creamy, tomato-based curry with tender chickpeas is incredibly flavorful and comes together quickly in the pressure cooker.

Simple and Satisfying Sides

Round out your meal with these incredibly easy and delicious side dishes. From fluffy grains to creamy potatoes, the Instant Pot makes preparing perfect sides practically effortless.

23. Instant Pot Spanish Rice
    Add a burst of flavor to your meal with this simple Spanish rice. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with burritos, tacos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
24. Cilantro Lime Quinoa
    A light, fluffy, and zesty side dish that brightens up any plate. Cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is foolproof and yields perfect results every time.
25. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Fried Onions and Bacon (uses vegetarian bacon)
    These aren’t just any mashed potatoes; they’re unbelievably fluffy and infused with flavor. This recipe includes savory fried onions and vegetarian bacon for a delicious, comforting twist.

Your Secret Weapon: Tips for Instant Pot Success

To make your cooking experience seamless, keep these fundamental tips in mind. They’re simple but can make the difference between a good meal and a great one.

• Perform the Initial Water Test: Before you cook any food, run a pressure cook cycle with just a few cups of water. This helps you get familiar with the settings, how long it takes to come to pressure, and ensures your pot is working correctly.
• Don’t Forget the Sealing Ring: That silicone ring inside the lid is essential for building pressure. Make sure it’s properly seated and clean before every use. It’s a common mistake to forget it!
• Understand Natural vs. Quick Release:
  • Natural Release (NR) means letting the pressure dissipate on its own. It’s best for foods that can benefit from gentle, continued cooking, like beans and grains.
  • Quick Release (QR) involves turning the steam release valve to “Venting” to let steam out rapidly. Use this for delicate foods like vegetables that you don’t want to overcook.
• Always Use Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot needs thin liquid (like water or broth) to create steam and build pressure. Most recipes require at least 1 cup. Without enough liquid, you’ll likely get the dreaded “Burn” error.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: When a recipe calls for it, layer your ingredients as instructed. Keep thick sauces and tomato products on top, away from the bottom of the pot, to prevent scorching.
• Deglaze After Sautéing: If you use the sauté function to brown onions or garlic, be sure to pour in a little liquid and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds amazing flavor and is a key step in preventing the “Burn” notice, a common issue detailed by Pressure Cook Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Here are answers to some of the most common queries about vegetarian cooking in the Instant Pot.

1. How do I avoid the “Burn” notice?
   The “Burn” message is the most common issue for new users. It usually happens for three reasons: not enough thin liquid, food stuck to the bottom of the pot after sautéing (see “Deglaze” tip above), or using thick sauces like tomato paste directly on the bottom. Always ensure you have at least 1 cup of water or broth and layer thick ingredients on top.
2. Can I put frozen vegetables in the Instant Pot?
   Absolutely! This is a great shortcut. You generally don’t need to increase the cooking time, as the pot will simply take a bit longer to come to pressure. Avoid pressure cooking delicate frozen veggies on their own, as they can turn to mush; it’s best to add them to soups or stews.
3. Do I really need to soak my beans before cooking?
   No, and that’s one of the biggest benefits! You can cook most dried beans from scratch to perfectly tender in about 30-40 minutes at high pressure, plus the natural release time. This is a huge time-saver and more cost-effective than buying canned beans.
4. How do I convert a stovetop or slow cooker recipe to the Instant Pot?
   It’s simpler than you think. First, reduce the liquid amount by about 25-50%, as there’s very little evaporation in the Instant Pot. For cooking times, a good rule of thumb is to take the stovetop simmer time and divide it by three. For slow cooker recipes, 1 hour on high often translates to about 8-10 minutes of pressure cooking. It may take a little experimentation, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
5. Is it safe? I’m nervous about the pressure.
   Modern electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot have multiple, redundant safety features, including lid-locking mechanisms and automated pressure control. Unlike old stovetop models, as outlined by Serious Eats, they are incredibly safe when used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always make sure the steam valve is set to “Sealing” and never try to force the lid open under pressure.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot is more than just an appliance; it’s a gateway to faster, easier, and more flavorful vegetarian cooking. We’ve walked through 25 incredible recipes, from comforting soups to impressive main courses, all designed to simplify your time in the kitchen.

With these ideas and a few key tips under your belt, you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your new favorite gadget. So, which recipe will you try first?

We’d love to hear about your culinary adventures. Share your favorites and any new discoveries in the comments below! And once you’ve mastered these main courses, you’ll be ready to tackle dessert, from a foolproof vegan vanilla cake to a show-stopping salted caramel skillet cookie.