Healthy Instant Pot Recipes for Kids and Families | These meals are fast and simple to make and range from dinners with chicken, beef and turkey (hello Chili and meatloaf!), to lunches with easy soups and even breakfast ideas! Many of the recipes are Whole30 or Paleo compliant and all are kid-approved (even picky eaters!) and family friendly. #instantpot

Getting a healthy, family-friendly meal on the table has never been easier (and quicker!) than with the Instant Pot. We’ve got all our favorite kid-approved Instant Pot recipes right here.

As busy moms, we know how hard it can be to get a home-cooked dinner on the table for your family – it takes a lot of time and energy to prep and cook, all while juggling your kids’ activities and never-ending needs. But with the help of our new favorite kitchen gadget, the Instant Pot, we’re here to lighten your load and make it easier than ever to make healthy meals your whole family will enjoy.

If you’re not familiar with the Instant Pot, it’s a new-age pressure cooker that cooks your meals at lightning speed. What would take hours in a slow cooker, can take mere minutes in the Instant Pot, but still taste like you were cooking all day. It also has the ability to sauté, steam and keep food warm – truly a one-pot wonder (and bonus – clean-up is a breeze!).

We’ve pulled together our favorite Instant Pot recipes – from classic dinner favorites, to soups and even breakfast items – that are not only simple to make, but are kid-friendly and healthy! So with minimal effort, you can make ONE meal your entire family will eat – ultimately giving you more precious time to make memories with those you love most, while the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting!

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PIN for when you need a quick, healthy and family-friendly meal:

INSTANT POT CLASSICS

(1)  Can you believe this Chicken Parmesan recipe is healthy? Or that it can be cooked in just minutes? We’re amazed by both! (via Skinnytaste)

(2)  Mac & Cheese will please any picky kid. This instant pot version makes three large bowls. (via Dessert for Two)

(3)  Or how about this Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese which takes only 4 minutes to cook and is healthier than your average mac ‘n’ cheese because of the secret ingredient: Cauliflower! (which we promise, you can NOT taste!). (via Well Plated)

(4)  Swedish Meatballs are a classic favorite. This instant pot recipe is great as a dinner or an appetizer. (via My Crazy Good Life)

(5)  Hungry for a healthier (and easier!) lasagna recipe? This Instant Pot Lasagna will hit the spot and feed the whole family. (via My Crazy Good Life)

(6)  Chicken and Rice is a simple Instant Pot classic that is well-rounded and done in 20 minutes! Add a green salad and you’ll have an easy weeknight meal. (via Kristine’s Kitchen Blog)

(7)  Pot Roast that takes mere minutes is possible! We love that this version has tender (not mushy!) veggies and super tender, fall-apart beef. (via The Recipe Rebel)

(8)  6-ingredients and done in minutes – does this instant Pot Cheater Lasagna say weeknight dinner win or what? (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

(9)  One of our favorite comfort foods that can be made in the Instant Pot: Turkey Chili. This version includes yummy black beans and sweet potatoes for a filling family-friendly meal. (via Well Plated)

(10) Love Chicken Piccata but don’t want to eat it fried? This Instant Pot Healthy Chicken Piccata uses the sauté function to create a delicious, better-for-you meal. (via Rachel Cooks)

(11) Paired with slaw or put on a quesadilla, this BBQ Pulled Pork is so easy. This recipe makes it taste slow cooked in just about an hour. (My Kitchen Love)

(12) Meatloaf is a family-favorite that used to take hours to bake, but this Paleo Meatloaf can be made in the Instant Pot in less than 40 minutes! (via Predominantly Paleo)

(13) Alfredo that is healthy?! Sour cream replaces heavy cream in this Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash for a lightened-up version of a classic family favorite. (via 365 days of Crockpot)

(14) Think you need to cook meat sauce all day? Not when you have an Instant Pot and this One Pot Spaghetti with Meatsauce recipe! (via Skinnytaste)

(15) Sloppy Joes are a kid favorite. We love that these can be served on a bun or on a sweet potato for a grain free option. (via My Heart Beets)

(16) Sometimes chicken and veggies make the perfect easy weeknight meal. This Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli is also great for leftovers which will make tomorrow’s lunch a breeze! (via The Cents’Able Shoppin)


INSTANT POT LUNCH + DINNERS

(1)  Make it Taco Tuesday every day with this Instant Pot Chicken Taco recipe. Combine a few ingredients and it’s done in a few minutes for a versatile base for any taco or taco bowl. (via Momma Fit Lyndsey)

(2)  Kids love tacos and kids love pasta so why not combine them? Taco Pasta is a quick Instant Pot recipe that will get a kid-approved dinner to your table in no time! (via Tornadough Alli)

(3)  How great is this Quinoa Enchilada Casserole that can be made ahead of time? You can throw it in the Instant Pot straight from the freezer for a quick pre-prepped dinner. (via Sweet Peas and Saffron)

(4)  This Cheesy Spaghetti Squash will have your kids forgetting all about the real pasta alternative! Gooey cheese will have them saying “yes!” to this lightened up favorite. (via Super Healthy Kids)

(5)  In only 15 minutes this Tuscan Chicken Pasta will become an instant family favorite. Packed with protein and veggies, it makes for a well-rounded weeknight meal. (via Tastes Better from Scratch)

(6)  Healthier Instant Pot Crack Chicken was one of the first recipes we ever made in our Instant Pot. Needless to say, it’s kind of hard to stop eating it, it’s addictingly good! (via My Crazy Good Life)

(7)  What could be more comforting than a Chicken Parmesan Sandwich?  It’s hard to believe that this Instant Pot sandwich is healthy! (via Momma Fit Lyndsey)

(8)  Forget takeout! This Honey Sesame Chicken tastes even better and is much healthier. It can even be made Paleo, Whole30 friendly. (via Delicious Meets Healthy)

(9)  Dinner can be done in one minute?! This One Minute Quinoa & Veggies is a simple recipe that gets on your table in no time and will fill up your kids with healthy grains and vegetables. (via Super Healthy Kids)

(10) Turkey lightens up this Pesto & Mozzarella Pasta making it an easy family favorite. The pesto adds the perfect flavor. (via Recipes from a Pantry)

(11) If you need a simple go-to recipe, these Instant Pot Chicken Breasts will be on your short-list. Pair with a salad or roasted veggies for an easy dinner. (via A Pinch of Healthy)

(12) Chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is a long-time family favorite. This Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice can use frozen chicken, which makes prep that much easier! (via Meaningful Eats)

(13) Move over boxed meals! Instant Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper tastes just as good as the traditional version, but uses clean ingredients. (via 365 Days of Slow + Pressure Cooking)

(14) For those nights when you forget to defrost your meat, this 10-Minute Instant Pot Salmon can be made from frozen – hurrah! (via Super Healthy Kids)

(15) These Instant Pot Fajitas are a recipe even your kids will eat. You won’t miss the sizzling sound of fajitas at the restaurant when you can make these at home! (via A Bountiful Kitchen)

(16) These Spaghetti Squash Taco Boats are a kid favorite and sneak in tons of extra veggies thanks to the spaghetti squash vessel. (via My Crazy Good Life)

(17) Paired with egg noodles, this Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is an easy weeknight meal. Dinner will be done in less than 45 minutes. (via Oh Sweet Basil)

(18) You won’t believe how easy this Instant Pot Taco Pie is to make – the presentation alone is sure to knock your kid’s socks off! (via Simply Happy Foodie)

(19) Gluten Free BBQ Turkey Meatballs are good for an appetizer or pair them with a veggie for an easy weeknight dinner. The secret weapon? Turkey bacon! (via Fearless Dining)

INSTANT POT SOUPS

(1)  Whole30, Paleo, dairy-free and gluten free soup is here. Healthy Pot Pie Chicken Soup is tasty and compliant to many different nutrition plans. (via 40 Aprons)

(2)  Made with ingredients you can find in your pantry and fridge, this Italian Chicken Quinoa Soup can be whipped up in no time. The quinoa takes on a pasta-like flavor in this super comforting soup.  (via Momma Fit Lyndsey)

(3)  Bet you won’t even taste the healthy dose of cauliflower in this Turkey Cheeseburger Soup! This recipe is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your kids’ dinner. (via Gimme Some Oven)

(4)  In 20 minutes you can have a veggie and protein filled dinner with  Turkey Vegetable Lasagna Soup – a healthy comfort food for any night of the week. (via Meaningful Eats)

(5)  This Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is flavorful and super easy. You can choose to make it with a whole chicken with zero pre-cooking! (via iFood Real)

(6)  Minestrone Soup made in the Instant Pot is the perfect family-friendly hearty meal! With protein-packed beans and veggies, this meal will satisfy all of the hungry bellies in your house! (via The Belly Rules the Mind)

(7)  A vegan and vegetarian friendly soup with tons of delicious spices. This Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup packs a punch of flavor and will warm up hungry bellies! (via Instant Pot Eats)

(8)  Add healthy avocado and a few corn tortilla chips as a delicious topping for this Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup. (via Kristine’s Kitchen)

(9)  Inexpensive yet hearty ingredients make Instant Pot Pasta Fagioli a budget-friendly winner. Kids will love this noodle soup for a quick weeknight meal. (via Super Healthy Kids)

(10) Get the grilled cheese ready!  Instant Pot Tomato Soup will become an easy family favorite. (via Recipes From a Pantry)

INSTANT POT SOUPS

(1)  Chocolate for breakfast?! We don’t know any kids would could turn down Healthy Chocolate Steel Cut Oats. Little do they know, they’re a hearty and easy breakfast right from the Instant Pot. (via A Virtual Vegan)

(2)  Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples are a kid favorite. Perfect for as a snack, side dish, or breakfast (they’re delicious over oatmeal!). (via Ginger Casa)

(3)  Pizza for breakfast? Totally doable! These Pizza Instant Pot Egg Bites are a great way to pack in some protein to fuel your kids for the day. (via A Mom’s Impression)

(4)  Great for on-the-go or a quick morning snack, Instant Pot Oatmeal Bites are a delicious choice. Kids love the delicious berry flavors. (via A Mom’s Impression)

(5)  These Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a vegan-friendly Instant Pot breakfast. Add berries, nut butter and maple syrup to make these Whole30 approved “potato skins”, kid-approved as well. (via The Live-In Kitchen)

(6)  Instant Pot Frittata Breakfast Casserole can be paired with fresh fruit or hashbrowns for a complete breakfast.   We love it as an easy weekend brunch! (via Peas and Crayons)

(7)  A comforting bowl of warm Instant Pot Banana Oatmeal will please your hungry kids. Bananas and oats will get those bellies full for the day. (via Cook with Manali)

(8)  A sweet alternative to traditional eggs, Instant Pot Fruity Egg Bites combine savory and sweet. Kids can’t resist these bite-sized “treats”. (via Imagelicious)

(9)  Pressure Cooker Crustless Meat Lovers Quiche is bound to please any meat lover. Keto-friendly, this recipe is low on carbs but high on flavor! (via Pressure Cooking Today)

(10) Minimal ingredients and low carb, Instant Pot Breakfast Casserole is an easy breakfast winner. Veggies and protein will keep your family fueled for the day. (via Recipes From a Pantry)

(11) Instant Pot Strawberry Trail Mix Oatmeal is packed with hearty nut and strawberry flavor. Use a variety of trail mix ingredients to create your own combos! (via Peas and Crayons)

(12) Egg Muffins in the Pressure Cooker are full of protein and veggies that will keep your family full all morning long. Make a big batch and have an easy breakfast ready-to-go all week long. (via Pressure Cooking Today)

(13) Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs are a full-proof way to prep a quick breakfast, snack or sandwich filler. (via Predominately Paleo)

(14) Super simple to throw together, and adaptable to a variety of ingredients, the Instant Pot Ham and Egg Casserole is a huge crowd pleaser. Pair with fruit and yogurt for an easy brunch for your whole family will enjoy. (via Six Sisters Stuff)

Lyndsey Piccolino

Lyndsey Piccolino

Lyndsey is a healthy lifestyle blogger and recipe creator at mommafitlyndsey.com. She covers healthy recipes, meal planning & prep, and healthy lifestyle tips and products. She is a life-longer Pittsburgh native where she lives with her husband and two daughters. You can find Lyndsey at Momma Fit Lyndsey, on Pinterest, and Instagram at @lyndsey.picc and @mommafitlyndsey.

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