The Instant Pot has changed the way we cook—faster meals, less cleanup, and zero guesswork. For vegans, it’s a dream tool that transforms legumes, grains, and veggies into rich, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you're new to plant-based cooking or just want to simplify your weeknights, this guide offers 10 delicious vegan Instant Pot recipes. Each recipe is designed to be fuss-free, flavorful, and nutrient-dense. From comforting soups to one-pot pasta and protein-packed stews, these meals deliver satisfaction fast.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Vegan Cooking?
The Instant Pot excels with whole plant foods. It softens beans without soaking, cooks grains perfectly, and infuses spices into stews and soups in record time. Plus, it’s a game-changer for meal prepping.
Here’s what makes the Instant Pot a vegan kitchen essential:
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Saves time: Recipes that usually take hours can be done in 30 minutes or less.
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Boosts flavor: Pressure cooking intensifies taste and aroma.
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Reduces waste: One-pot meals mean fewer dishes and less cleanup.
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Batch cooking: Ideal for prepping meals for the week ahead.
1. Vegan Lentil Soup
Why it works: High in protein, budget-friendly, and satisfying.
Ingredients:
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Brown or green lentils
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Diced tomatoes
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Carrots, celery, onion
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Garlic, cumin, smoked paprika
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Vegetable broth
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release.
Serving tip: Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
2. Instant Pot Vegan Chili
Why it works: Classic comfort food, made in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
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Kidney beans or black beans (cooked or canned)
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Crushed tomatoes
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Corn, bell pepper, onion
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Chili powder, cumin, garlic
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Plant-based broth
Instructions:
Sauté onion, pepper, and garlic using the sauté function. Add remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Natural release.
Optional: Stir in a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast for a cheesy finish.
3. Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
Why it works: Creamy, earthy, and great for cold days.
Ingredients:
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Sliced mushrooms (cremini or white)
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Wild rice blend
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Onion, celery, garlic
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Plant-based milk or cashew cream
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Thyme, rosemary, pepper
Instructions:
Cook rice, veggies, and broth under high pressure for 25 minutes. Stir in plant milk at the end. Let sit to thicken.
Bonus: This soup freezes well for future meals.
4. Vegan Instant Pot Risotto
Why it works: No stirring required, creamy texture guaranteed.
Ingredients:
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Arborio rice
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Onion, garlic
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Vegetable broth
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White wine (optional)
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Mushrooms, spinach, peas
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic, add rice and wine. Pour in broth, pressure cook for 6 minutes. Quick release, stir in veggies.
Finish with: Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan-style topping.
5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew
Why it works: High-fiber and naturally sweet, with a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
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Diced sweet potatoes
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Cooked black beans
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Bell peppers, onions
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Cumin, coriander, chili flakes
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Lime juice
Instructions:
Add all ingredients, pressure cook for 8 minutes. Let pressure release naturally. Stir in lime juice before serving.
Optional: Serve with rice or warm tortillas.
6. Vegan Instant Pot Pasta
Why it works: One pot, no boiling water, and zero mess.
Ingredients:
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Whole wheat or lentil pasta
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Crushed tomatoes
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Garlic, onion, basil, oregano
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Zucchini or mushrooms
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Water or broth
Instructions:
Add pasta and veggies with just enough liquid to cover. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release and stir.
Tip: Add spinach at the end and let it wilt in the residual heat.
7. Instant Pot Quinoa Burrito Bowls
Why it works: Great for meal prep and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients:
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Quinoa
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Corn, black beans, diced tomatoes
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Onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika
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Jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté aromatics, then add remaining ingredients. Pressure cook for 1 minute with a natural release of 10 minutes.
Top with: Avocado, salsa, cilantro, or vegan sour cream.
8. Curried Chickpeas and Potatoes
Why it works: Indian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
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Canned chickpeas
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Diced potatoes
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Onion, garlic, ginger
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Curry powder, turmeric, garam masala
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Coconut milk
Instructions:
Sauté onion and garlic, add spices, then chickpeas and potatoes. Pressure cook for 5 minutes. Stir in coconut milk post-cook.
Serve with: Basmati rice or naan.
9. Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Why it works: A fun and colorful way to use pantry staples.
Ingredients:
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Bell peppers
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Cooked rice or quinoa
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Lentils or black beans
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Tomato sauce
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Herbs and spices
Instructions:
Mix filling and stuff into peppers. Add 1 cup water to the bottom of the pot, place peppers on a trivet. Pressure cook for 8 minutes. Quick release.
Garnish: Chopped parsley or a dollop of cashew cream.
10. Vegan Instant Pot Oatmeal
Why it works: Hearty, creamy, and a hands-off breakfast.
Ingredients:
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Rolled oats or steel-cut oats
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Water or plant-based milk
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Cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla
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Fruit and nuts
Instructions:
Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes (rolled) or 4–5 minutes (steel-cut). Natural release for 10 minutes. Stir and add toppings.
Pro tip: Double the batch and refrigerate leftovers for the week.
Instant Pot Tips for Vegan Cooking
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Use the sauté function to bloom spices before pressure cooking.
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Layer ingredients properly: Place thicker foods on the bottom and delicate items on top.
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Watch liquid ratios: The Instant Pot needs enough liquid to pressurize (usually 1–1.5 cups minimum).
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Quick release vs. natural release: Beans and grains do better with natural release to avoid mushiness.
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Freeze leftovers: Pressure-cooked stews and soups freeze well for future meals.
Common Vegan Pantry Staples for Instant Pot Recipes
Stock these basics to make Instant Pot meals anytime:
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Lentils (brown, red, green)
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Quinoa, rice, oats
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Canned beans (black, pinto, chickpeas)
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Diced tomatoes and tomato paste
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Coconut milk
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Spices: cumin, chili powder, turmeric, curry powder
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Onions, garlic, carrots, celery
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Nutritional yeast
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Vegetable broth
Final Thoughts: Easy Vegan Instant Pot Meals, Anytime
Whether you're a busy professional, a student on a budget, or just someone who doesn’t want to cook every night, the Instant Pot makes plant-based living easy, affordable, and delicious.
From chili to curries to pasta and stews, these 10 vegan Instant Pot recipes are designed to save time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Keep your pantry stocked, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy hearty meals in minutes.
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