Polish Kielbasa and Pierogi Casserole (Instant Pot)

We had some frozen pierogies in the freezer that we wanted to use, so I found this hearty recipe.  It was cheesy and creamy and delicious, and I don't even want to know the calorie count.  We were skeptical of the 1 minute pressure cook time, but it worked!

Polish Kielbasa and Pierogi Casserole (Instant Pot)

Makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients:

4 slices of bacon, chopped

1 cup diced onion

1 (12-14 oz) package of Polish kielbasa, sliced into 1/4" rounds

1 cup chicken broth

14 oz package frozen pierogies

1/2 cup frozen peas 

4 oz cream cheese

1 cup shredded colby jack cheese

Directions:

Set Instant Pot to Sauté.  When hot, add bacon and cook until crispy.  Add onion and sauté in the bacon grease for a few minutes.  Stir in the sliced sausage and let it brown for a couple minutes.

Pour in the broth and scrape any bits sticking to bottom of pot.  Dump in the frozen pierogies and peas.  Add the cream cheese on top.

Cover Instant Pot and pressure cook on LOW for 1 minute (yes, only 1 minute).  Let naturally release for 5 minutes.  Open lid and gently stir to fully incorporate the cream cheese.  Sprinkle the shredded cheese over top and let it melt.  Enjoy!

Instant Pot Short Ribs

 

It's been a little chilly, so I decided on a warm-your-bones type of meal.   This recipe was delicious!  I liked that I could pressure cook both the ribs and the potatoes in the pot to make things really easy.  The meat fell off the bone and the sauce was super tasty.

Instant Pot Short Ribs

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

6-10 pieces bone-in short ribs (~2-inch thick)

salt and pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced

6 cloves garlic, minced or crushed

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced/chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

2 bay leaves

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup red wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1-2 tablespoons brown sugar

2.5 tablespoons cornstarch

3 tablespoons cold water

Mashed Potatoes:

3-4 russet potatoes, quartered

100 ml milk

2-4 tablespoons butter, to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Set Instant Pot to Sauté mode, and when hot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.   Generously salt and pepper the ribs.  Working in batches, brown the ribs for 3-4 minutes on each side to get a nice sear.  Set aside the ribs on a plate.

Add onions to the Instant Pot and and sauté about 3 minutes.  Add garlic and stir about 30 seconds.  Add in the carrots, celery, thyme, and bay leaves; sauté for about 2 minutes.  Add the wine to the pot and stir with a wooden spoon to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits.  Let it simmer for a minute. 

Stir in the broth, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.  Add the short ribs back to the pot.

If making potatoes, place them in a stainless steel bowl and set on top of ribs in the pot.

Pressure cook on high for 42 minutes.  When done, let naturally release for 15 minutes.

Remove the bowl of potatoes; drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.  Mash the potatoes and mix in milk and butter.  Season with salt and pepper.

Carefully remove the short ribs to a plate.  Mix the cornstarch and cold water together in a small bowl.  Slowly add the mixture to the pot juices while stirring.  Bring the juices to a simmer and stir until thickened a bit.  Return the ribs to the pot to keep hot.

Serve ribs and sauce over the mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot Monterey Chicken

For Packers game night, I made this fast and easy dinner using the Instant Pot.  I roasted some red potatoes in the oven in the time it took the Instant Pot to preheat, cook, and release pressure (~20-25 minutes).    I like that this recipe is easily customizable to however many servings you want to make.  The chicken was delicious and I'd definitely make this again.  

 Instant Pot Monterey Chicken for 2

Ingredients: 

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or cutlets

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 cup BBQ sauce

1 strip cooked bacon, crumbled, or bacon bits (optional)

1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 tomato, diced

1 green onion, sliced

Directions:

Combine the dry seasonings in a small bowl and rub all over chicken breasts.

Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot and place a trivet inside.   Place the chicken on the trivet.  Cover Instant Pot and pressure cook on high for 7 minutes.   Let naturally release for 10 minutes, then vent and remove lid.

Use tongs to remove chicken to a plate.  Remove trivet and dump water.  Put chicken back in empty pot (OR put on a baking pan to broil).  Baste chicken with the BBQ sauce and sprinkle with bacon and shredded cheese.   Cover the Instant Pot and keep on warm for a few minutes to melt the cheese (or broil in oven for a minute).

Serve chicken topped with tomatoes and green onions.

Instant Pot Shredded Lemon Chicken over Orzo

 I wanted to give my Instant Pot more use so I gave this recipe a try.  The chicken was extremely flavorful and would work well over pasta, rice, zoodles, spinach, in a taco or sandwich, or just by itself.  I chose to serve it over orzo pasta.  We currently have a lot of fresh spinach in our garden, so I paired the dish with a Greek salad and homemade Vinaigrette (recipe below).  It was quick and easy to make, and I'll definitely keep this recipe in my binder to make again.  The shredded chicken is very versatile and I think it would freeze well for future use if you made a large batch.

Instant Pot Shredded Lemon Chicken

Serves 4-6 (Depends on the amount of chicken)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/2 tablespoon paprika

1/2 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1&1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon water

Directions:

Using the Sauté setting on the Instant Pot, heat the oil and garlic for 1-2 minutes.   In a small bowl, mix together the oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, thyme, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes.  Add to the pot and sauté for another minute.  Add the chicken thighs to the pot and toss with the spice mixture to coat.  Add the broth and lemon juice and stir.  Make sure the chicken is arranged in a single layer in the pot.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 15 minutes.  

While the chicken is cooking, prepare your pasta, rice, salad, or whatever you want.

When the pressure cooking is complete, do a quick release of pressure.  Use a slotted spoon to remove chicken to a plate.  Use two forks to shred chicken.

While chicken is out of the Pot, set the Instant Pot back to Sauté mode.   In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and water and stir until cornstarch is completely dissolved.  Add the cornstarch mixture to the juices in the Instant Pot and cook and stir for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.  Add the chicken back into the Pot and stir to coat with the sauce.  Press Cancel to turn off the Pot.  Serve chicken over orzo pasta, rice, or anything you want.

*****************

Greek Salad Vinaigrette - shake it all up in a small jar

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

pinch oregano

pinch sugar

pinch salt

pinch pepper

 

Death by Chocolate Cheesecake for Instant Pot

YUM!  I've been craving chocolate, and I've been wanting to try out cheesecake in the Instant Pot for awhile, so that's what I decided to make for my birthday dessert.  IT WAS SOOOO GOOD!   Rich and creamy and decadently delicious.  Honestly, it tasted just as good as Cheesecake Factory.   I was worried about how it would set up when finished, but it worked perfectly.  Also, I liked that it made a small 6" cheesecake.  Any bigger, and I'd feel the need to share it.... haha!  

Death by Chocolate Cheesecake for Instant Pot

Makes a 6" cheesecake, ~8 servings

Ingredients:

20 Double Stuff Oreo cookies (for crust)

2 packs cream cheese (8 oz each), room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream

6 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 eggs

4 oz semi sweet chocolate, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

Ganache topping:

1/2 cup chocolate chips

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:

To make crust, place whole Oreos with filling in a food processor and blend until they form crumbs.  Press crumbs into a 6" springform pan.  Place in freezer while you make the filling.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese on high until light and fluffy.  Add in sugar and mix until just combined.  Add in sour cream and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.   Add the melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla, and mix until combined.  Lastly, add the eggs and mix as little as possible just until they are fully incorporated.  Pour filling over crust and cover pan with aluminum foil.  

Pour 1 cup water into Instant Pot.  Place cheesecake pan on a trivet with handles and lower into Instant Pot.  Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 35 minutes.  When finished, allow it to naturally release pressure.  Remove pan and let it cool on counter.  Place in fridge overnight to allow it to set completely.

After the cheesecake has set overnight, make the ganache.   In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips and cream.  Microwave in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is mostly melted.  Stir until completely melted and pour over the cheesecake.   Enjoy!

Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs

I decided to try out this Swedish meatball recipe made in the Instant Pot.  It was good, but we weren't blown away.  The gravy was delicious, but there wasn't enough of it. After cooking the meatballs, I froze half of them for another time.  Even with half the meatballs, we could have used more gravy!  I suppose if we ate them by themselves, it would have been fine, but since we served them over egg noodles, we really needed more gravy.  Cooking them in the Instant Pot made it easy and convenient for cleanup at the end.  I seem to remember really liking the Swedish meatball recipe I made 10 years ago for my Muppet party (see link).  I'd probably use that recipe for the actual meatballs and gravy instead but do it all in the Instant Pot since it seemed to work well.

Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs

Makes ~30 meatballs (6-8 servings)

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

1/3 cup milk

2 large egg yolks

1 medium shallot, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon canola oil

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups beef stock

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves (for garnish)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, yolks, shallot, garlic, spices, and salt and pepper to taste.  Stir or use your hands to combine the mixture.   Roll into about 30 meatballs.

Set a 6-qt Instant Pot to the high Saute setting.  Heat oil.  Working in batches, add meatballs and cook until all sides are browned, about 3-4 minutes.  Transfer meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate; set aside.

Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.  Stir in beef stock, scraping up any browned bits. 

Return meatballs to Instant Pot.   Set pot to Pressure Cook on high for 8 minutes.  When finished, do a quick release of pressure.  Remove meatballs and set aside.

Select high Saute setting again.  Simmer until the sauce has reduced and thickened, about 4-5 minutes.  Stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.   Return meatballs to sauce and stir to warm them up again.  Serve immediately and garnish with parsley.   

Instant Pot Red Cabbage

While the Polish Kielbasa was boiling on the stovetop, I prepared this side dish in the Instant Pot.  Next time, I'd cut the recipe in half because we were eating cabbage for several days in a row (but it still tasted good).  This was a perfect way to make this recipe which typically cooks very slowly on the stovetop. 

Instant Pot Red Cabbage
Makes >8 servings

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion, sliced
1 head (2 lb) red cabbage, thinly shredded
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup apple juice
1 tablespoon sugar
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Directions:
Using the Saute setting, melt the better in the Instant Pot. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to soften.  Stir in the cabbage and cook for a couple minutes.  Stir in the salt, pepper, and allspice.  Add in the vinegar, juice, and sugar, and stir well.  Cancel Saute mode.

Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook on high for 5 minutes.  When finished, quick release pressure.  Stir cabbage, season to taste, and serve.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

I could only find whole chickens in the grocery store a couple weeks ago, so I purchased one.  I decided to try to cook it rotisserie-style in the Instant Pot.  It worked, especially just for shredding up the meat.  The skin wasn't crisp enough for my liking though.  Next time, I might try broiling it for a couple minutes after it's done pressure cooking.   I completely forgot to take a photo until I was halfway done shredding it up.  Oh well.

Instant Pot Whole Chicken

Ingredients:

1 whole chicken (~4-5 lbs), innards removed

1 lemon, cut in half

1 small onion, cut in half

Rotisserie Seasoning:

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons pepper

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

dash of cayenne pepper

Directions:

Rub seasoning mixture all over chicken.   Stuff the chicken cavity with the lemon and onion.

Place a trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup water or chicken broth.  Place chicken on trivet.  Pressure cook on high for 6 minutes per pound of chicken (30 minutes for a 5-lb chicken).  Let pressure naturally release for 15-20 minutes before removing lid.  Insert a meat thermometer into chicken thigh and make sure it has reached 165º F.  Remove chicken from pot and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings

I wanted comfort food, so I made this recipe.  Luckily, we had some chicken breasts in the freezer since the stores seem have no chicken at all.  For veggies, I used carrots, celery, onions, peas, and asparagus.  Fast and easy and it tasted great.  We were nervous that 3 minutes pressure-cooked wouldn't be enough time to fully cook the chicken and dumplings, but it was perfect.  The dumplings were just what I needed to lift my spirits. 

Instant Pot Chicken and Dumplings
Recipe from Food Network, adapted slightly
Makes 4 large servings

Dumpling Ingredients:
1 tablespoon baking powder
1&3/4 cups flour
pinch salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup milk, room temperature

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons thyme leaves
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine
1-1&1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
1 cup frozen peas
handful asparagus spears, chopped (I added this)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions:
For dumplings, in a medium bowl, mix together the baking powder, flour, and salt.  Stir in the milk and melted butter until well combined.  Set aside.

Set the Instant Pot to Saute mode and add butter, stirring constantly while it melts.  Once melted, add onions, celery, carrots, and pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2-3 minutes.  Add garlic and cook another minute.  Stir in the thyme and flour until combined.  Pour in the chicken stock and wine and stir.  Add the chicken, peas, asparagus, salt, and pepper.  Turn the pot off.

Carefully drop the dumpling dough by large spoonfuls into the pot (about 9-10 dumplings).  Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 3 minutes, then quick release.   Spoon the dumplings and soup into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin - Instant Pot

10 minutes to cook a Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot?!  Awesome!  I think it took about 35 minutes from start to finish including prep.  It was easy to make plus delicious. 

Instant Pot Balsamic-Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Ingredients:
1 pork tenderloin (~2 lb)  [I cut into two pieces to fit in pot]
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 cup water
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Directions:
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.  Rub olive oil over pork and then rub in seasoning.

Set Instant Pot to "Saute" mode and add garlic and pork.  Brown the meat for a minute on all sides.  Remove pork from pot.  Add 1 cup water to deglaze and scrape up brown bits with a wooden spoon.  Cancel Saute mode and whisk in soy sauce, sugar, and balsamic vinegar.  Return pork to the pot.

Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.  Let the pot naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest of the way.

Place pork on a cutting board.  While it rests, turn the Instant Pot to "Saute" mode.  In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water.  Add to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, whisking until thick and bubbly.

Slice the pork and pour balsamic glaze over the top.

Spinach-Artichoke Pasta with Italian Sausage- Instant Pot

I think this was the best Instant Pot recipe I've made so far.  Definitely not on the lighter side as far as calories, but it does have some vegetables in it, so I'll give myself a pass.  Comfort food is needed sometimes.  There was a good sausage-to-pasta ratio and I enjoyed the creamy spinach-artichoke mixture.  The tomatoes cooked all the way down and got lost so I'd add more in the future.   This was an easy recipe with very little prep and a very short cook time.  Best of all, it only used a cutting board and knife, measuring cup, and the Instant Pot making for easy cleanup!  This is another successful recipe from Pressure Luck Cooking.  I'm looking forward to the leftovers.

Instant Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb raw Italian Sausage (sweet or hot), sliced into 1/2" pieces
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup white wine
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried parsley
10 oz cherry or grape tomatoes
1 lb (1 box) medium pasta shells
5-6 oz baby spinach
1/3 cup heavy cream or half & half
5 oz cream cheese
1 - 1&1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained and roughly ripped by hand.

Directions:
Set Instant Pot to "Saute" on high and add butter.  When it melts, add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes.  Add the garlic and sausage and cook and stir for 2 minutes. (The sausage will not be fully cooked yet).  Add in the broth, wine, Italian seasoning, parsley, and tomatoes.  Stir well.  Stop Saute mode.

Add the pasta shells to the pot, but DO NOT STIR.  Press down with a spoon to submerge a bit, and there will be some above the liquid which is okay.  Add the spinach, and DO NOT STIR.  The spinach will come up to the top, but it will cook down to almost nothing.

Secure the lid and Pressure Cook on high for 5-6 minutes (depending on how you like your pasta).  Quick release the pressure when done.

Stir in the cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, and artichokes for a couple minutes until the cheese is melted.  Let rest a couple minutes to thicken and enjoy! 

Instant Pot Pot Roast

I tried this Pot Roast recipe from Pressure Luck Cooking and followed the ingredients and directions exactly (except for leaving out the mushrooms).  I was so excited to dig in that I forgot to take a photo the first night.  So this is a photo of leftovers we had the following night.  It was really, really flavorful and the meat was fall-apart tender.  I'd say the overall process was a little more fussy than a slow cooker, but it only took 60 minutes to cook (plus extra for preheating and pressure release).  The flavor was worth it.   Note:  I used a 3-lb roast which fit nicely in my 6-qt Instant Pot.  A bigger roast may have been tricky.

I don't want to steal the recipe since I made no changes except the mushrooms, so here is a link to the website:  https://pressureluckcooking.com/recipe/instant-pot-roast/

Instant Pot Parmesan Ranch Chicken and Potatoes

I'm starting to use my Instant Pot more, and this is a fast and easy recipe that also tasted great.  The chicken was juicy and the seasoning was tasty.  We didn't really detect the ranch flavor though.

Instant Pot Parmesan  Ranch Chicken and Potatoes
Serves 4

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 pounds baby red potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 packet Ranch dry seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
Put the chicken and potatoes in a large bowl and toss with olive oil.  Combine all the seasonings (except Parmesan), reserving 2 teaspoons of the Ranch seasoning.  Sprinkle mixture over the chicken and potatoes, tossing to distribute evenly.

Add chicken broth to Instant Pot and and place chicken in the pot.  Top with potatoes.  Lock the lid and seal the vent of the Instant Pot.  Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.  Quick release the steam. 

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken and potatoes to a platter.  Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remaining Ranch seasoning.

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma

I was in the mood for something International, so I combined a couple different recipes I found online to make this Shawarma recipe.  The marinade has a lot of spices, but it was a fast and easy recipe.  It was very tasty, but not exactly like the Shawarmas I remember eating when we visited the Middle East.  Still, we both enjoyed it.  We'll have leftovers tomorrow, and I think I'll make an actual Greek salad with feta cheese to use in the pita.  That should be really good with the chicken.

Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
Serves 6

Ingredients:

Chicken Marinade:
1 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp coriander
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbsp minced garlic
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized cubes/strips

Sauce:
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp minced garlic
pinch salt

Other:
Pita wraps/pockets
hummus
Greek salad or Toppings of your choice: lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced onions, feta cheese
parsley for garnish

Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the spices, yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic.  Add the chicken to the marinade and stir.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Transfer chicken and marinade into the Instant Pot (no need to add extra liquid).  Close the lid and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.  Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release.  Stir chicken and sauce and transfer chicken to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon.

While the chicken cooks, whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl (I just mixed it directly in the small yogurt container).

Assemble the Shawarmas.   Warm the pitas if necessary.  Spread hummus on the pita.  Top with lettuce, chicken, sauce, Greek salad, and garnish with parsley.

Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese

I saw this recipe posted on a Facebook Instant Pot Group, and it looked good, so I gave it a try.  It was tasty, but I didn't get as much chili flavor as I expected.  It was more like "chili-inspired" mac and cheese--or fancy Hamburger Helper.  Also, I'm not sure if the Instant Pot really saved much time.  I guess it was nice to use just one pot and dump it all in and go do something else for a few minutes.  Instead of a can of tomatoes, I used garden tomatoes.  I'm thinking I should have stirred some more in at the end along with the cheese.

Instant Pot Chili Mac and Cheese
Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:
1 lb extra lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 TBSP chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
1 lb dried macaroni pasta
1-2 cups grated or shredded cheddar cheese
fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions:
Add ground beef to instant pot and use Saute mode for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.  Add onion, celery, pepper, and garlic, and saute for a couple more minutes.  Then add spices and stir.  Turn off Saute mode.  Add broth, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and pasta. Stir to make sure pasta is covered in liquid.

Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes (it will need ~10 minutes to preheat).  When finished, quick release pressure before removing lid.

Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.  Garnish with parsley if desired.

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs

Mmmm, delicious fall-off-the-bone BBQ Ribs done super quick!  The Instant Pot is awesome!  I have a 6-qt pot and it fit with no trouble.  The ribs were super tender and started to break apart taking them out of the pot.  We decided to finish them off on the grill for 5-10 minutes at the end to let the BBQ Sauce caramelize onto the ribs.  You could also use the broiler instead.  The meat came cleanly off the bone, and I really liked the flavor of the rub on the ribs.   Definitely a keeper recipe!

Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs
Recipe found online at iwashyoudry

Ingredients:
1 rack (2.5-3lbs) baby back pork ribs
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup water
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
1/2 cup bbq sauce

Directions:
Remove the paper-thin lining from the bottom of the ribs running a butter knife under the skin to peel it away.

Combine the sugar, chili powder, and remaining dry ingredients to make the rub.   Rub it in all over the ribs.

Place a rack inside the pressure cooker and pour in the water, vinegar, and liquid smoke.   Wrap the ribs, standing on their side, around the inside of the pot, with the bones facing inward.  (You could double the recipe and wrap a 2nd set of ribs in there too.)

Secure the lid and close the vent.  Press the Meat setting and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.  Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then do quick release.

Remove the ribs and set on a foil-lined baking sheet.  Brush with BBQ sauce and broil in the oven for a few minutes.  (Or put them on the grill, meat-side up, for 5-10 minutes)