Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (2024)

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.

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (1)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (2)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (3)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (4)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (5)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (6)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (7)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (8)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (9)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (10)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (11)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (12)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (13)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (14)

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 orscorched. 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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (15)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (16)

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)

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (17)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (18)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (19)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (20)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (21)

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

Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (22)
Must-Have Instant Pot Mini Recipes (3-Quart) (2024)

FAQs

What is the Instant Pot mini good for? ›

While the Lux Mini has half the capacity of the 6-quart Lux, it has the same six functions (pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, sauté, steamer, and warmer) and most of the same preset programs (soup/broth, meat/stew, egg, sauté, rice, porridge, steam, pressure cook, keep warm and slow cook), missing just the ...

How many people is a 3 qt Instant Pot good for? ›

The main downside of the 3 Qt Mini Instant Pot is its capacity. It's perfect for one or two people, but if you're cooking for a larger family or like to batch cook, it might not be big enough. While it has seven cooking functions, it doesn't have all the features of its larger counterparts.

What is the most popular Instant Pot size? ›

The 6-quart Instant Pot (in any series) is the most popular size by far, and it's the one we recommend for most folks. It offers plenty of capacity for weeknight dinners, soups and stews, a pot of beans, or even a whole chicken, yet it doesn't take up a crazy amount of counter or shelf space.

How many cups of rice in 3 qt Instant Pot? ›

You'll always use a 1:1 ratio of rinsed white rice to water, so if you need to cook 3 cups of dry rice, you'll use 3 cups of water. Here's how much rice you can put in the Instant Pot: 3-quart: up to 2 cups dry rice. 6-quart: up to 4 cups dry rice.

What is the minimum water for a 3 quart Instant Pot? ›

Your Instant Pot needs liquid to work. If there's not enough, your pot won't be able to create enough steam to build pressure. About 1 cup is the minimum amount of liquid, so if you're cooking a recipe that will absorb water, like rice or beans, you'll need even more.

What not to use in Instant Pot? ›

6 Things You Should Never Cook in an Instant Pot
  1. Creamy Sauces. If there's one food group you should avoid in the Instant Pot, it's dairy. ...
  2. Fried Chicken. The best fried chicken is crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside and perfectly golden brown. ...
  3. Cookies. ...
  4. Burgers. ...
  5. Pie. ...
  6. Steak.

What is the disadvantage of Instant Pot? ›

Con– The Instant Pot uses steam under pressure to cook food and not everything is meant to be cooked in the Instant Pot. I attempted a crustless quiche which turned out well but it was too wet and moist to my liking and I prefer to cook it in the oven with dry heat.

What is the smallest size Instant Pot? ›

The smallest, at 3 quarts, is ideal for saving counter space in smaller kitchens and homes or making smaller portions, like for 1- or 2-person households. It's also useful if you're looking for an Instant Pot to serve a specific, lower-volume purpose — it's perfect for making yogurt or oatmeal.

What is the average life of an Instant Pot? ›

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.

Can you put too much in an Instant Pot? ›

Overfilling your Instant Pot can lead to a messy kitchen and undercooked food. No matter how hungry you are, your Instant Pot can only handle so much food. Overfilling the appliance can result in poorly cooked food or even leakage.

What happened to the Instant Pot? ›

Now Its Maker Has Filed for Bankruptcy. Since sales surged during the pandemic, Instant Brands has struggled to find new fans for its beloved Instant Pot and other products.

What size Instant Pot for 3 people? ›

If you're sticking to side dishes and meals for up to three people, Instant Pot recommends the 3-quart size. The 6-quart size is the most popular and recommended for feeding up to six people. The 8-quart model is the next most-popular size and is recommended for large families or to meal prep food for the week.

What size Instant Pot should I get for family of 4? ›

Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people. Benefits of an 8-quart Instant Pot: The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when you're feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or cooking in batches for your weekly meal prep.

Does size of Instant Pot matter? ›

Deciding on what size pressure cooker to buy depends on what you'll be using it for and how many people you want to feed. If you're having a hard time deciding, you can't go wrong with the 6-quart Instant Pot, which is the most popular size.

What is an Instant Pot useful for? ›

The Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker but also a slow cooker, yogurt maker, rice cooker, big sauté pot, steamer, and more. We have the 6-Quart Instant Pot Duo which is what we use for all our Instant Pot recipes. They also make a 3-Quart Instant Pot Mini and a hefty 8-quart Instant Pot.

What is the difference between 3L and 5.7 L Instant Pot? ›

3L: Called the “Mini”, this size is perfect when cooking for just 1 or 2 people, or for preparing side dishes or rice. 5.7L: This size is suitable for up to 6 portions and is our most popular size. 8L: Cook for up to 8 people or use it for large batch meal preparation.

How many quarts Instant Pot do I need? ›

Generally, a meal cooked in a 6-quart model feeds three to six people. Benefits of an 8-quart Instant Pot: The 8-quart models, on the other hand, are ideal when you're feeding a large family, cooking for a party, or cooking in batches for your weekly meal prep.

Can you use an Instant Pot for regular cooking? ›

Some foods aren't suitable to cook in an Instant Pot. While the Instant Pot may seem to be the solution for quick and easy homemade meals, it's not meant to replace a stovetop or oven. Using the stovetop and oven may be better suited to certain foods.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Barbera Armstrong

Last Updated:

Views: 6528

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Barbera Armstrong

Birthday: 1992-09-12

Address: Suite 993 99852 Daugherty Causeway, Ritchiehaven, VT 49630

Phone: +5026838435397

Job: National Engineer

Hobby: Listening to music, Board games, Photography, Ice skating, LARPing, Kite flying, Rugby

Introduction: My name is Barbera Armstrong, I am a lovely, delightful, cooperative, funny, enchanting, vivacious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.