If you’re a busy parent looking for a way to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for your kids, kid friendly Instant Pot recipes are your new best friend. The Instant Pot’s versatility makes it the perfect kitchen appliance for preparing nutritious, delicious meals in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional cooking methods.
Whether you’re trying to get a picky eater to try new foods or you need quick and easy meals for the whole family, these recipes will help you create meals your kids will love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best kid friendly Instant Pot recipes that will keep your kids satisfied, fed, and coming back for more.
From hearty stews and creamy pastas to breakfast options and even desserts, there’s something for every taste and preference. So, let’s dive into these fun, easy, and family-friendly recipes!
Why Choose Kid Friendly Instant Pot Recipes?
Before we jump into the recipes, it’s important to understand why kid friendly Instant Pot recipes are such a great option for busy families. Here are a few key reasons why the Instant Pot is perfect for making meals that kids will love:
1. Quick Cooking Time
Kids are often hungry and impatient, so kid friendly Instant Pot recipes can help you get food on the table faster than traditional cooking methods. The pressure cooking function allows meals to cook in a fraction of the time, whether you’re preparing pasta, stew, or chicken. This means less waiting and more eating!
2. Hands-Off Cooking
One of the biggest benefits of using an Instant Pot for kid friendly Instant Pot recipes is that it’s a largely hands-off cooking method. You can set the Instant Pot and walk away, allowing you to spend time doing other things like helping with homework, cleaning, or just relaxing.
3. Healthier Meals
The Instant Pot helps preserve nutrients in food, which is perfect for creating healthy kid friendly Instant Pot recipes. You can cook everything from vegetables to chicken in a way that retains their nutrients, ensuring your kids are getting the most out of their meals.
4. Customization
Picky eaters? No problem! The Instant Pot allows for easy customization of recipes, making it simple to adjust flavors and ingredients to suit your child’s tastes. You can even sneak in some healthy vegetables they might not normally eat.
Best Kid Friendly Instant Pot Recipes
Now, let’s dive into some of the best kid friendly Instant Pot recipes that will make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for your family.
1. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
One of the all-time favorite kid-friendly meals, mac and cheese is a comfort food classic. Making kid friendly Instant Pot recipes like mac and cheese ensures a creamy, cheesy dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add the macaroni and water to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick-release the pressure once the timer is up.
- Stir in the butter, milk, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot and enjoy this easy and delicious kid friendly Instant Pot recipe.
2. Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
Chicken and rice is a comforting meal that can be made in a snap with the Instant Pot. This kid friendly Instant Pot recipe is simple, healthy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 cup rice (white or brown)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear them on both sides for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the rice and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and shred the chicken before serving.
- Serve the chicken and rice as a hearty meal your kids will love.
3. Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is another meal that kids absolutely adore. With the Instant Pot, you can have this classic dish on the table in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 lb spaghetti
- 3 cups water
Instructions:
- Mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasoning together. Form into small meatballs.
- Add the marinara sauce to the Instant Pot, followed by the meatballs.
- Break the spaghetti in half and add it on top of the meatballs.
- Pour the water over the spaghetti, ensuring it’s mostly covered.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and serve the meatballs and spaghetti with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
4. Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders are a kid favorite, and this kid friendly Instant Pot recipe makes them easy to prepare without deep frying. Tender, juicy chicken tenders that your kids will love!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten egg, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside.
- Place the chicken tenders on the trivet and close the lid.
- Set the valve to sealing and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and serve these crispy, tender chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce.
5. Instant Pot Applesauce
If you’re looking for a healthy snack or side dish, homemade applesauce is a great option. This kid friendly Instant Pot recipe is simple, nutritious, and perfect for kids of all ages.
Ingredients:
- 6 apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- Add the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth.
- Stir in maple syrup if desired, then serve as a sweet, homemade treat.
6. Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and this kid friendly Instant Pot recipe makes it easy to whip up a delicious, satisfying casserole in no time.
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup cooked sausage
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooked sausage, bell peppers, and shredded cheese to the mixture.
- Pour the egg mixture into a greased Instant Pot insert.
- Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure and serve the casserole as a breakfast that your kids will love.
Tips for Making Kid Friendly Instant Pot Recipes
To make your kid friendly Instant Pot recipes even more enjoyable, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Incorporate Veggies
Sneak in some extra veggies where you can! For example, blend carrots, spinach, or zucchini into your sauces or casseroles to add some extra nutrients without your kids noticing.
2. Use Fun Shapes
Kids love food that’s fun to eat, so consider using fun-shaped pasta or cutting vegetables into fun shapes to make the meal more exciting.
3. Customize Ingredients
You can easily modify kid friendly Instant Pot recipes to suit your child’s preferences. If they don’t like a certain vegetable, leave it out or swap it for something else they enjoy.
4. Get Them Involved
Kids love being part of the cooking process. Let them help with measuring ingredients or stirring the pot (under supervision), which can make them more excited to eat what they’ve helped create.
Conclusion
Kid friendly Instant Pot recipes are the perfect solution for busy parents who want to get quick, nutritious meals on the table without the stress. Whether you’re making mac and cheese, chicken and rice, or a healthy homemade applesauce, the Instant Pot offers a convenient way to create meals that kids will enjoy.
With these easy-to-follow recipes, mealtime can be both enjoyable and hassle-free, allowing you to spend more time with your family and less time in the kitchen.
Try out these kid friendly Instant Pot recipes today and see how the Instant Pot can revolutionize your family’s mealtime routine!
