Pressure cookers make preparing dinner fast, easy, and flavorful.
With their versatility, you can cook soups, stews, casseroles, and even tender meats in a fraction of the time.
These 15 pressure cooker dinner recipes will inspire you to create hearty, delicious meals at home.
From classic comfort dishes to creative, modern recipes, there’s something for every taste.
Using fresh ingredients and smart cooking techniques ensures meals are nutritious and satisfying.
Pressure cooker dinners save time, reduce cleanup, and make weeknight cooking stress-free.
Discover how simple it is to make flavorful meals with your pressure cooker.
15 Hearty Pressure Cooker Dinner Recipes for Quick Weeknights

Pressure cooker dinner recipes are convenient, flavorful, and satisfying.
These 15 recipes show that you can enjoy home-cooked meals quickly and easily.
From soups and stews to casseroles and tender meats, there’s a recipe for every craving.
Using fresh ingredients, spices, and smart cooking techniques enhances flavor and nutrition.
These recipes make weeknight dinners fast, stress-free, and delicious.
Enjoy wholesome, satisfying meals with minimal effort using your pressure cooker.
Transform your dinner routine with these easy and flavorful pressure cooker recipes.
Pressure Cooker Beef Stroganoff
This pressure cooker beef stroganoff is a rich, creamy, and hearty dinner ready in under 45 minutes.
Tender beef chunks are cooked with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a flavorful broth before being finished with sour cream.
It’s comforting, satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner.
The pressure cooker ensures the meat becomes tender while the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown the beef in batches, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Return beef to the pot and add beef broth.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Release pressure and stir in sour cream.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley.
This beef stroganoff is tender, creamy, and full of flavor.
It’s a quick, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
The pressure cooker locks in flavor and tenderness efficiently.
A comforting meal your family will enjoy again and again.
Pressure Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
This pressure cooker chicken tikka masala is a flavorful, spicy, and aromatic Indian-inspired dinner.
Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with garam masala, garlic, and ginger.
It’s rich, satisfying, and pairs perfectly with rice or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.
The pressure cooker reduces cooking time while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant and soft.
- Add spices and stir for 1 minute.
- Add chicken pieces and tomato sauce, stirring to coat.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure and stir in cream.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and garnish with cilantro.
This chicken tikka masala is rich, creamy, and aromatic.
It’s a low-effort, high-flavor dinner perfect for family meals.
The pressure cooker ensures tender, juicy chicken and deep flavors.
A comforting and flavorful dinner everyone will love.
Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork
This pressure cooker pulled pork is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor.
Pork shoulder is cooked with onions, garlic, barbecue sauce, and spices until it falls apart effortlessly.
It’s perfect for sandwiches, tacos, or served with low-carb sides.
The pressure cooker dramatically reduces the cooking time while locking in all the savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown the pork on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add spices, broth, and barbecue sauce, stirring to combine.
- Return pork to the pot and coat with sauce.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 60 minutes.
- Release pressure, shred pork with two forks, and mix with sauce.
This pulled pork is tender, flavorful, and smoky.
It’s low-effort yet perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
The pressure cooker ensures juicy meat with deep flavor in less time.
A versatile, satisfying meal everyone will enjoy.
Pressure Cooker Thai Green Curry with Chicken
This pressure cooker Thai green curry with chicken is fragrant, creamy, and full of vibrant flavors.
Chicken, vegetables, and aromatic green curry paste simmer in coconut milk for a rich, satisfying dinner.
It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and exotic.
The pressure cooker ensures the chicken remains tender while flavors fully develop.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, cubed
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté green curry paste for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and cook briefly to coat in paste.
- Pour in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Release pressure and stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and snap peas.
- Cook on sauté mode for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and serve.
This Thai green curry is creamy, spicy, and fragrant.
It’s low-effort, quick, and perfect for family dinners.
The pressure cooker locks in flavors while keeping chicken tender.
A vibrant, exotic, and satisfying meal for any night.
Pressure Cooker Lentil and Vegetable Stew
This pressure cooker lentil and vegetable stew is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a low-carb family dinner.
Lentils are simmered with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful, comforting dish.
It’s high in protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
The pressure cooker ensures tender lentils and rich, melded flavors in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes.
- Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Release pressure and stir.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
This lentil and vegetable stew is hearty, flavorful, and nourishing.
It’s a low-carb, high-protein, and fiber-rich dinner.
Perfect for families seeking a healthy, comforting meal.
Quick, easy, and satisfying for any night.
Pressure Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
This pressure cooker honey garlic chicken is tender, sweet, and savory, perfect for a family dinner.
Chicken thighs are cooked in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
The pressure cooker locks in moisture while blending the sweet and savory flavors perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sear chicken thighs on both sides until lightly browned.
- Add garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
This honey garlic chicken is tender, flavorful, and slightly sweet.
It’s a quick, low-effort dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
The pressure cooker ensures juicy chicken with deep flavor.
A family-friendly meal everyone will love.
Pressure Cooker Beef Chili
This pressure cooker beef chili is hearty, spicy, and comforting, ideal for family dinners.
Ground beef is cooked with tomatoes, beans, peppers, and spices to create a rich, flavorful chili.
It’s a satisfying, protein-packed meal perfect for cold evenings.
The pressure cooker speeds up cooking while allowing flavors to fully develop.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown ground beef and remove excess fat.
- Add onions, garlic, and bell peppers, sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
This beef chili is rich, spicy, and deeply flavorful.
It’s hearty, protein-rich, and perfect for family dinners.
The pressure cooker intensifies flavors while cooking quickly.
A comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
Pressure Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup
This pressure cooker chicken and vegetable soup is nourishing, light, and perfect for a family dinner.
Tender chicken, carrots, celery, onions, and herbs simmer together to create a flavorful, comforting broth.
It’s healthy, high in protein, and easy to prepare in a fraction of the time.
The pressure cooker ensures tender chicken and fully cooked vegetables in minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes.
- Add chicken, broth, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release remaining pressure.
- Shred chicken and stir back into soup.
This chicken and vegetable soup is hearty, comforting, and flavorful.
It’s a healthy, protein-rich, and low-carb dinner option.
Perfect for family meals or a light, nourishing dinner.
Quick, easy, and satisfying.
Pressure Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
This pressure cooker Thai peanut chicken is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner.
Chicken is cooked with a rich peanut sauce, coconut milk, and vegetables for a savory, slightly sweet dish.
It’s low-carb, protein-rich, and pairs well with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
The pressure cooker locks in flavor and tenderness for a fast, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add chicken, peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure, stir in bell pepper and zucchini, and cook on sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve.
This Thai peanut chicken is creamy, rich, and full of flavor.
It’s a low-carb, protein-packed family dinner that’s satisfying.
The pressure cooker ensures tender chicken with deeply melded flavors.
Quick, easy, and delicious for weeknight meals.
Pressure Cooker Moroccan Lamb Stew
This pressure cooker Moroccan lamb stew is aromatic, tender, and full of exotic flavors.
Lamb is simmered with spices, tomatoes, carrots, and chickpeas for a hearty, warming dinner.
It’s perfect for a family meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.
The pressure cooker ensures the lamb is fall-apart tender while blending spices beautifully.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds lamb shoulder, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown lamb cubes in batches, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and carrots for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in spices, then add lamb, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.
This Moroccan lamb stew is tender, aromatic, and richly flavored.
It’s hearty, protein-packed, and perfect for family dinners.
The pressure cooker ensures deeply melded flavors and soft meat.
A comforting, exotic, and satisfying meal for any nigh
Pressure Cooker Honey Soy Chicken Thighs
This pressure cooker honey soy chicken thighs recipe is sweet, savory, and perfect for a quick family dinner.
Chicken is cooked in a rich sauce of honey, soy, garlic, and ginger, creating tender, flavorful bites.
It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a simple salad.
The pressure cooker locks in moisture and intensifies the sauce flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown chicken thighs on both sides for 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
This honey soy chicken is tender, flavorful, and slightly sweet.
It’s quick, low-effort, and perfect for family dinners.
The pressure cooker intensifies flavors while keeping the chicken juicy.
A savory and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Pressure Cooker Vegetable Beef Soup
This pressure cooker vegetable beef soup is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Beef, carrots, celery, potatoes, and tomatoes are cooked together in a rich broth with herbs and spices.
It’s a comforting, low-carb, and protein-packed meal ready in less than an hour.
The pressure cooker ensures tender beef and flavorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown beef chunks in batches, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 3–4 minutes.
- Add potatoes, tomatoes, beef, broth, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
This vegetable beef soup is hearty, savory, and nourishing.
It’s low-effort, protein-packed, and perfect for family dinners.
The pressure cooker blends flavors while making beef tender.
A warm, comforting, and filling meal.
Pressure Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken with Potatoes
This pressure cooker lemon herb chicken with potatoes is bright, flavorful, and family-friendly.
Chicken thighs are cooked with baby potatoes, garlic, and lemon for a savory, aromatic dinner.
It’s a one-pot, low-carb, and protein-rich meal ready in under 40 minutes.
The pressure cooker ensures juicy chicken and perfectly tender potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side.
- Add garlic, lemon juice and zest, potatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Release pressure naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This lemon herb chicken is juicy, flavorful, and aromatic.
It’s low-carb, filling, and perfect for a family dinner.
The pressure cooker ensures tender chicken and soft, flavorful potatoes.
A quick, wholesome, and satisfying meal.
Pressure Cooker Spicy Sausage and Peppers
This pressure cooker spicy sausage and peppers recipe is vibrant, hearty, and perfect for a low-carb dinner.
Sausage links are cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a tomato-based sauce for a savory meal.
It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes.
The pressure cooker tenderizes sausage while melding all the spices and vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound spicy sausage links
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Brown sausage links on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper.
- Return sausages to the pot.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure and stir gently.
This sausage and peppers dish is savory, spicy, and satisfying.
It’s low-carb, hearty, and full of protein.
The pressure cooker ensures perfectly cooked sausage and tender vegetables.
A quick, family-friendly, and flavorful dinner.
Pressure Cooker Coconut Curry Chickpeas
This pressure cooker coconut curry chickpeas is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a vegetarian family dinner.
Chickpeas are simmered with coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, and spices to create a rich, aromatic curry.
It’s protein-packed, low-carb, and pairs well with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables.
The pressure cooker allows chickpeas to absorb the flavors fully while cooking quickly.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté and heat olive oil.
- Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes.
- Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Quick-release pressure and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This coconut curry chickpeas dish is creamy, savory, and aromatic.
It’s a protein-rich, low-carb, and family-friendly dinner.
The pressure cooker enhances flavors and tenderizes the chickpeas perfectly.
A wholesome, quick, and satisfying meal.