4 Instant Pot Meal Prep Recipes

When it comes to meal prep, my Instant Pot is a total hero! I love using it to bulk prep ingredients, but you can also make full meals in it to eat through the week. Today I'm sharing four delicious Instant Pot recipes that work great for meal prep!
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Click over to the blog for full printable recipes:
0:45 - Instant Pot Fiesta Rice Bowls- sweetpeasandsa...
02:51 - Instant Pot Spicy Peanut Noodles- sweetpeasandsa...
05:26 - Instant Pot Cajun Rice & Sausage- sweetpeasandsa...
06:58 - Instant Pot Chickpea Curry- sweetpeasandsa...
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EQUIPMENT
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* 6 quart Instant Pot amzn.to/2Znox8U
* 8 quart Instant Pot amzn.to/2YsarTh
* chef's knife amzn.to/2LK808v
* Snapware meal prep containers- amzn.to/31XrWco
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I hope this inspires you to bust out your Instant Pot! Let me know if you have any questions.
Happy meal prepping!
Denise

[@ks2994]

I've been looking high and low for healthy instant pot and/or freezer meals. Love your channel!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Thank you so much! I have lots more instant pot recipes on my blog!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Thank you so much! I have lots more instant pot recipes on my blog!

[@jackc1320]

By adding one easy step to these recipes, you CAN use brown rice. Just cook the brown rice in the desired liquids for about 20 minutes or just short of the desired doneness. Open the Instant Pot add the remaining ingredients and cook for the 5 or so minutes called for in the recipes. Start the brown rice before prepping the other ingredients and you won't be adding that much more time to the entire meal prep.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

That's so great to know! Thank you for sharing :)

[@NeverPullOutInMexico]

😂 I was telling myself this when she said rice has a long cook time

[@LauraSanchez-cu2gs]

I cooked the four of them. You just made my life more productive

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Wow!! You were busy! So happy you enjoyed, Laura :)

[@traceyburnell3784]

I just made all 4 this week also. They were all big hits!

[@marypayne9347]

I just happened upon your channel today and I love it. My type of cooking from so many perspectives! Thank you for all the time, energy, thought and care you put into all the videos you have posted. I will be “watching” my way through all of them.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment 💛💛

[@skoolie_life3261]

I made the Cajun sausage and rice recipe and I loved it. I used Turkey sausage to cut some calories. Next week, I’ll be making the chick pea curry. Just subbed because I like your recipes!!

[@MM-bw9iv]

I made the Fiesta Rice Bowl today and it was a hit, I served it in tortilla bowls, delicious. Didn't get a burnt notice. Will definitely be making this one again, will have to try the other ones also. Thanks for this awesome recipe!😀👍

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hurray! I'm so glad you didn't get a burn notice. It's so strange how some people get it. Thanks for reporting back :)

[@h.ar.2937]

The first and last one imo are the best! Thanks for sharing!

[@Wollzauber]

I'm so happy I found your Vlog!! As I own an instant pot and another electrik pressure cooker from a different brand I love to see what you are prepping. Also I'm a working mom and freezer meals are such a bonus. Will try some of your recipies one after one and looking forward to taste them. The hardest part will be to convince my husband and son to eat chick peas, beans and some other veggies... but I will try hard. Thank you so much for your videos and inspirations. Greetings from Germany Stephanie

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Stephanie! I'm so happy you are following along! My husband was initially SO skeptical of non-meat meals, but slowly he has come around to realize that they are just as tasty and just as filling as meat-heavy meals. Hope your family comes around, too!

[@moolababy]

I made your fiesta rice bowls tonight for the first time and oh my gosh. We loved them. We don’t eat corn so I just doubled up on the black beans but fabulous. Thank you!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Yay! I am so happy to hear this, Nancy! Thanks for reporting back :)

[@user-uv6of3ul3b]

Perfect size for party of 8 or just 2. Very cool features, very sturdy.

[@lorieann8522]

The rice bowls look delicious! I could see using left overs in a soup!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Thanks LorieAnn! One of my faves :)

[@lindaz318]

Love it! Soaking the brown rice overnight should work too.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Great tip, Linda!

[@jamiejadav7302]

these recipes were amazing! thank you so much for keep it simple, I'm going to try them ALL this week

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I hope you enjoy!

[@denicekimberly3255]

my son and husband both work from home and they would love that sausage recipe. going to teach my son how to make it this weekend 👍

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I love that! Hope you both enjoy :)

[@Superpsychandie]

I made the spicy peanut noodles for dinner tonight and my family loved them!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Yay! So happy you enjoyed!

[@johnny8927]

These are very healthy meals with not too much extra fat, sodium. They have lots of vegetables. Thank you!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Thanks, John! I always feel good when I have some veggies for lunch :)

[@shelly5224]

That noodle dish, definitely gonna try it

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I hope you do!

[@shelly5224]

@@SweetPeasSaffron Already made it twice....just made is super spicy lol It was great, thanks.

[@ameenaah12]

I made the Cajun rice two days ago and it is amazing!! But mine turned out a little too spicy/salty. Next time I will half the seasonings. However, eating it with sour cream helps. Right now, I am making the fiesta rice bowl.

[@tspot26pogogamer17]

Made the Cajun Amdoulie Sausage & Chic Pea Curry!!! Absolutely love both....ty so mucb

[@Ben_osrs]

The fiesta pot bowl is the best thing ever. I’ve never used a recipe from yt as much as this one. I’ve made it once a week for the last 3 months and I never tire of it. I also add crumbled beef with taco seasoning and makes it unbelievably tasty.

[@laurenhadley7596]

DUDE THIS WAS THE BOMB! I had a couple bites and wish I shouldn't have because I could have eaten that entire bowl, it was so delicious

[@zeee7010]

Made the Fiesta rice bowl and it is indeed delicious!! Tastes better than chipotle! Making the Cajun rice now!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Yay! Happy to hear that! So easy, right? Hope you enjoy the 'cajun' one too!

[@ElEternaut4]

Great!

[@helennelson3120]

Hi. They all look delish and I think the chick pea curry would be my fav. Thanks for sharing.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Great choice, Helen!

[@helennelson3120]

😊@@SweetPeasSaffron

[@joeyleerobbins]

I am sooooooooooooooooo trying these! Thank you for this video!!!!!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Yeah! Hope you enjoy, Joseph :)

[@marilyn2159]

Just found your channel and loving it! Thx 😁

[@maze2007]

Imma try all of these, thanks for the detailed instructions. Can you explain the llama in the background? 🙂

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

LOL the llama was my son's craft project, and he has a little home on our range hood now! He accidentally made his way into some of the videos but I like him.

[@almagiacalone4683]

If I don't have an instant pot, but just a regular digital pressure cooker, are the times as well as a 30 lb max pressure setting the same?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Alma! Unfortunately I cannot advise on any other pressure cooker model as I've only used the Instant Pot.

[@lauren403]

Questions! I don’t own a spiral I ear but I know I can pick up them spiralized at the store would this work... also for peanut allergies can we use wow butter from soy beans

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Pre-spiralized veggies should work just fine! Not sure on wow butter. Sun butter may work better?

[@joyiglesias8881]

Hello, these recipes look delish! I would like to add chicken to the Mexican rice bowl n the curry chick pea. How and when should I add the chicken to the process?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi! Unfortunately I have only tried it as written. I think you could maybe cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes but I’m not sure if they would be over cooked.

[@chicgirlflowers7609]

I just found your channel and I'm in love! Thank you so much for all these amazing tips and recipes.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Aww thanks so much for following along!

[@moolababy]

Were the spiralized veggies too liquidy? I've always had to either salt them for a while or bake in the oven for a while so they wouldn't make my recipes too watery

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

They weren’t liquidy for me! The only spiralized veggie I’ve had liquid issues with is cucumber.

[@vinylmaverick8044]

You are the true dish!

[@906clank]

How much water should we add to the first recipe? As much as is required for the rice?

[@johnnieoberg1688]

Hello there! I used frozen zucchini spirals instead of de thawed for the peanut noodle recipe...how much does this change the keep warm time at the end?

[@JustShara4]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

You are very welcome!

[@shacheb]

Just found your channel. Love these recipes. Thanks for sharing.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

So happy you found my channel! Thank you for following along!

[@ranaalalawi8262]

Does the chicken cook enough if we’re just leaving it in for 5 minutes?

[@lindsaysmith4486]

Wonder if you could do quinoa in the first one

[@lrpowers767]

I love the fiesta rice bowls but how do you make it without the rice sticking to the bottom? I tried making it and it said “Food Burn” 3 different times.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I am SO sorry to hear this recipe gave you troubles. I have personally tested this six times in both my 6 and 8 quart Instant Pots, have had my mom try it and an independent recipe tester and none of us can reproduce this issue :(

[@mariolara3472]

I have also tried the fiesta rice bowl recipe several times and it says food burn. Any recommendations?

[@lrpowers767]

@@mariolara3472 I tried it a couple different ways and you definitely have to rinse the rice very well to help get the starches out. The starches will make it stick a lot more. I also don’t put the rice on the bottom of the pot. I put in some oil, then the veggies and put the rice almost on top. I’ve had success doing it this way. Hope this helps

[@mariolara3472]

Lindsay Powers thanks so much for the advice. Going to try this next time I make the bowl.

[@lorettamiller4536]

I also had burn food issue for the Feista bowl I noticed that you did not mention how much water to use?? I put a cup of water in and burn food came on. I rinsed rice and followed to a tee. Next time I will just cook rice separately.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Loretta, The full directions including measurements can be found on the blog post: sweetpeasandsaffron.com/instant-pot-fiesta-rice-bowls/. 1 cup of water is used for the IP fiesta rice bowls. In terms of the burn warning - it's important to place the tomatoes on top of the rest of the ingredients to avoid a burn warning. Hope this helps!

[@mariadocarmosarmento9487]

What time would you recommend for the fiesta bowls using brown rice, instead of white rice? Thank you!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Maria! Unfortunately this recipe will not work with brown rice, as it has a long cook time in the Instant Pot and all the other ingredients will basically disintegrate :(

[@ClippyChop]

Probably have to add an extra step to cook the brown rice about 75% of the way, then add the rest in

[@medwsc123]

Hi Denise, awesome recipes again thank you! - quick question, when making the chickpea curry with rice, if I freeze it can I reheat it? or does it have to be consumed just defrosted due to the rice? many thanks!!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Scott! Yes you can definitely reheat after freezing! Make sure to hear until steaming hot. Hope you enjoy 😊

[@migi847]

can the sausge one be kept in the fridge for 5 days ?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I have a 4 day rule, but it freezes well so if you can't get through them in time you can freeze them for later :)

[@aznsmazn7321]

If you want to double the recipes, how would that affect the cooking/depressurizing times?

[@nikkilawrence8922]

Following

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I have not tried doubling any of these recipes, so I can't say for sure, however I would recommend releasing the rice recipes for 15 minutes total so they don't get mushy. Let me know if you do try doubling them!

[@llw2226]

Can I use white parboiled rice?

[@marieb3473]

What brand of peanut butter is that? Thanks!!

[@handleyourbusiness1675]

Awesome video.

[@sophiekomiega5996]

How much water should I use for the fiesta bowl??

[@moolababy]

Love your videos

[@ShannonEncina]

Love these recipes. Is there anything else you recommend instead of peanut butter for the spicy sauce? Have a peanut allergy in the family. Thank you!

[@mybluguitar6051]

i used almond butter and it was amazing. just make sure to stir the crap outta the almond butter or it'll be too thick

[@houseofschenck6230]

I have a friend with a nut allergy and she often uses sun butter. I don't know how it works for cooking but it might be worth checking.

[@shoshannamartin9665]

For the vegetable spaghetti can I just dive the vegetables?

[@rosaliarohr780]

I have two toddlers, and they do not eat spicy food. Can I omit the chili garlic with something else they would like? This looks like an amazing recipe, but I want to cook something everyone will eat. :) Thank you!!!!!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Rosalia! Yes, you can skip it. Hope you enjoy!

[@BlondieBre]

What kind of cheese for rice bowls?

[@13bluemint]

Can i use broth instead of water? And how much water?!

[@Carbconsciouscarolyn]

Could you par cook brown rice for these recipes?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Maybe? I haven't tried and really can't say for sure.

[@Gisellxo]

I cook the brown rice first and then do the recipes haha

[@Pure4Pres]

Would jasmine rice work? Or is the cook time to long for jasmine aswell?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Devin! I am unsure as I have not tested with Jasmine rice. This post says that white basmati and jasmine should have the same cook time, so I think it should work interchangeably! greenhealthycooking.com/instant-pot-rice/

[@heathercoker-evans9743]

If I don't have a veggy Spiraler can I just chop up the veggies?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Heather! That should work, or you can use a vegetable peeler to make strips!

[@carriecreative3152]

How long can they keep in the freezer for?

[@alisonmarchand8984]

Made the fiesta rice bowl and it burnt to the bottom of the pot multiple times and wouldn’t pressurize. How much water should be used???

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

I am SO sorry to hear this, Alison! For some reason, certain Instant Pots seem to be more sensitive to the burn warning. I have personally tested this recipe 6 times, with both my 6 and 8 quart recipe with no burn warning. My mom has tested with her Instant Pot with no burn warning, and I have an independent recipe tester who also did not get the burn warning. It drives me crazy that there are differences between models, or maybe elevation, that could have such different outcomes. Could you tell me, do you have the Ultra model or the duo?

[@nicholepare7386]

hey there i’m interested in making this fiesta bowl also but not sure if i missed the amount of water that should be added ? what is recommended?

[@cole404]

Do you think the noodles would still be good if I didn’t use the peanut butter? I can’t eat it.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hmm I am not sure how it would turn out. Can you have almonds? It works well with almond butter!

[@alizaliz10]

Would almond butter be okay as a sub ? We have peanut allergies!

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Yes! I have made it with almond butter and it's great. Just make sure it is natural & drippy (ie not the bottom of the jar)

[@beatrizandrade5197]

Wait all these cook in 5 minutes?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi! The Instant Pot will take between 10-20 min to come to pressure and some recipes require a natural pressure release, so it will take at least 30 min total :)

[@hannahmansilla8320]

am i the only one who's instant pot kept saying burn when i tried to make the fajita bowl?

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi Hannah, I'm so sorry to hear this. It seems some Instant Pot models are very sensitive and are giving some people troubles with this particular recipe. I have tested 6x, have had two others test and no issues with burn warning. If this happens to you, try adding 1/2 cup extra water, scrape the bottom of the pot, and try again.

[@sarahm1894]

Tfs

[@michaelscott4810]

I tried the first recipe and apparently burned the rice. I used one cup of water since you didn’t specify in the video.

[@michaelscott4810]

Guess one cup wasn’t enough

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Aww I'm so sorry to hear this. Some people are having the burn warning with this recipe and I can't figure it out. I've personally tested this 6 times in both the 6 and 8 quart Instant Pots and even had my mom test it. I am sending the recipe to another recipe tester and hopefully we can get some answers.

[@reetukumari5680]

Some Indian recipes with your twist Plzzzzzzzzz

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Here are some ideas! Definitely not authentic but my spin on them :) sweetpeasandsaffron.com/low-carb-indian-chicken-skillet/ sweetpeasandsaffron.com/lentil-dal-recipe/ sweetpeasandsaffron.com/slow-cooker-chicken-sweet-potato-korma/

[@hotpopnews9640]

I just posted an InsantPot recipe as well! 😊

[@patarcher1813]

I want the llama

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Haha! My son got one of those craft kit subscriptions and the llama was one of the months. I like him!

[@joseph4758]

Wait... Lol I thought... I thought I heard you say 3 minutes...

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

The Instant Pot can be a bit misleading, because even if something has a cook time of 3 minutes, it will take 10-25 min to come to pressure :)

[@piratekingluffy3678]

Are these recipes diabetes friendly? I recently found out I’m diabetic and furiously searching for something healthy and filling to eat.

[@SweetPeasSaffron]

Hi there, you can view nutrition facts for each of the recipes on the blog (link in description). I hope this helps!

[@piratekingluffy3678]

@@SweetPeasSaffron Ah! I didn’t see that. Thank you very much!

[@adrianaluzardo1745]

pork im instant pot