You can make these Instant Pot Meals on a budget! Check out these delicious Instant Pot Meal recipes that cook in less than 30 minutes!

Many of these meals require less than five ingredients and because they are made in the Instant Pot they cook in no time! That makes these recipes perfect for meal ideas on a busy week, and let’s face it, they’re all busy weeks!
Can you cook a whole meal in the Instant Pot?
Absolutely you can cook a whole meal in the Instant Pot! There are several ways you can take advantage of this with Instant Pot meals, but here are some of the most common ways:
- Pot-In-Pot Cooking. Pot in Pot Cooking refers to the method where you place a smaller, Instant Pot-safe dish, inside the Instant Pot to cook multiple things in the pot at the same time.
- Freezer. You can also prep and freeze meals in advance to cook in the Instant Pot.
- Trivet. The trivet will help you separate ingredients that need to cook differently and is a method used often for cooking whole meals in the Instant Pot.
How to Cook Freezer Meals in the Instant Pot
A lot of people don’t know how to cook freezer meals in the Instant Pot, but it’s so easy! Follow these tips for cooking freezer meals in your pressure cooker:
- Cook from Frozen. Did you know you can cook from frozen in the Instant Pot? You don’t even need to change the cooking times or temps, it will just take longer for the pot to come to pressure in the beginning.
- Size and Shape. I know that seems odd to talk about when it comes to freezer meals, but make sure when you freeze your ingredients for a freezer meal you plan to cook in the Instant Pot or they won’t fit!
- Order. Keep in mind that a lot of Instant Pot meals have to be put in the pot in a specific order in order to cook correctly. Be sure to check the recipe for which ingredients you can prep and freeze in advance.
Instant Pot Meals on a Budget Supplies and Ingredients:
- Instant Pot
- Rice
- Onions/Peppers
- Seasonings
- Pasta (a lot of the recipes call for some sort of pasta)
Instant Pot Meals on a Budget
Instant Pot Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese
An easy copycat Panera mac and cheese recipe, perfect when you're craving fast food but it's not in the budget.
Creamy, Dreamy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
This Instant Pot chicken and rice is just absolutely dreamy. Itβs rich and creamy but SO quick and easy to make.
Jambalaya
Jambalaya is always a hit at our house! This recipe is cheap and tasty!
Fettuccine Alfredo
This Italian dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Coconut Chickpea Curry
The texture of this dish is superb! It's a bonus that it's so cheap too!
BBQ Chicken
Everyone loves a good bbq chicken, and this recipe is no exception!
Hamburger Helper
This instant pot Hamburger Helper is cheap and delicious!
Red Potato Soup Recipe
Makes my mouth water thinking about this dish! I love a good potato soup!
Vegan Street Tacos
These vegan street tacos are stellar!
Macaroni and Cheese
A classic dish that's cheap, easy, and tastes good!
Cheesy Taco Pasta
This instant pot meal is affordable and filling! Always a slam dunk at our house!
Sesame Chicken
This Asian-inspired dish has some authentic flavors! Try it at the next family meal!
American Goulash
Goulash is one of my favorite dishes! So many wonderful flavors!
Instant Pot New Potatoes
Out with the old, in with the new! This recipe will be a hit at the dinner table!
Cuban Black Beans
A lot of bold flavors are in this dish. Best of all you save time with this no-soak recipe!
Red Beans and Rice
Bring the flavors of Louisiana to your table with this budget friendly recipe!
Mexican Ground Beef Casserole
Wonderful flavor and it won't break the bank! What more can you ask for?
Needing More One-Pot Ideas?
