The short answer is yes, you can absolutely cook multiple foods in an Instant Pot at the same time. The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that can prepare a wide variety of dishes using pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing and more. With a little planning and experimentation, you can cook complete meals with protein, vegetables, grains and more all at once in your Instant Pot.
How the Instant Pot Works for Cooking Multiple Foods
The Instant Pot is able to cook multiple foods together because of its tightly sealed pot that builds up steam pressure. This high-pressure environment raises the boiling point of water, allowing food to cook faster. Typical cooking times in an Instant Pot are reduced by up to 70%.
When pressure cooking, the Instant Pot heats up to around 240°F-250°F internally. This high temperature, along with steam, evenly penetrates and cooks food very quickly. Tougher meats, beans, grains and hardy vegetables that normally require hours of cooking time can be prepared together in minutes.
The key is getting the right cooking times and preparation methods for the specific ingredients you want to cook together. Very delicate foods like seafood and tender vegetables may overcook if paired with foods that require longer cook times. But using the right protocols, you can make full meals with meat, veggies, grains, beans and more in your Instant Pot.
Tips for Cooking Multiple Foods
Here are some useful tips to get the best results when cooking various foods together in your Instant Pot:
- Cut foods to similar sized pieces for even cooking. Larger pieces may undercook while smaller ones overcook.
- Layer firmer, longer-cooking foods like meat and potatoes on the bottom. Softer foods like chopped spinach can go on top.
- Use a cooking time suitable for the food that needs the most time. Quick-cooking veggies can be added towards the end.
- Add tender vegetables and seafood only during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
- Use a cooking pot or steamer basket to separate very delicate foods from those needing longer times.
- Make sure there is enough liquid for the pressure cooking process. This usually means 1 cup of water or broth for every 5-10 minutes of pressure cooking time.
- Allow pressure to fully release naturally before opening the lid and checking food for doneness. Quick release may undercook some foods.
- Check food temperatures with a thermometer and adjust cooking times as needed. Dense cuts of meat may need a few extra minutes compared to quicker-cooking ground meats and poultry.
Meat and Vegetables
One classic way to make a complete meal in the Instant Pot is cooking meat along with vegetables. Choose a tougher, fatty cut of meat like a pork shoulder, beef chuck roast or chicken thighs which will pair well with the high-heat pressure cooking environment.
Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and parsnips will also hold up well to longer cook times. Onion, garlic and hardy greens like kale or cabbage can be added too. Put the vegetables in first, topped with the meat and seasoning. Add 1 cup broth or water per 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
Set the Instant Pot to Manual/Pressure Cook mode for the time needed to cook the meat, usually 25-40 minutes depending on quantity. Allow pressure to release naturally. softer vegetables like peas or spinach can be stirred in afterwards. The result is a complete one-pot meal!
Sample Meat and Vegetable Instant Pot Meals
| Dish | Cook Time | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Roast with Potatoes & Carrots | 35 minutes | Pork roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, broth |
| Chicken Thighs with Green Beans & Potatoes | 20 minutes | Bone-in chicken thighs, green beans, potatoes, garlic, broth |
| Beef Stew | 40 minutes | Chuck roast, potatoes, carrots, onion, broth, herbs |
Meat and Grains
Cooking protein alongside grains is another excellent way to make a filling Instant Pot meal. Tougher cuts of meat will break down and become fork-tender from the pressure cooking. Rice, quinoa, farro and barley can all be made in the Instant Pot too.
For best results, start by sautéing any vegetables like onion or garlic. Add the grains along with twice as much water or broth (1 cup grain : 2 cups liquid). Top with the meat and any additional seasoning or herbs. Pressure cook using the time recommended for the meat or grain, whichever is longer.
Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Fluff grains with a fork before serving. The grains will have absorbed the flavors from the meat and broth for amazing one-pot results.
Sample Meat and Grain Instant Pot Meals
| Dish | Cook Time | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken & Rice | 15 minutes | Chicken thighs, rice, chicken broth, mixed veggies |
| Beef & Barley Stew | 55 minutes | Beef chuck, pearl barley, potatoes, carrots, onion, broth |
| Pork Carnitas Bowls | 40 minutes | Pork shoulder, rice, black beans, onion, salsa |
Beans and Grains
Beans and whole grains are a match made in heaven! Combining them creates a vegetarian source of protein with fiber. Instant Pot beans require no soaking and turn out tender and flavorful.
First, sauté aromatics like onion, garlic or chili pepper flakes if desired. Add rinsed beans along with a 2:1 ratio of water or broth. Top with grains like rice, farro or quinoa (1 cup grain : 2 cups liquid). Season to taste.
Cook on high pressure for the time recommended for the beans, usually around 30-40 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure. The beans and grains will both be perfectly cooked for a hearty plant-based meal.
Sample Bean and Grain Instant Pot Meals
| Dish | Cook Time | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpea & Quinoa Bowls | 30 minutes | Dried chickpeas, quinoa, onion, garlic, broth, cumin |
| Pinto Beans & Rice | 40 minutes | Pinto beans, rice, onion, garlic, broth, chili powder |
| Lentils & Farro | 20 minutes | Green lentils, farro, carrot, onion, veggie broth, thyme |
Complete Instant Pot Meals
Using the right combinations, you can make truly impressive complete meals in your Instant Pot with protein, veggies, grains and more. Follow these tips when cooking larger, more complex recipes:
- Cut vegetables and meats into 1-2 inch pieces for even cooking.
- Layer firmer vegetables on the bottom, then meat, then softer vegetables and finally grains.
- Add tender vegetables and seafood only during the last 5-10 minutes.
- Make sure there is adequate water or broth for steaming – generally 1 cup per 5-10 minutes.
- Allow for natural pressure release, especially for larger cuts of meat and denser grains.
- Check internal food temperatures and adjust cooking times as needed.
- Use a trivet or steaming basket if needed to separate delicate ingredients.
With the right prep, you can cook amazing dishes like whole chickens with vegetables and rice, meatloaf with potatoes and carrots, pot roasts with barley or quinoa, and more. Get creative with combinations and soon you’ll be making complete family meals with ease.
Sample Complete Instant Pot Meals
| Dish | Cook Time | Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken with Potatoes & Carrots | 40 minutes | Whole cut up chicken, potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, broth |
| Pork Roast with Quinoa & Squash | 30 minutes | Pork roast, quinoa, butternut squash, onion, broth, herbs |
| Beef Stew with Rice | 55 minutes | Beef chuck, rice, potatoes, carrots, peas, onion, garlic, broth |
Helpful Accessories
Having the right accessories for your Instant Pot can make cooking multiple foods at once even easier. Here are some must-haves:
- Steamer basket – Holds foods up above cooking liquid.
- Glass lid – Lets you monitor cooking progress without releasing pressure.
- Mini silicon mitts – For handling hot pot, lids and accessories.
- Springform pan – Allows you to cook a separate cheesecake, cake or pan of eggs.
- Extra silicone rings – Good to have on hand in case one gets lost.
- Stainless steel inner pot – For easy cleanup and scratches over time.
Common Questions
What can you not cook together in an Instant Pot?
Avoid cooking very quick, delicate foods together with those requiring longer cook times. For example, seafood and fish cook much faster than meats and beans. Rice and grains may overcook if paired with foods needing much longer pressure cooking.
Can you cook meat and vegetables together?
Yes, cooking meat along with hardy vegetables that take well to longer cook times is a great way to make a complete meal in the Instant Pot. Place vegetables in first, top with meat seasoned as desired.
Can you cook 2 different meats in Instant Pot at same time?
You can cook two different meats together as long as you use cooking times and preparation methods suitable for the longer-cooking meat. For example, chicken breasts cook faster than pork shoulder. So if cooking both, use the pork shoulder time and add breasts later.
What are the best vegetarian meals to make in Instant Pot?
Beans, lentils, grains and vegetables cook up perfectly in the Instant Pot. Try combinations like chickpeas and rice, lentils and quinoa or black beans with sweet potatoes. Add your favorite herbs and spices for flavor.
Can you cook dessert in Instant Pot while cooking main dish?
Yes, it’s possible to make a sweet treat like cheesecake or crème brûlée in a separate ramekin or pan at the same time as your main dish. Use a trivet and steamer basket to keep items separate.
Conclusion
Cooking complete meals with multiple foods in an Instant Pot just takes a little planning and experimentation. The key is getting the prep right for each ingredient and using cooking times suitable for the longest-cooking food. With the right guidelines, you can make amazing dishes like stews, pilafs, roasts and more all at once.
The Instant Pot does the work of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer and more. So get creative with different food combinations and you’ll be able to whip up fast, delicious meals with minimal effort. Soon your Instant Pot will be the most-used gadget in your kitchen!