25 Incredible Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners

Welcome to the world of Instant Pot cooking! If you’ve recently welcomed this magical appliance into your kitchen, you’re on the verge of revolutionizing your mealtime.

But with all those buttons and settings, it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. You’ve come to the right place.

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for vegetarian cooking, capable of transforming simple ingredients into deeply flavorful meals in a fraction of the time. It excels at tenderizing beans, locking in the nutrients of vegetables—a benefit of pressure cooking that, according to research in the Journal of Food Science, helps preserve the quality of plant-based foods—and building rich, complex flavors that once took hours of simmering.

This isn’t just another list of recipes. This is your complete starter guide.

We’ve curated 25 of the most delicious and reliable vegetarian recipes from talented food bloggers, organized them into logical categories, and added essential beginner tips and a helpful FAQ section to guarantee your success. Get ready to discover just how versatile your new kitchen partner can be.

First Things First: Essential Tips for Instant Pot Beginners

Getting comfortable with your Instant Pot is the first step to unlocking its potential. While every model is slightly different, they all share core principles.

Don’t be intimidated by the array of buttons; for most recipes, you’ll only need a few. Here are a few foundational tips to get you started on the right foot:

• The Water Test: Before you cook any food, perform the initial water test described in your manual. This simple trial run ensures your pot is sealing and pressurizing correctly and acquaints you with the basic sounds and cycles of the machine.
• Embrace the ‘Sauté’ Function: This is arguably one of the most important features for creating rich, flavorful food. Always start by using the Sauté function to cook down your aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger. Toasting your spices for a minute before adding liquid will also dramatically deepen the flavor of your final dish.
• Deglaze for Flavor (and Safety): After sautéing, you’ll often have browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This is concentrated flavor! Pour in a bit of your cooking liquid (like broth or water) and use a wooden spoon to scrape these bits up. This process, called deglazing, not only incorporates that flavor into your meal but is also the number one way to prevent the dreaded “BURN” notice.
• Understand Liquid Minimums: Your Instant Pot needs a certain amount of thin liquid (usually 1 to 1.5 cups, check your manual) to create the steam required for pressurization. Thick sauces like tomato paste or creamy soups don’t count towards this minimum and can cause issues if not layered correctly.
• Layering is Your Friend: For recipes with thick sauces (like chili or pasta sauce), always put the thin liquid in first. Add your other ingredients on top, and add the thickest ingredients, like tomato paste, last. Do not stir these thick ingredients in; let them sit on top. This technique helps prevent the burn sensor from activating.

Hearty and Delicious Main Dishes

Ready for a satisfying dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours? These vegetarian and vegan main courses showcase the Instant Pot’s ability to create rich, deeply flavored meals that are perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering. From creamy pasta to hearty curries, these recipes will quickly become staples in your rotation.

1. Instant Pot Vegan Burritos by Nora Cooks
   A perfect example of an all-in-one meal. This recipe cooks seasoned rice and beans together into a delicious, ready-to-wrap filling. It’s a fantastic way to streamline your meal prep for the week.
2. Vegan Shepard’s Pie with Kale by Glue & Glitter
   This is comfort food at its finest. The Instant Pot makes quick work of the savory lentil and vegetable base. Topped with fluffy mashed potatoes, it’s a hearty and warming dish the whole family will love. For another comforting dish that’s perfect for a crowd, try this make-ahead vegan French toast casserole for a weekend brunch.
3. Chickpea Tikka Masala by Nora Cooks
   Forget takeout! This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality Indian dish with incredible depth of flavor. The chickpeas become perfectly tender in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce that will have you coming back for seconds.
4. Instant Pot Vegan Alfredo by Nora Cooks
   Cauliflower and cashews are the secret to this unbelievably creamy and rich Alfredo sauce. It’s a much healthier take on the classic, and the Instant Pot melds the flavors together beautifully in just 20 minutes.
5. Instant Pot Pasta Puttanesca by Veggies Save The Day
   A zesty and flavorful pasta dish packed with olives, capers, and tomatoes. This recipe brilliantly cooks the pasta and sauce together, making it a true one-pot wonder with minimal cleanup.
6. Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto by Vegan Huggs
   Achieve perfectly creamy, restaurant-worthy risotto without standing over the stove and stirring endlessly. The pressure cooker infuses the arborio rice with savory mushroom and herb flavor for an elegant and effortless meal.
7. Lots O’ Veggies Bolognese by Healthy Slow Cooking
   This hearty bolognese is packed with so many vegetables, you won’t miss the meat. The Instant Pot tenderizes the veggies and melds the flavors into a rich, robust sauce that’s perfect over your favorite pasta.
8. Instant Pot Pulled BBQ Jackfruit by Nora Cooks
   Young green jackfruit has a texture remarkably similar to pulled pork, and this recipe uses the Instant Pot to infuse it with smoky BBQ flavor. Pile it on a bun with some coleslaw for an epic sandwich.
9. Smoky Lentil Sloppy Joes by Delightful Adventures
   A fantastic plant-based twist on a nostalgic classic. The lentils are cooked to perfection in a sweet and smoky sauce, creating a satisfyingly “meaty” texture that’s both healthy and delicious.
10. Instant Pot Vegan Jackfruit with Potato Curry by Healthier Steps
    This Jamaican-inspired curry is a flavor powerhouse. The jackfruit and potatoes become melt-in-your-mouth tender in a fragrant coconut-based curry sauce, showing off the Instant Pot’s strength with global cuisines.

Comforting Soups and Hearty Stews

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup or stew to soothe the soul. The Instant Pot is a master at this, extracting every bit of flavor from vegetables and legumes to create dishes that taste like they’ve been simmering on the stove all day. These recipes are perfect for batch cooking and enjoying all week long.

11. Instant Pot Black Bean Soup by From My Bowl
    A simple yet incredibly flavorful soup that’s both budget-friendly and packed with protein. The pressure cooker breaks down the beans into a creamy, satisfying texture. Top with avocado and cilantro for a fresh finish.
12. Simple Instant Pot Vegan Black Bean Chili by Kitchen Treaty
    This no-fuss chili is a weeknight lifesaver. It uses common pantry staples to create a rich and smoky chili that’s perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a classic for a reason.
13. Instant Pot Lentil Soup by Yummy Mummy
    Every cook needs a go-to lentil soup recipe, and this is a fantastic one. It’s nourishing, hearty, and comes together effortlessly. The Instant Pot ensures the lentils are perfectly cooked and tender every time.
14. Vegan Carrot Ginger Soup by Vegan Huggs
    A bright, vibrant, and detoxifying soup. The sweetness of the carrots is perfectly balanced by the spicy warmth of fresh ginger. The Instant Pot makes the vegetables incredibly soft, so it blends into a silky-smooth puree.
15. Vegan Black Eyed Peas Curry by Vegan Gastronomy
    Also known as ‘Lobia,’ this is a beautifully spiced curry that’s both healthy and deeply comforting. It’s a wonderful way to explore new flavors and see how well the Instant Pot handles different types of legumes.
16. Vegan Potato Leek Soup by Nora Cooks
    A classic and elegant soup that’s surprisingly simple to make. The Instant Pot softens the potatoes and leeks to perfection, creating a creamy and velvety base without needing a lot of heavy cream.
17. Creamy and Hearty Vegan White Chili by Nora Cooks
    A fantastic alternative to traditional red chili. This version uses white beans in a creamy, savory broth with a gentle, warming spice. It’s a unique and satisfying meal that will surprise you.

Effortless Sides, Appetizers, and More

Quick, flavorful, and versatile—these side dishes and appetizers are the perfect accompaniments to any meal or the star of the show at your next get-together. See how the Instant Pot can handle everything from grains and beans to savory bites and even sweet treats.

18. Instant Pot BBQ “Meatballs” by Fried Dandelions
    These vegan meatballs are a crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties or game day. The Instant Pot not only cooks them but also keeps them warm in a delicious BBQ sauce until you’re ready to serve.
19. Cilantro Lime Quinoa by Veggies Save The Day
    Elevate your quinoa game with this zesty and fresh recipe. Cooking quinoa in the Instant Pot is foolproof, resulting in perfectly fluffy grains every single time. This is a fantastic base for grain bowls or a side for any main.
20. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Fried Onions & Vegan “Bacon” Bits by Fried Dandelions
    Let’s clear this up: the original recipe uses delicious, smoky vegan bacon bits! This recipe is a game-changer for mashed potatoes. No boiling or draining required; just perfectly fluffy potatoes ready to be mashed with savory toppings.
21. Instant Pot Refried Black Beans by Crave Veggies
    Say goodbye to the canned version forever. Homemade refried beans are on another level of deliciousness, and the Instant Pot makes the process almost entirely hands-off. They’re creamier, more flavorful, and much healthier.
22. Vegan Baked Beans by A Virtual Vegan
    Sweet, smoky, and savory, these baked beans are the perfect side dish for any barbecue or potluck. The pressure cooker infuses the beans with incredible flavor in a fraction of the time of oven-baking.
23. Instant Pot Berry Jam by Real Food Real Deals
    Yes, you can even make jam in your Instant Pot! This recipe is a fantastic way to preserve fresh berries without any added pectin. It’s incredibly simple and a great way to show off the appliance’s surprising versatility. The Instant Pot’s versatility with sweets doesn’t stop at jam; for a decadent baked dessert, this vegan salted caramel skillet cookie is a guaranteed hit.

Your Questions Answered: A Beginner’s FAQ

As you begin your Instant Pot journey, a few questions are bound to pop up. Here are answers to some of the most common queries we see from new users, including one straight from the original article’s comments section.

1. How do I avoid the “BURN” notice?
   This is the most common fear for new users! As publications like America’s Test Kitchen explain, the “BURN” or “Ovht” error means the pot has become too hot, usually because there isn’t enough thin liquid to create steam or something thick is stuck to the bottom.
   • Solution: First, always ensure you have at least the minimum amount of thin liquid required by your model (e.g., water, vegetable broth). Second, after using the ‘Sauté’ function, always deglaze the pot by scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Finally, as mentioned in our tips section, layer thick ingredients like tomato paste or creamy sauces on top of other ingredients, and do not stir them in before cooking.
2. A reader asked: “If I cut the recipes in half, do I still use the same amount of water or liquid?”
   This is an excellent question! When you halve a recipe’s ingredients, you should also halve the liquid. However, you must always ensure the amount of liquid still meets your Instant Pot’s minimum requirement (typically 1 to 1.5 cups for a 6-quart model). If halving the liquid takes you below this minimum, you’ll need to add just enough water or broth to reach that line.
3. Do I need to adjust the cooking time if I halve a recipe?
   Generally, no. As The Kitchn confirms, the cooking time in a pressure cooker is determined by the time it takes to cook the densest single ingredient (like a chunk of potato or a bean), not the total volume in the pot. The pot will simply take less time to come to pressure with fewer ingredients. Keep the cooking time the same as the original recipe states.
4. What’s the difference between Natural Release and Quick Release?
   • Natural Pressure Release (NPR): This means you do nothing when the cooking cycle ends. You let the pot cool down on its own, and the pressure will slowly dissipate. This can take 10-30 minutes. It’s best for foods that could break apart easily (like beans) or for starchy items that can foam and clog the valve (like pasta or oatmeal).
   • Quick Release (QR): This means you manually turn the steam release valve from ‘Sealing’ to ‘Venting’ as soon as the cooking is done. Use an oven mitt and keep your hand to the side to avoid the hot steam. This method is used to prevent delicate foods, like vegetables, from overcooking. Always follow the recipe’s instructions on which release method to use.

Conclusion

Your Instant Pot is more than just an appliance; it’s a gateway to a world of vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly efficient vegetarian cooking. We’ve walked through everything from mastering the basic functions to creating stunning main courses, comforting soups, and crowd-pleasing sides.

The journey to delicious, plant-based meals is now faster and simpler than ever. Don’t let your Instant Pot gather dust.

Pick one recipe from this list that sparks your curiosity, grab your ingredients, and get cooking. You’ll be amazed at what you can create with the press of a button.

Which of these recipes are you most excited to try first? Share your pick in the comments below!