We are all live busy lives and need as much help as possible in the kitchen. My Instant Pot pressure cooker is a a huge time saver to help get those delicious recipes turned into actual meals! Everything you need to get started can be found right here including links to my Instant Pot Recipes, must haves, tips and tricks!

A collage image for 60 plus Instant Pot Recipes.

What is an Instant Pot used for?

An Instant Pot is a small kitchen appliance that is a versatile multi-cooker that can do the job of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. 99% of the recipes you will find on Cooking with Curls will use the pressure cooker/manual function.

You can adjust your pressure cooker to cook on high or low pressure, or choose specific pressure setting like poultry or meat/stew if you wish, but I like to keep things simple!!

I also use the sauté function A LOT to brown meats and to sauté onions and garlic.

Some models include a yogurt, cake or egg functions, but most recipes can be made without those specific buttons.

All recipes on this site have been made with a DUO60 6-Quart 7-in 1 model. I have two and they are both 4 years old. I have not personally tested these recipes in a a 3 quart or 8 quart Instant Pot.

**Caution -The newer models (they changed in 2018) as well as the 8 quart models tend to cook hotter than the original versions. If you receive a BURN notice that is most likely the cause.

  • Saute in a separate pan, or allow your pressure cooker to cool completely before continuing with the recipe.
  • Check your specific cooker’s instruction manual to make sure you have included enough liquid.
  • If possible, use the pot-in-pot method to prepare your recipe so your food does not touch the bottom.

What is the best size of Instant Pot to buy?

That is going to depend on the amount of food you need to prepare. The 6-quart is the most popular and the most versatile, it is also the size that most food blogger create their recipes with. This size is perfect for families of 4 or less.

If you have a larger family or like batch cooking, an 8-quart would be a better size. The 8-quart does take up more space and takes longer to build pressure so keep that in mind if you think you just want the biggest there is.

A 3-quart would be perfect for singles, couples with smaller appetites or to use in an RV while camping.

Can I use a different brand of pressure cooker?

Yes, of course you can…but the buttons will be different and the cooking times may very as well. As I pointed out about, there are variations in all versions no matter which brand you use. The Ninja Foodie and COSORI are very popular brands with good reputations.

What if the meat is still frozen?

Add your meat to the pressure cooker as instructed using the amount of time listed. The Instant Pot will take longer to build pressure, but the cooking time will remain the same.

Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes

Instant Pot Breakfast Recipes Collage

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes

Instant Pot Chicken Recipes Collage

Instant Pot Beef Recipes

Instant Pot Beef Recipes Collage

Instant Pot Pork Recipes

Instant Pot Pork Recipes Collage

Instant Pot Seafood Recipes

Instant Pot Soup Recipes

Instant Pot Soup Collage

Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes

Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes Collage

Instant Pot Dessert Recipes

Instant Pot Dessert Recipes Collage

Miscellaneous Instant Pot Recipes

Miscellaneous Instant Pot Recipes Collage

My Favorite Instant Pot Accessories

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

  • Instant Pot Duo  – I purchased two of these models several years ago and love them, BUT there have been changes made over the years that make them more temperamental. Each model cooks differently just like every oven cooks differently.
  • Silicone Egg Bites Molds – I have two of these and they work great. Make sure you use cooking spray to keep your eggs from sticking!
  • Silicone Egg Poacher Cups – The version that I purchased has been discontinued. These are the ones that I would choose if I was looking to purchase more. They can also be used to make mini muffins.
  • Cheesecake Pan – This pan is perfect for making lasagna as well as cheesecake.
  • Loaf Pan – Perfect for meatloaf and I am sure many other recipes that I have not tried yet, like bread.
  • Ring Mold Pan – I also use this pan for meatloaf. It would also work really well for cake recipes or to cook hard boiled eggs all at once without the shells.
  • Silicone Steamer Basket – For vegetables, stacking eggs, etc.
  • Replacement Sealing Rings – If your pot will not cook to pressure, it might be time to replace your ring! It is also handy to have separate rings for desserts and savory cooking.
  • Glass Lid – For proofing dough and recipes that do not require pressure.
  • Pan Grippers – Retriever tongs to lift the hot liner out of your pressure cooker without burning your fingers.