We love to make things easier for you and that's why we've put together our favorite Instant Pot mini recipes, which are perfectly suited to your smaller-batch, 3-quart pressure cooker.
INSTANT POT MINI RECIPES
Many people have the 6-quart Instant Pot for batch cooking and for matching up recipes. Most bloggers and cookbook authors are using this version as the standard size. It can be tough to figure out the proper proportions for the Instant Pot Mini, which is the 3-quart version.
Today, we're sharing with you some 3-quart Instant Pot recipes designed specifically for 1-2 people in the Mini. With these recipes, you won’t have to do the guesswork on your own at all. Plus, you won’t be burdened with leftovers because some people simply don’t like them!
Eliminate food waste and make dinner easy with some of these featured Instant Pot Mini recipes. If you find any more Instant Pot mini-specific recipes, share with us!
1. Instant Pot Mini Spaghetti
A little pasta goes a long way! If you’re just looking for a 1-2 person serving or simply leftovers for lunch tomorrow, this recipe is perfect. With meat sauce and optional veggies, it’s great on its own or paired with a green salad. This is sure to be a weeknight staple, cooking up in only 9-13 minutes. Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
2. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes For Two
Making up a main dish in the oven? Whether it’s steak or meatloaf, these mashed potatoes are an undeniably delicious and comforting side dish. We all know they taste the best fresh from the pot anyway, so don’t worry about using up leftovers with this recipe for the 3-quart pot. Recipe from Dessert for Two.
3. Instant Pot Cheesy Garlic Orzo
This delicious cheesy side made with the Instant Pot Mini actually makes 4-6 servings which the Mini can totally accommodate, but you can easily halve this recipe to make a 2-3 serving side dish with ridiculously cheesy goodness in every bite. Orzo is the perfect pasta for soaking it all up! Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
4. Instant Pot Mini Cake
Most cakes for the Instant Pot aren’t made in the Mini and we all know baking by intuition or guessing can be dangerously disappointing. This recipe will curb your sweet tooth with a small cake - perfect for dessert lovers and people who don’t necessarily want the temptation of a full-size cake hanging out around the house! Recipe from Home Pressure Cooking.
5. Butter Chicken
Tempted by takeaway? Try this perfect serving of Indian butter chicken for your IP Mini. With the perfect blend of spices for a dreamy, creamy sauce, you can serve this with rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
6. Instant Pot Mini Pot Roast
A pot roast is often a big meal made for a big pot. If you just want a special dinner for two, this is your go-to recipe. Simply choose a smaller cut of meat to make it work, and the rest will fall into place. This should help you figure out similar meat and veggie recipes, too. Recipe from Home Pressure Cooking.
7. Mini Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and this perfect portion is just the right size for a lazy and satisfying dinner. It’s nearly as easy as the boxed stuff - just made with real food ingredients! Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
8. Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings
Chicken and dumplings are one of the most soothing meals with rich and hearty dumplings and tender chicken in a thick and creamy broth. Speckled with veggies, you’ll only regret not having more when you want to go back for seconds! Recipe from Dessert for Two.
9. Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chili
Velvety sweet potatoes, ground beef, spicy green chiles, hearty kidney beans and plenty of spice come together brilliantly and effortlessly in this Mini Duo recipe, perfect for garnishing with your favorite chili toppings. Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
10. Moroccan Chickpea Soup
This spicy and rich taste of Morocco is a mix between a soup and a stew with a gorgeous blend of ingredients that make it feel a bit like curry and a bit like a unique spin on tomato soup. Perfect for vegetarians and plant-based eaters with a big punch of protein. Recipe from Spice Cravings.
11. Instant Pot Mini Meatloaf
This meatloaf for two is as tasty as it is tiny, great for serving two people. Topped with bacon and paired with lovely, perfectly cooked potatoes, you’ve got a full meal in a jiffy - and a darn good one at that. Recipe from Home Pressure Cooking.
12. Instant Pot Vegetarian Taco Pasta
This pasta is paired with all your favorite taco ingredients for a Mexican spin on pasta salad, fantastic served both hot and cold so you can save a little for the next day. No meat here, but feel free to add it (or faux meat) for extra protein. Recipe from Spice Cravings.
13. Mini Eggplant & Olive Spread
An Arab dish traditionally made with eggplant that can be used as a sauce, spread or dip. The traditional version requires eggplants that have been grilled or scorched. This recipe gets close to that flavor with the pressure cooker! What you lose in “scorch” you gain in the amazing eggplant flavor that the pressure cooker naturally preserves and enhances. Recipe from Hip Pressure Cooking.
14. Instant Pot Mini Cornish Game Hen
Who doesn't love to eat rotisserie chickens from the store? Here is a smaller version “Fauxtisserie” chicken substitute. Instant Pot Mini – Cornish Game Hen. You may even say it is adorable when you see it on your plate. Recipe from Simply Happy Foodie.
15. Instant Pot Mini Quinoa
Light, fluffy, and a delicious way to add protein to any meal. Make a small batch for two or double the recipe for meal prepping. Recipe from Toaster Oven Love.
16. Instant Pot Beef Stew For Two (Dinner For Two)
Make comfort food for dinner faster by learning how to make Instant Pot Beef Stew For Two! The meat melts in your mouth along with carrots, peas, and potatoes. Recipe from Chocolate Moosey.
16. Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
Just 10 ingredients to make a pot of creamy noodles with chunks of tender beef and mushrooms. Comfort food, all made in one pot in just minutes! (No condensed soups here!) Recipe from Dessert For Two.
16. Steel Cut Oats in the Instant Pot Mini
Topped with apples, almonds, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, these steel cut oats make a warm and healthy meal that's easy to prepare in an Instant Pot, giving you breakfast in less than 30 minutes! Recipe from Urban Foodie Kitchen.
16. Instant Pot Pumpkin Cheesecake
A rich and creamy pumpkin spice cheesecake with real pumpkin, baked in a 6″ springform pan. Perfect for the fall season when you have a craving but don't want to overindulge. Recipe from Dessert For Two.
16. Instant Pot Beef and Broccoli
A healthier tastier version of classic take-out food in less the time it takes to go out. Get your chopstick ready! Recipe from Table For Two Blog.
Do you own a 3-quart Instant Pot mini? Do you have a favorite recipe? Share with us below!
SAVE THIS INSTANT POT MINI ROUNDUP TO PINTEREST
Sally
Do you have a recipe for using the yogurt feature on the plus mini?
Instant Pot Eats
We don't have one on our site but I think it would be similar to other 6-quart IP recipes, in terms of times/temps, you just have to make smaller amount.
Dell
I have a 3 quart instant pot wanting to know how to cook a small spaghettie squash. Temp and time, please
Ann Fabrizio
We have a great article here: https://instantpoteats.com/how-to-cook-spaghetti-squash-in-your-instant-pot/ it's written for a 6 qt for 7 min High with QR. So only a slight modification is needed for a mini since it will come to pressure quicker and your squash would be smaller. Try 5 min High QR.
Val Rhodes
I am new to Instant Pot cooking and was unaware that recipes for the Instant Pot was specific to the 6-quart version. I have the Plus Mini and would like to know if the 6-quart recipes can be used in the 3-quart model by simply halving the recipe? What is the major consideration when determining how to use popular Instant Pot recipes? Even the cookbook and manual that comes with the unit do not give adequate information along these lines. Your help and advise would be greatly appreciated. I have heard so much positive about Instant Pot, but to date, I have been reluctant to try cooking anything without more information. Thank yoummin advance for your kind assistance.
Ann Fabrizio
Yes, most recipes are written for 6 qt because it's more versatile to be increased or decreased. You can half most recipes. Things to consider are: You have enough liquid yet not overfill your mini. It will take less time for your mini to come to pressure which means faster food or it can mean undercooked food if the recipe is depending on that extra time. If you try to overpack the ingredients a burn notice may occur, layering in a certain order will be important. There will be some trial and error and comparing recipes to see what's forgiving. A lot has to do with the ingredients themselves. Soups will be more forgiving compared to steaming vegetables, meats will be more forgiving than fish. Start simple to understand how the mini workds for your lifestyle.
Anonymous
Thank you, for this reply as well !
Kaye M.
Sorry, didn’t add the link... If you are a member (or become one) of the “3-Qt Instant Pot Lover” FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/175260959893971 - please look in the “Popular Topics in Posts” (on the iPad - in the right column up near the top of the page) for “Newbie to 3-Qt“. I’ve put in three posts with info about the Mini - “Welcome to the Mini Community “, “Mini Recipes, Blogs & Cookbooks” and “Mini Accessories”. Hope they are helpful!
Kaye M.
Kaye M.
This might be helpful to your readers ... or you might find some other recipes you can add!
Kaye M.
george basden
I am a disabled diabetic (with host of other medical issues) Vietnam Vet trying to switch to Mediterranean style diet. Saw several recipes here that looked great. Will give them a try.
Judy
Hi can you put a small chicken in a 3 qt instant pot?
Ann Fabrizio
A mini cornish game hen would work.
Margaret Brooks
Are there recipes for people who eat the old fashioned way? I mean, mac & cheese, chicken, potatoes, roast and these kinds of things. I do not eat rice or orozo or anything like that. I grew up in the 50's and 60's, I want normal food. I also live alone and need recipes for just one or two people.
Tom
looking for a mini recipe for Miso soup..
Ann Fabrizio
I haven't seen any specific ones. You might have to convert the measurements yourself. Check out this link to understand how.
https://www.hippressurecooking.com/mini-mania-shrink-pressure-cooker-recipes-for-the-instant-pots-mini/
Judith F Murlasits
Looking for recipe for 3QT insta pot : Stuffed green pepper soup; AND beef short ribs with gravy
Thank you! ALSO, is there one or two recipe books you would recommend for this 3QT pot? Xmas gift to myself. Haven't opened the box as yet!
Sheri
I did not get xtra utensils with my instapot. Somewhere i read that you get spoons & measuring cups with All purchaced instapots.
Sarada
I didn’t get anything with mine except a trivet.
Ann Fabrizio
That's common with most purchases. As you get comfortable you can expand and get fun accessories.
Kathy
I didnt get anything with mine either. But the box did say a serving spoon and a 1 cup measuring cup was included. I didnt bother to return, would have cost more to return (gas in the car) then those 2 items are worth.