The Instant Pot has become an indispensable tool in many kitchens, and for good reason. Its versatility allows you to cook a wide range of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and even desserts.
But did you know that the Instant Pot also offers an incredible alternative to traditional Dutch oven cooking? With Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes, you can achieve the same rich, tender results of a slow-cooked Dutch oven dish, but in a fraction of the time.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the most mouthwatering Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes, show you how to create savory and hearty meals in no time, and offer tips for making the most of your Instant Pot.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just getting started, these recipes will help you make the most of your Instant Pot and enjoy comforting meals with less effort.
Why Choose Instant Pot Dutch Oven Recipes?
Before diving into the recipes, you may be wondering: what makes Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes so special? Here are some of the reasons why cooking with your Instant Pot is a great alternative to traditional Dutch oven cooking:
1. Speed and Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes is that they drastically reduce cooking time. Traditional Dutch ovens require long hours of simmering on the stovetop or in the oven, but the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature helps you achieve similar results in a fraction of the time.
For example, a stew that would typically take 3-4 hours in a Dutch oven can be made in just 45 minutes in the Instant Pot.
2. Versatility
The Instant Pot is a multifunctional appliance that combines the capabilities of multiple kitchen tools.
You can sauté, steam, slow cook, and pressure cook all within the same pot, making it an ideal tool for cooking Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes. The ability to brown meat before pressure cooking allows for added depth of flavor in your dishes.
3. Ease of Use
Using an Instant Pot simplifies meal prep. Unlike a traditional Dutch oven, which requires constant attention and stirring, the Instant Pot is a hands-off appliance. You can set the cooking time, walk away, and let the Instant Pot do the rest, freeing up your time to focus on other tasks.
4. Energy Efficient
Instant Pots are more energy-efficient than using a traditional oven or stovetop, as they cook food faster and use less energy. This makes them perfect for preparing Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes during the hotter months when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
Best Instant Pot Dutch Oven Recipes
Now that we’ve covered why Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes are so great, let’s explore some of the best dishes you can make in your Instant Pot that offer the same comforting flavors and textures as Dutch oven cooking.
1. Instant Pot Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Beef stew is a classic Dutch oven recipe that’s easy to make and always satisfying. The Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time while maintaining the hearty flavors of this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil. Brown the beef stew meat on all sides for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic powder and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add the carrots, potatoes, and beef broth to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 35 minutes, and allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Instant Pot Dutch oven beef stew.
2. Instant Pot Dutch Oven Chicken Pot Pie
A rich, creamy chicken pot pie is a staple comfort food. The Instant Pot makes this dish even easier by cooking everything in one pot and cutting down on preparation time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup gluten-free flour (or regular flour)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pre-made gluten-free pie crusts (or regular crust)
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and melt the butter.
- Add the carrots and peas and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly.
- Add the shredded chicken, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Turn off the Instant Pot and layer the pie crust on top of the filling, folding over the edges.
- Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pie from the Instant Pot, cut into slices, and enjoy your Instant Pot Dutch oven chicken pot pie!
3. Instant Pot Dutch Oven Braised Short Ribs
Short ribs are a favorite for Dutch oven cooking because they become incredibly tender when slow-braised. The Instant Pot replicates this slow-cooked flavor in much less time, yielding tender, fall-off-the-bone short ribs.
Ingredients:
- 4 beef short ribs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 teaspoons rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Season the short ribs with salt and pepper and brown them in the Instant Pot for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, red wine (if using), and rosemary.
- Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 45 minutes, and allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Serve the braised short ribs with mashed potatoes or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal.
4. Instant Pot Dutch Oven Chili
Chili is another favorite for Dutch oven cooking, with its rich and spicy flavors that develop over time. The Instant Pot reduces the cooking time, so you can enjoy your chili in under an hour.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and cook the ground meat until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add the beans, diced tomatoes, and broth to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 15 minutes, and allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Serve the chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños.
5. Instant Pot Dutch Oven Pot Roast
Pot roast is a traditional Dutch oven dish that’s perfect for a Sunday dinner. The Instant Pot makes it easier to prepare, with the same tender, flavorful results.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pound chuck roast
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and brown the chuck roast on all sides for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the carrots and potatoes to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid, set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 60 minutes, and allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Slice the pot roast and serve with the vegetables and broth.
Tips for Cooking Instant Pot Dutch Oven Recipes
To make your Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes even better, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use the Sauté Function Wisely: The sauté function on your Instant Pot is perfect for browning meat and vegetables before pressure cooking, which adds depth of flavor to your dish.
- Layer Ingredients Correctly: When cooking in the Instant Pot, it’s important to layer your ingredients with the liquid at the bottom to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with Seasonings: The Instant Pot enhances the flavors of your dishes quickly, so feel free to experiment with herbs and spices to elevate your Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes.
- Natural Pressure Release: For many Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes, allowing a natural pressure release helps retain moisture and ensures the best texture, especially for meats.
Conclusion
From hearty stews to tender roasts, Instant Pot Dutch oven recipes bring the best of both worlds together—speed and flavor. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, the Instant Pot can deliver the rich, comforting flavors of traditional Dutch oven cooking in a fraction of the time.
