These are the Best Kid-Friendly Instant Pot Dinners! They’re healthy family dinner ideas perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes
Weeknight dinners are stressful enough. Throw in a few picky kids and it can be so overwhelming! Make dinnertime easy with these kid friendly dinner ideas made in the Instant Pot. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite dinner ideas that kids will love! These recipes are quick to make and healthy, too, so you’ll feel good feeding them to your family. A lot of them can be made ahead of time as well so you can get a head start on them on the weekend!
Want even more easy weeknight dinner recipes? Check out these 30-minute Instant Pot dinner ideas and these 25 easy Instant Pot back-to-school recipes!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook for a family every night?
These Instant Pot family dinner recipes are a great way to keep everyone in the family happy, while cutting down on the amount of time you spend in the kitchen. The pressure cooker makes everything so much faster, and since everything is made in one pot, there’s way less time spent on clean-up, too!
What do you serve a picky eater?
If you have a picky eater in the family, choose one of the kid friendly dinner ideas from the ‘Comfort Food Classics’ category below. Things like meatballs, chicken pot pie and hamburger helper will be popular with even the pickiest of eaters and are way easier to make in the Instant Pot.
How can you get a child to be involved with dinner time?
These kid friendly Instant Pot recipes are a great way to get your kid involved with dinner time! Since everything’s made in one pot, they can help with adding everything to the Instant Pot before you set it to cook – just make sure you’re adding everything in the order listed. It’s easy and stress-free, so the kids can help without any added stress.
Comfort Food Classics
These crowd-pleasers are perfect for picky eaters! This category is filled with hearty casseroles, chicken and potatoes, and comforting soups and chilis.
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
40 minutes
These Instant Pot Baked Potatoes come fully loaded with bacon, cheddar, sour cream and chives – and they cook way faster than in the oven!
Make this recipe
Calories: 440kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 465mg | Potassium: 1249mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 750IU | Vitamin C: 80.9mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 3.1mg
Instant Pot Ribs
45 minutes
These Instant Pot Ribs are so easy and tender – they're made effortlessly in under an hour with a simple list of ingredients!
Make this recipe
Calories: 498kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 1474mg | Potassium: 684mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 626IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 3mg
Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes
30 minutes
It is SO easy to make Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes together at the same time – follow this recipe for an easy honey mustard sauce to boot!
Make this recipe
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 320mg | Potassium: 1084mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg
Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs
15 minutes
These Instant Pot Frozen Meatballs are so easy to make and they come together in just 15 minutes – read on for ideas on how to use them!
Make this recipe
Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 86mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Instant Pot Crack Chicken
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken is a delicious weeknight chicken dinner made with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, bacon and scallions!
Make this recipe
Calories: 487kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 1073mg | Potassium: 782mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1441IU | Vitamin C: 96mg | Calcium: 232mg | Iron: 2mg
The Ultimate Instant Pot Chili
30 minutes
This is the Ultimate Instant Pot Chili! Made with ground beef, lots of beans, green chilies and spices, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Make this recipe
Calories: 417kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 47mg | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 1602mg | Fiber: 19g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1008IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 148mg | Iron: 9mg
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie
45 minutes
This Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie is a faster way to make pot pie filling and is finished off in the oven with puff pastry.
Make this recipe
Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 903mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 9958IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 3mg
Cheesiest Instant Pot Hamburger Helper
30 minutes
This is the cheesiest, most delicious Instant Pot Hamburger Helper copycat! All you need are pasta, ground beef, diced tomatoes, cheddar and veggies.
Calories: 503kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 481mg | Potassium: 598mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 322IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 182mg | Iron: 3mg
Easy Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
35 minutes
This EasyInstant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s a comforting homemade soup that’s filled with flavour!
Make this recipe
Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1470mg | Potassium: 1026mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5405IU | Vitamin C: 38mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole offers a healthier spin on the comfort food favourite and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Make this recipe
Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 707mg | Potassium: 409mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 32.2mg | Calcium: 290mg | Iron: 1.4mg
Takeout Inspired
Want to stop getting takeout? These restaurant-inspired, kid friendly Instant Pot recipes are quick and easy to make and they’re so much healthier than a Happy Meal.
Instant Pot Chinese Lemon Chicken
35 minutes
This Instant Pot Chinese Lemon Chicken is a delicious takeout recipe with a savoury lemon sauce that comes together with pantry staples!
Make this recipe
Calories: 538kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 763mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 173IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
Instant Pot Orange Chicken {Panda Express Copycat}
35 minutes
This Instant Pot Orange Chicken is a one-pot dump dinner with rice and broccoli that tastes just like the version from Panda Express.
Make this recipe
Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 897mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 786IU | Vitamin C: 109mg | Calcium: 77mg | Iron: 2mg
Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Sweet and Sour Chicken with pineapple is a one pot rice dish with a 5-ingredient sauce – it tastes just like takeout!
Make this recipe
Calories: 399kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 576mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1931IU | Vitamin C: 94mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice
25 minutes
This Instant Pot Chicken Fried Rice is a healthier spin on the takeout dish – it uses frozen veggies so it’s ready in less than 30 minutes!
Make this recipe
Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 410mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 6.4mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.9mg
Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup {Panera Copycat}
40 minutes
This Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup is just like Panera Bread's – it's a delicious, creamy soup that also freezes well.
Make this recipe
Calories: 279kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 925mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3431IU | Vitamin C: 191mg | Calcium: 364mg | Iron: 2mg
Pasta Recipes
Move over, pizza night! Pasta night is here. These Instant Pot family dinner recipes will be loved by adults and kids alike.
Easy Instant Pot Lasagna
40 minutes
This easy Instant Pot Lasagna is like a lazy lasagna – you'll saute the ground beef and layer the lasagna noodles right in the pot!
Make this recipe
Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 642mg | Potassium: 840mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1600IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 227mg | Iron: 4mg
The Best Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta is a lighter way to enjoy the cult-favourite dish, made with dried ranch seasoning and sour cream.
Make this recipe
Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.005g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1491mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 500IU | Vitamin C: 4.1mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan is a super easy way to make your comfort food favourite – it's ready in one pot and in less than 30 minutes too!
Make this recipe
Calories: 552kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 131mg | Sodium: 1019mg | Potassium: 1191mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 771IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 3mg
Instant Pot Pizza Pasta
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Pizza Pasta is a fun delicious dinner idea that packs together all the flavours of your fave pizza in a cheesy one pot pasta dish.
Make this recipe
Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 967mg | Potassium: 495mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 450IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Instant Pot Taco Pasta {One Pot!}
25 minutes
This Instant Pot Taco Pasta is a delicious and cheesy pasta recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights with all your favourite taco flavours.
Make this recipe
Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 752mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1650IU | Vitamin C: 113mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2.7mg
Lighter Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo
30 minutes
This Lighter Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo is a healthier version of the classic pasta dish with half the cream and mushrooms for extra veggies.
Make this recipe
Calories: 386kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 959mg | Potassium: 185mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 0.8mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 2mg
Tacos & Sandwiches
I’m a firm believer that if you put something in a taco, wrap or sandwich, kids will try it! Give this theory a go with these yummy kid friendly dinner ideas.
Instant Pot Taco Meat {+Taco Salad Jars}
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Taco Meat is the perfect filling for taco salad jars. Make it with your choice of ground beef, chicken or turkey!
Make this recipe
Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 993mg | Potassium: 959mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 550IU | Vitamin C: 15.7mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 2.7mg
instant Pot Chicken Tacos
30 minutes
These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a healthy and easy meal prep recipe made with shredded chicken and all of your favourite taco toppings.
Make this recipe
Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 771mg | Potassium: 689mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 2.2mg
Instant Pot Ground Turkey Tacos
25 minutes
These Instant Pot Ground Turkey Tacos are so easy – read on to learn how to cook frozen ground turkey in the Instant Pot too!
Make this recipe
Calories: 379kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 619mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 336IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 2mg
Instant Pot Barbacoa {Super Tender}
50 minutes
This Instant Pot Barbacoa is super tender, smoky and spicy. It's just like the kind at Chipotle and makes the best tacos!Â
Make this recipe
Calories: 349kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 403mg | Potassium: 463mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 49IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 3mg
Instant Pot Carnitas {Tender + Crispy}
1 hour 30 minutes
This Instant Pot Carnitas meat is so tender – crisp it up with a few minutes under the broiler. Serve in tacos, burritos, or meal prep bowls!
Make this recipe
Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 562mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 3mg
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken {Meal Prep}
30 minutes
This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is perfect for meal prep – just throw some chicken in the Instant Pot with taco seasoning and salsa and enjoy!
Make this recipe
Easiest Instant Pot Sloppy Joes
30 minutes
These are the easiest Instant Pot Sloppy Joes, served in a delicious tangy tomato sauce on hamburger buns. It's the perfect make ahead meal!
Make this recipe
Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1251mg | Potassium: 1084mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 771IU | Vitamin C: 43mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 6mg
Instant Pot French Dip
1 hour
This Instant Pot French Dip is stuffed with tender beef and provolone cheese in a fresh mini baguette dipped in a delectable au jus.
Make this recipe
Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1641mg | Potassium: 746mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 249IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 117mg | Iron: 6mg
Instant Pot Pulled Pork {Fall Apart Tender}
1 hour 30 minutes
This Instant Pot Pulled Pork is so tender, juicy and easy to make – enjoy it as a sandwich or pair it with coleslaw for a low carb meal!
Make this recipe
Calories: 171kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 401mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 163IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
