30 Best Whole 30 Recipes for Instant Pot: Quick and Delicious Meals

30 Best Whole 30 Recipes for Instant Pot: Quick and Delicious Meals

The Whole30 diet has taken the wellness world by storm, and with good reason! This elimination diet focuses on real food, cutting out added sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, and alcohol for 30 days. While incredibly beneficial for resetting your health, identifying food sensitivities, and breaking unhealthy cravings, it can seem daunting at first. But fear not! The Instant Pot is here to revolutionize your Whole30 journey, making it easier and more delicious than ever. This magical pressure cooker not only cuts down on cook time significantly but also makes meal prep a breeze.

This article is your comprehensive guide to 30 of the best Whole30 Instant Pot recipes, covering everything from quick weeknight meals to impressive weekend feasts. We’ll provide detailed instructions, helpful tips, and mouthwatering descriptions to ensure your Whole30 experience is a resounding success. Let’s dive in and explore these delicious recipes that feature tender chicken, ground beef, and more. From chicken breasts to cauliflower rice, these Whole30 Instant Pot recipes will become your favorite recipes for meal planning and family dinners. Embrace the magic of the Instant Pot and enjoy a delicious meal every time!

Why Use an Instant Pot for Whole30?

1. Saves Time: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking times, making Whole30 Instant Pot recipes perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken breasts, for example, cook in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods, ensuring a quick weeknight meal!
2. Easy Cleanup: Most recipes are one-pot wonders, minimizing dishwashing and maximizing your free time. This makes meal prep and planning a breeze, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle.
3. Versatility: From chicken to ground beef to veggies, the Instant Pot handles it all with ease. You can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and even sauté, all in one appliance. It’s perfect for creating everything from cauliflower rice to tender chicken thighs, making it an essential tool for your Whole30 journey. The Instant Pot makes cooking a variety of dishes super easy, keeping your meal planning exciting and full of flavor.

Breakfast

Instant Pot Egg Bites: These protein-packed bites are perfect for breakfast on the go. Simply whisk together eggs, coconut milk, and your favorite seasonings, then pour the mixture into silicone molds. Pressure cook for a few minutes, and voilà! You have a grab-and-go breakfast that will keep you full and energized all morning. These bites are not only delicious but also dairy free and gluten free, making them ideal for your Whole30 instant pot journey.

• Tip: Customize them with spinach and feta, bacon, or Gruyere.

Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole: Load it up with veggies, sausage, and coconut milk for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Sauté your vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add in ground meat, spices, and eggs. Pressure cook until set, and you have a delicious casserole that the whole family will love. This dish is a family favorite and a great way to start your day with a real food meal.

• Tip: Try adding sweet potatoes, peppers, and onions for a Southwest-inspired casserole.

Instant Pot Sweet Potato Hash: A savory start to your day with crispy sweet potatoes and your favorite Whole30 compliant protein. Simply cube sweet potatoes and cook them in the Instant Pot with onions, peppers, and your choice of protein (bacon, sausage, or ground beef). Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for a delicious meal. This is a quick weeknight meal that can also be enjoyed for breakfast.

• Tip: For crispier potatoes, sauté them in the Instant Pot before adding the other ingredients.

Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples: A sweet and simple breakfast with apples, cinnamon, and a touch of coconut oil. Core and chop apples, then place them in the Instant Pot with a little water, cinnamon, and coconut oil. Pressure cook until tender, then mash or serve as is. This is a delicious meal that is both dairy free and gluten free.

• Tip: Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or cloves for extra flavor.

Instant Pot Breakfast Sausage: Make your own Whole30 compliant breakfast sausage in the Instant Pot! Combine ground pork, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and brown in the Instant Pot. Add a little water and pressure cook until cooked through. This is a great recipe for meal prep and planning.

• Tip: Use a combination of ground pork and ground chicken for a leaner sausage.

Soups & Stews

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla-less Soup: All the flavor of your favorite soup without the tortillas! This soup is packed with chicken, vegetables, and spices. Pressure cook until the chicken is tender, then shred and return to the pot. Top with avocado, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes. Absolutely delicious and perfect for a quick weeknight meal!

• Tip: Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tender chicken.

Instant Pot Beef Stew: This classic comfort food gets a speedy makeover in the Instant Pot. Use a good quality beef chuck for tender chicken-like texture. Brown the beef in the Instant Pot, then add in carrots, potatoes, onions, and beef broth. Pressure cook until the beef is fall-apart tender, then thicken the stew with tapioca starch.

• Tip: Add a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor and a delicious meal.

Instant Pot Creamy Tomato Soup: Dairy-free and decadent, thanks to the magic of coconut milk. Sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and coconut milk. Pressure cook until the flavors meld, then blend until smooth.

• Tip: Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a gluten-free treat.

Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana: A Whole30 twist on the classic Italian soup, with sausage and kale. Brown Italian sausage in the Instant Pot, then add in diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. Pressure cook until the potatoes are tender, then stir in chopped kale and coconut milk.

• Tip: Use chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option and serve immediately.

Instant Pot French Onion Soup: A comforting and flavorful soup with caramelized onions and beef broth. Caramelize onions in the Instant Pot, then add in beef broth, thyme, and bay leaves. Pressure cook to deepen the flavors, then serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

• Tip: For a richer flavor, use bone broth instead of regular beef broth and enjoy this real food dish.

Poultry

Instant Pot Whole Chicken: Cooking a whole chicken in the Instant Pot results in juicy meat and a flavorful broth, perfect for a delicious meal. Simply season the raw chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, then place it in the Instant Pot with some water or broth. Pressure cook on high pressure until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, then let the pressure release naturally for the most tender chicken. Serve immediately for a family favorite dinner.

• Tip: For crispy skin, broil or pan-fry the chicken after pressure cooking. This method ensures a delicious meal every time.

Instant Pot Chicken Curry: From Thai green curry to Indian butter chicken, explore a world of flavor with chicken thighs or skinless chicken breasts. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot, then add in your curry paste, coconut milk, and chicken. Pressure cook until the chicken is cooked through, then serve over cauliflower rice for a low carb meal with so much flavor.

• Tip: Add your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, or frozen peas, to the curry for a more nutritious dish.

Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli: A quick weeknight meal with endless variations. Sauté chicken breasts and broccoli in the Instant Pot, then add in your favorite sauce. Try a simple garlic and ginger sauce, or get creative with coconut aminos and spices for a dish that’s dairy free and gluten free.

• Tip: Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash for a complete meal that’s both delicious and healthy.

Instant Pot Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs: A simple and flavorful dish with tender chicken thighs. Season chicken thighs with lemon zest, garlic, herbs (like rosemary and thyme), salt, and pepper. Pressure cook with a little chicken broth until the chicken is cooked through for a delightful meal.

• Tip: Add sliced lemons to the pot for extra flavor and garnish with fresh cilantro for an absolutely delicious touch.

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas: A fun and festive meal with sizzling chicken and vegetables. Sauté sliced onions and peppers in the Instant Pot, then add in sliced chicken breasts and fajita seasoning. Pressure cook until the chicken is cooked through, then serve with your favorite Whole30 compliant toppings for a real food feast.

• Tip: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low carb alternative that fits perfectly into your Whole30 meal planning.

Beef & Pork

Instant Pot Pot Roast: This classic dish is a Sunday dinner staple. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time. Sear the beef on all sides in the Instant Pot, then add in onions, carrots, and beef broth. Pressure cook until the beef is fall-apart tender, then make a gravy with the cooking liquid. This is one of those family favorite recipes that everyone will love.

• Tip: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for extra flavor to this delicious meal.

Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or salads, this pulled pork is incredibly versatile. Season a pork shoulder with your favorite spices, then place it in the Instant Pot with a little liquid. Pressure cook until the pork is shreddable, then shred with two forks and mix with your favorite barbecue sauce (make sure it’s Whole30 compliant!). This is a great recipe for meal prep and planning.

• Tip: Use the cooking liquid to make a delicious sauce for your pulled pork that is absolutely delicious.

Instant Pot Beef Chili: Hearty and satisfying, this chili is a crowd-pleaser. Brown ground beef in the Instant Pot, then add in onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Pressure cook until the flavors meld, then top with your favorite chili toppings. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and a family enjoyed recipe.

• Tip: Make it spicy with jalapeños or chili powder for a real food dish with so much flavor.

Instant Pot Short Ribs: Tender and flavorful short ribs with a rich sauce. Sear short ribs in the Instant Pot, then add in onions, carrots, celery, and beef broth. Pressure cook until the short ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender. Serve this delicious meal over mashed cauliflower for a low carb meal.

• Tip: Serve over mashed cauliflower for a complete meal that is both delicious and healthy.

Instant Pot Meatloaf: A healthier take on meatloaf, made with ground beef and vegetables. Combine ground beef, chopped vegetables (like onions, carrots, and zucchini), eggs, and spices. Form into a loaf and place in the Instant Pot. Pressure cook until cooked through. This is a great recipe for meal planning and a family favorite.

• Tip: Top with a Whole30 compliant tomato sauce for an absolutely delicious meal.

Seafood Recipes

Instant Pot Salmon: Say goodbye to dry, overcooked salmon! The Instant Pot ensures moist and flaky salmon every time. Place salmon fillets on a trivet in the Instant Pot with a little liquid. Pressure cook for just a few minutes, then let the pressure release naturally.

• Tip: Experiment with different flavors by adding lemon slices, garlic, or herbs.

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi: Quick and easy, this shrimp scampi is ready in minutes. Sauté garlic in the Instant Pot, then add in shrimp, white wine, lemon juice, and spices. Pressure cook for just a minute, then serve immediately over zoodles or cauliflower rice for a Whole30 compliant meal.

• Tip: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Instant Pot Fish Curry: Mild and flavorful, this fish curry is a healthy and delicious option. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot, then add in your curry paste, coconut milk, and fish. Pressure cook until the fish is cooked through, then serve with cauliflower rice.

• Tip: Use cod, tilapia, or another mild white fish.

Instant Pot Tuna Salad: A healthy and delicious tuna salad, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combine canned tuna, mayonnaise (make sure it’s Whole30 compliant!), celery, onion, and spices in the Instant Pot. Pressure cookfor just a few minutes to warm through.

• Tip: Serve on lettuce wraps or with sliced cucumbers.

Instant Pot Mussels with White Wine and Garlic: A simple and elegant dish with fresh mussels. Sauté garlic in the Instant Pot, then add in mussels, white wine, and lemon juice. Pressure cook until the mussels open, then discard any that haven’t opened.

• Tip: Serve with a crusty bread (if not on Whole30) for dipping in the broth.

Vegetable and Side Dishes

Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy and flavorful, this mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Steam cauliflower in the Instant Pot, then transfer to a food processor and blend with coconut milk, ghee, and seasonings.

• Tip: Add roasted garlic for extra flavor.

Instant Pot Roasted Vegetables: Easy and versatile, this method allows you to roast a variety of vegetables to perfection. Simply chop your favorite veggies (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, etc.), toss with olive oil and seasonings, and pressure cook until tender.

• Tip: Use the ” sauté” function to brown the vegetables before pressure cooking.

Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash: Simple and healthy, this spaghetti squash is a great base for your favorite Whole30 sauces. Cut the squash in half, place it in the Instant Pot with a little water, and pressure cook until tender. Then, use a fork to shred the squash into spaghetti-like strands.

• Tip: Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or your favorite meat sauce.

Instant Pot Green Beans with Bacon: A classic side dish with crispy bacon and tender green beans. Cook bacon in the Instant Pot until crispy, then remove and set aside. Add green beans to the pot with a little water and pressure cook until tender-crisp. Toss with the bacon before serving.

• Tip: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes: A versatile side dish that can be mashed, roasted, or used in other recipes. Simply place whole sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot with a little water and pressure cook until tender.

• Tip: Use the cooked sweet potatoes to make a delicious sweet potato casserole.

Tips and Tricks

1. Proper Instant Pot usage: Always read your Instant Pot manual before using it for the first time. Familiarize yourself with the different functions and safety features. Understand the difference between quick release and natural pressure release. Additionally, ensure the steam valve is set correctly and avoid overfilling the pot to prevent the dreaded burn signal.
2. Adapting recipes for the Instant Pot: Not all recipes can be directly translated to the Instant Pot. Look for Instant Pot recipes specifically, or consult reliable conversion charts. When adapting, remember that the Instant Pot makes cooking times shorter, so adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking your meals.
3. Common Whole30 substitutions: Learn the common Whole30 substitutions for ingredients like soy sauce (coconut aminos), sugar (dates or fruit), and dairy (coconut milk or almond milk). For thickening sauces or soups, try tapioca starch or arrowroot powder instead of flour.
4. Meal prepping with the Instant Pot: The Instant Pot is a meal prepper’s dream! Double your recipes and store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer for quick and easy meals throughout the week. Use the Instant Pot to batch-cook staples like chicken breasts, ground beef, or cauliflower rice to streamline your meal planning.
5. Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try new spices and herbs in your Instant Pot recipes. Fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, and other seasonings can add so much flavor to your dishes, transforming them into family favorites.
6. Utilize the sauté function: Before pressure cooking, use the sauté function to brown meats or caramelize vegetables. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your dishes, making them absolutely delicious.
7. Freezing and reheating tips: When freezing meals, portion them into individual servings for easy reheating. To reheat, use the Instant Pot’s steam function for a quick and even warm-up, maintaining the dish’s texture and flavor.
8. Maintaining your Instant Pot: Regularly clean the lid, sealing ring, and inner pot to keep your Instant Pot in top condition. Check for any wear and tear, especially on the sealing ring, to ensure it maintains a proper seal during cooking.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll maximize the potential of your Instant Pot, ensuring every meal is a success and making your Whole30 journey more enjoyable.

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen chicken in my Instant Pot recipes?

A: Absolutely! The Instant Pot is perfect for cooking frozen chicken. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. For frozen chicken breasts, add a few extra minutes to the pressure cooking time.

Q: How do I avoid the burn signal on my Instant Pot?

A: To prevent the burn signal, make sure there is enough liquid in the pot before pressure cooking. Avoid thick sauces or ingredients that can settle at the bottom and cause burning. Stirring occasionally and deglazing the pot after sautéing can also help.

Q: Can I double recipes in the Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can double recipes, but be mindful not to exceed the maximum fill line. Doubling the ingredients doesn’t necessarily mean doubling the cooking time. The Instant Pot will take longer to come to pressure, but the actual cooking time remains the same.

Q: What are some common Whole30 substitutes for Instant Pot recipes?

A: Common Whole30 substitutes include using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, coconut milk instead of dairy, and tapioca starch for thickening sauces instead of flour. These alternatives maintain the flavor while keeping the dish Whole30 compliant.

Q: How can I make my Instant Pot meals more flavorful?

A: Experiment with different spices, herbs, and seasonings to enhance the flavor. Fresh cilantro, red pepper flakes, and garlic are great additions. Using the sauté function to brown meats or caramelize vegetables before pressure cooking can also add depth to your dishes.

These FAQs aim to help you navigate your Whole30 Instant Pot journey with ease, ensuring you enjoy every delicious meal along the way!

Conclusion

The Whole30 diet doesn’t have to be restrictive or boring. With the help of your Instant Pot, you can create delicious meals that are both compliant and convenient. From chicken recipes to low carb meals, the possibilities are endless. So, embrace the challenge, experiment with these free recipes, and enjoy the journey to a healthier you!