20+ Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes (2024)

If you’re looking for easy, delicious Whole30 Instant Pot recipes, you’re in the right place!

Read on for a collection of vegetarian, chicken, soup, chili, and dump-and-go Whole30 Instant Pot recipes.

20+ Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes (1)

We love easy instant pot recipes around here…and for good reason!

They’re such a time saver on busy weeks and make eating lots of nutrient dense, healthy, real food ingredients even easier.

Like our favorite whole30 slow cooker meals and paleo crockpot recipes, these well-loved dishes are all simple enough to throw together, set a timer, and just walk away.

Before you know it you’ll have a tasty dinner ready!

It’ll be our little secret that you only needed a few minutes of hands-on prep and a simple ingredient list to make it happen.

easy whole30 pressure cooker recipes

If you’re new to instant pot cooking, don’t worry – these are all very beginner friendly dinners.

Even though they cook for a shorter time in the pressure cooker, they’re every bit as delicious as a slow cooked recipe.

The instant pot just has this beautiful way of sealing in and intensifying all the flavors.

It’s an especially great option if you have trouble with (or aren’t as comfortable with) cooking meat, since it also seals in all the moisture and helps you get tender meat every time!

Note: Some of the recipes may say “crockpot” or “slow cooker” in the title, but the recipe cards contain instant pot instructions too!

table of contents

To keep prep and clean up easy & fuss-free, these healthy recipes are made with few ingredients.

Click on each category below to go straight to that section:

vegetarian

chicken

dump recipe

soups

chili

main dishes

how freeze and store leftovers

All of these recipes will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, in a sealed container.

Many of these recipes also freeze well, store in a sealedfreezer friendly containerfor up to 2-3 months.

these recipes are all…

Dairy FreeGluten FreeNut FreeWhole30

I hope you’ll make these easy pressure cooker recipes soon.

If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at@realfoodwholelifeso I can see!

For each recipe, be sure to read the notes section, as sometimes you may need to omit or swap an ingredient to ensure the final result is Whole30 compliant.

vegetarian whole30 recipes

5 stars (8 ratings)

Easy Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup

Creamy and warming, pumpkin and sweet potato soup is an easy, healthy, vegan soup that can be made with canned pumpkin on the stovetop or in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.

Ingredients: sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree, chipotle peppers, vegetable broth, coconut milk or cream, pumpkin pie spice, olive oil, onion, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup and salt.

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4.34 stars (3 ratings)

One-Minute Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs

One-Minute Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs is the simplest, best method to achieve perfect hard boiled eggs in the Instant Pot, every time.

Ingredients: eggs and water.

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5 stars (1 rating)

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup (paleo, whole30, dairy-free, vegan)

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup comes together in a matter of minutes and is creamy, dreamy, sweet and savory. Say hello to your new favorite paleo, whole30, vegan soup recipe!

Ingredients: cashews, olive oil, onion, garlic cloves, diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, stock, and salt.

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5 stars (7 ratings)

Instant Pot Golden Glow Butternut Squash Soup

Instant Pot Golden Glow Butternut Squash Soup is a super simple, easy fall recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, paleo and whole30 friendly.

Ingredients: butternut squash, stock, coconut milk, onion, carrot, apple, garlic, turmeric and other spices

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5 stars (2 ratings)

Instant Pot Creamy Pumpkin Tuscan Soup

Instant Pot Creamy Pumpkin Tuscan Soup is insanely easy and totally delectable. This warming, nourishing fall recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.

Ingredients: canned pumpkin puree, sweet potato, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, vegetable stock (or chicken stock), cinnamon, coconut milk

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whole30 chicken instant pot recipes

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Instant Pot Whole Chicken

This Instant Pot Whole Chicken is the easiest way to get a chicken dinner on the table. You won't believe how juicy, flavorful and easy this 5-ingredient recipe is

Ingredients:whole chicken, onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chicken stock and salt.

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5 stars (6 ratings)

Instant Pot Peach Chicken & Basil

Full of fresh summer flavors and ready in a matter of minutes, Instant Pot Peach Chicken & Basil is just the thing for a healthy, simple dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), peaches, chicken stock, olive oil, onion, balsamic vinegar, garlic, fresh basil and salt.

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4.92 stars (12 ratings)

Instant Pot Chicken, Apples & Cabbage

Instant Pot Chicken, Apples & Cabbage is a super simple one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor, but with little prep or fuss. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe. Also includes slow cooker and stovetop instructions!

Ingredients: chicken, onion, apples, cabbage, garlic powder, apple cider, apple cider vinegar and other seasonings

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5 stars (7 ratings)

Instant Pot 5-Ingredient Enchilada Chicken

This 5-Ingredient Enchilada Chicken is one of my favorite easy instant pot dinner recipes (perfect for beginners!)

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), tomato sauce, water, onions, cumin, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder and salt.

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dump & go whole30 recipes

4.84 stars (6 ratings)

3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes

The easiest, most delicious, crazy simple recipe, 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Stuffed Potatoes is your new go-to for weeknight cooking.Everything cooks at once, so dinner’s done in minutes! Gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, paleo, and Whole30 friendly.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), salsa, Russet potatoes and salt.

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4.97 stars (26 ratings)

Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew (Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stove Top)

Sausage, Cabbage & Sweet Potato Stew is a super-simple, ultra comforting one-pot meal that comes together in a matter of minutes. A cozy, delicious gluten-free, dairy-free, whole30 recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot, Crockpot or stove top.

Ingredients: polish beef sausage, stock, sweet potato, purple cabbage, onion, apple cider vinegar

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4.96 stars (23 ratings)

Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)

Packed with chicken and vegetables, Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)is made with real food ingredients and tastes amazing!

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrots, celery, onion, frozen peas, coconut milk, bay leaf and other seasonings

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whole30 instant pot chili

5 stars (5 ratings)

Instant Pot Turkey Paleo Pumpkin Chili

Instant Pot Turkey Paleo Pumpkin Chili is a simple, healthy one-pot meal that can be prepared in a matter of minutes. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.

Ingredients: ground turkey, pumpkin puree, chicken stock, tomato sauce, bell pepper, onion, cumin and other spices

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whole30 instant pot soups

5 stars (24 ratings)

Crockpot Turkey Soup

Made with carrots, celery, onions and potatoes, this comforting crockpot turkey soup is so easy to prepare. The perfect way to stretch leftover turkey meat into extra meals. Also has instructions for stovetop and the Instant Pot!

Ingredients: cooked turkey, chicken stock, onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning and salt

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4.95 stars (60 ratings)

Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder (Crockpot, Instant Pot, Stovetop!)

Light, healthy, and bursting with flavor this Sunshine Lemon Chicken Chowder makes for an easy weeknight dinner or for anytime. Can easily be made in the slow cooker, Instant Pot, or stovetop.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), baby potatoes, celery, cauliflower, onion, chicken stock, coconut milk (or cream), lemon juice, turmeric and other seasonings

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5 stars (15 ratings)

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup

Crockpot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot meal that’s packed with the good stuff. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe your family will love.

Ingredients: ground turkey (or ground beef), onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, stock, spinach, Italian seasoning and other spices

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5 stars (22 ratings)

Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew (with Vegetarian Option)

Packed with protein and veggies, this hearty Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Stew is easy to throw together and makes the perfect one-pot meal. Includes directions for making in your pressure cooker or Instant Pot!

Ingredients: chicken breast (or thigh), stock, potatoes, carrot, celery, onion, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder and other seasonings

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4.95 stars (20 ratings)

Nourishing Instant Pot Turmeric Chicken Soup

This homemade chicken soup can be made using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, depending on what you prefer! Either way, it comes out comforting, healthy, and so delicious. It is packed full of veggies and shredded chicken with a warming turmeric broth.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or thighs), chicken stock, carrot, celery, onion, turmeric, olive oil and seasonings

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5 stars (5 ratings)

Easy Instant Pot Beef Minestrone Soup

This quick and easy homemade minestrone soup is made in the Instant Pot and packed full of vegetables and ground beef. No beans or pasta noodles included!

Ingredients: ground beef, onion, carrot, zucchini, green beans, kale, sweet potato, stock, diced tomatoes, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning and other spices.

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5 stars (3 ratings)

Instant Pot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup

Super fresh and packed with flavor, Instant Pot Loaded Mexican Chicken Soup in a one-pot dinner you’ll want to make again and again. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe.

Ingredients: chicken breasts (or chicken thighs), tomato sauce, zucchini, chicken stock, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, onion, garlic powder, cumin, mild chili powder, olive oil andsalt.

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instant pot whole30 main dishes

5 stars (3 ratings)

Easy Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

These Easy Instant Pot Turkey Tacos combine ground turkey meat with tomato sauce and simple spices for an easy prep taco filling. Make tonight taco night!

Ingredients: ground turkey, chicken stock, tomato paste, olive oil, mild chili powder and other spices

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No ratings yet

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash & Short-Cut Bolognese

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash & Short-Cut Bolognese is a one-pot wonder, since the meat sauce and spaghetti squash cook together for a simple, delicious meal with minimal clean up. A gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30 recipe the whole family will love.

Ingredients: ground beef, pastured ground pork, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, tomato sauce, spaghetti squash, olive oil and salt.

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20+ Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes (24)

No ratings yet

20+ Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes: Turkey Meatball Soup

Servings: 8

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 45 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr

Instant Pot Mini Turkey Meatball Vegetable Soup is hearty one-pot dinner that’s packed with the good stuff. Plus 20+ more whole30 instant pot recipes the whole family will love!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • ½ cup grated onion, from about 1 medium yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast*
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoons granulated garlic powder
  • cup almond flour or oat flour
  • 2 pounds ground dark meat turkey or ground beef, grass-fed if possible

For the Soup

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cups chopped carrots
  • 2 cups chopped celery
  • 2 cups chopped zucchini
  • 1 15-oz can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon salt-free Italian seasoning
  • 1-2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 cups baby spinach
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • For serving: extra virgin olive oil, fresh chopped rosemary

Instructions

  • Make the meatballs by combining the grated onion, nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, flour, and turkey in a medium bowl. Stir until well combined, being careful not to over-mix. Form into meatballs, about 1 teaspoon each.

  • Add the onion, carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, and salt to a 6-quart slow cooker, stirring to combine.

  • Add the meatballs, pressing gently to submerge in the liquid. Cover and cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8, or until the vegetables and meatballs are cooked through.

  • Uncover, add the spinach, and cook on high for 5 more minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Add the lemon juice, stirring to combine. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

  • Serve with a sprinkle of fresh rosemary and healthy drizzle of olive oil.

Stovetop Variation

  • Make the meatballs per step 1 above.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pinch of salt and cook until soft, about 5-8 minutes.

  • Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, and salt, stirring to combine.

  • Add the meatballs, cover, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer covered, for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables and meatballs are cooked through.

  • Proceed with steps 4-5 above.

Instant Pot Variation

  • Make the meatballs per step 1 above.

  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an electric pressure cooker set to saute for 8 minutes. Add the onion and pinch of salt and cook until soft.

  • Add the carrots, celery, zucchini, diced tomatoes, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt and meatballs.

  • Secure the lid, select the manual setting, and set it to high pressure for 10 minutes. When the pressure cooker timer is done, quick release the pressure.

  • Proceed with step 4 and 5. The spinach should wilt from the heat without adding any additional cook time.

Notes

Keep in mind for the instant pot variation: it will take about 18-25 minutes for the pressure cooker to come to pressure before the 10 minutes of pressurized cooking time.

*Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without containing any dairy. Find it on the bulk aisle of your natural foods store, or in the baking section. It adds an essential “cheesy” flavor to the recipe, which makes a difference in the overall flavor. If you can’t find it or don’t want to use it, the meatballs won’t be quite as flavorful but the soup will still be tasty.

Make your own oat flour for this recipe by placing ⅓ cups whole rolled oats in a blender and blending until a coarse flour forms. You can purchase pre-made oat flour at many grocery stores and natural food markets or online. If you are gluten-free be sure to buy oats that are specifically labeled gluten-free.

For a totally different vegetarian twist, substitute 2 cans of drained and rinsed chickpeas for the meatballs.

Deconstruct the soup for resistant eaters by serving the meatballs, veggies and broth separately.

Add crusty bread on the side for people who need a little something extra.

Ground turkey or ground beef work well for the meatballs.

Author: Robyn Conley Downs

Course: Soup

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 265kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 84mg, Sodium: 753mg, Potassium: 780mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 7025IU, Vitamin C: 21mg, Calcium: 98mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition disclaimer

Did you make this recipe?If you do, be sure to share it on Instagram and tag me at @realfoodwholelife so I can see!

This post contains affiliate links.

20+ Whole30 Instant Pot Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What foods should not be cooked in an instant pot? ›

In fact, there are a handful of foods that just shouldn't be pressure-cooked. Among them are dairy and fried foods, as well as burgers and steaks.

Is there anything you can't cook in an instant pot? ›

In general, seafood such as fish, oysters, shrimp, muscles and clams are just too delicate for pressure cooking and slow cooking modes. They are foods that are meant to be cooked quickly at just the right temperature, which is hard to do with an Instant Pot.

Can you make everything in an Instant Pot? ›

In general, Instant Pots do so much more than just pressure cooking and can be used as a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer yogurt maker, sauté pan, and a meal warmer.

Does size of instant pot affect cooking time? ›

Also remember with a larger pot it takes longer to reach pressure. This means the food will be cooking for a longer amount of time. Depending on the type of food you may want to subtract time from the cooking time.

Why potatoes should not be cooked in pressure cooker? ›

Mostly we boil potatoes in a pressure cooker, but like rice, potatoes also contain a lot of starch. This is the reason why boiling or cooking in this pressure cooker is not considered good for health. If you still plan to use cooker for the same, add a lot of water and wash them thoroughly post cooking.

Does Instant Pot destroy nutrients? ›

No, in fact foods cooked in a pressure cooker retain more of their nutrients. The best way to destroy nutrients is to cook your food in an open pot of boiling water.

Is Instant Pot Safer Than pressure cooker? ›

With stovetop cookers there's still a small risk of pushing the pressure too high and blowing the thing up, but the Instant Pot doesn't have that danger. And it also has different pressure modes, so you can set it at low pressure for things like soup and high pressure when you're in a hurry.

Does coconut milk curdle in pressure cooker? ›

There is a whole lot of science to explain what makes coconut milk and dairy milk products curdle, but basically the sauce will break when it cooks too hot and too rapidly, so this can be especially troublesome when using a pressure cooker.

What happens to milk in pressure cooker? ›

If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. The high heat and pressure can cause milk and cheese to curdle, separate or clump together.

Why did Instapot go out of business? ›

“In particular, tightening of credit terms and higher interest rates impacted our liquidity levels and made our capital structure unsustainable,” Mr. Gadbois said. Instant Brands said in a statement on Wednesday that the new financing would allow the company to continue paying workers, vendors and suppliers.

How long do Instant Pots last? ›

The average lifespan of an Instant Pot ranges from 2-5 years, but it can last longer depending on how often it's used and how well-maintained it is. So it's safe to say Instant Pots aren't commonly being replaced, and may even be a one-time purchase.

What Instant Pot is on recall? ›

The recall was announced on March 1, 2018 for the “Instant Pot Gem 65 8-in-1 Multicookers” after at least 107 reports involving overheating, including 5 incidents that caused property damage. The problem is caused by a manufacturing defect that allows that cooker to overheat and melt on the underside of the unit.

Can Instant Pot overcook meat? ›

Be sure to follow instructions carefully; at this speed, it's easy to overcook things in mere minutes. You may find that flavors aren't as fully developed as when tough meat simmers in a slow braise But you do save a lot of time.

What size Instant Pot are most recipes for? ›

Benefits of a 6-quart Instant Pot: The 6-quart (and new 6.5-quart variation) Instant Pot is the most popular size for home cooks, as most recipes are written for that size. Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people.

What is the best meat to cook in a pressure cooker? ›

You can still pressure cook leaner pieces – like eye of round and top sirloin – but these work best if they've been stuffed, shredded or rolled (with other ingredients). Best cuts of beef to use: Chuck steak, Round Roast, Shoulder, Pot roast, Ribs, Brisket, Oxtail.

What causes food burn in Instant Pot? ›

Lai says the most common cause for a burn notification is not adding enough liquid to the pot or using thick ingredients like a thick tomato sauce. "If you sauté prior to pressure cooking and you do not properly deglaze the bottom of the pot, food stuck to the bottom can cause the burn notification," says Lai.

Do Instapots make meat tender? ›

The pressure cooker can tenderize the most stubborn cut of meat and turn tough chewy fibers into gelatin, but a few wrong moves can turn meat into a shriveled tasteless lump. Here are my do's and don'ts for getting the most flavor out of your pressure cooked meat. DO brown or broil it.

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