30 Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes For No-Fuss Meals

Vegetarianism has been all the rage lately. Although the world of food has begun openly embracing plant-based cooking with open arms, it can still be a challenge for some to access and/or prepare healthy food in their own kitchens. Luckily, we’ve compiled some of the best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes that you can try for yourself.

You don’t have to attend a vegetarian cookery school in order to master your meat-free meal preps. Take a look at our picks for delicious and diverse dishes that you can make without taking up too much of your time and effort.

Vegetarian Instant Pot Main Dishes

Under this category, you’ll find some of the best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes that make for delicious, complete meals. You can enjoy each one of these dishes either on their own or with some side dishes of your choice. 

Risotto is a slightly tricky entrée that can take a while to master. Fortunately, this recipe allows you to recreate this fancy Italian dish using your trusty Instant Pot! You’ll no longer have to worry about drying out your rice or overcooking it. All you have to do is pour the ingredients into your pot, and wait for it to finish cooking. You’ll have bowls of warm, hearty vegetarian meals in no time. Savor the flavor of creamy and perfectly cooked arborio rice with mushroom chunks that are packed with plant-based protein. So, what are you waiting for? It’s high time you add this recipe to your list of vegetarian Instant Pot recipes to cook for all occasions!

Recipe for Inspiration: Creamy Instant Pot Mushroom Risotto

Every spoonful of this filling meal of steel-cut oats bursts with a classic, earthy cinnamon flavor that will surely satisfy your palate. Bits and pieces of bananas and blueberries lend a refreshingly fruity taste that breaks away from the milky and creamy flavor of the oats.

For good reason, oatmeal has cemented its status as a breakfast staple in many households. Indeed, it’s one of the many quick and easy vegetarian Instant Pot recipes that you can serve without doing too much. An effortless dish, yet you can rely on it to sustain you with energy for hours. Have a warm bowl of these steel-cut oats to kickstart your day or any other time to keep you going.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

This meatless chili recipe is a vegetarian Instant Pot rendition of the fiery Tex-Mex favorite we all know and love. Enjoy a tantalizing mouthfeel from this recipe’s combination of hot peppers, onions, garlic, and powdered spices. Likewise, this vegetable chili guarantees guilt-free savory satisfaction. If you’re up to it, you can also add other vegetarian-friendly food like creamy avocados and cheeses or crunchy chips on top.  Or better yet, partner it with other vegetarian Instant Pot recipes on this list like the Instant Pot mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.

Recipe for Inspiration: Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili

Your classic mac and cheese recipe made easier! Add this American staple to your roster of easy vegetarian Instant Pot recipes! Nothing beats a helping of firm and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni noodles cooked in a creamy and sticky combination of melted cheeses. Before serving, sprinkle your mac and cheese with homemade breadcrumbs to achieve traditional flavors, plus more texture and flavor variation.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you’re looking to downsize your intake of carbs, then this spaghetti squash recipe is perfect for you. This delicious vegan Instant Pot recipe is a plant-based take on the traditional Italian spaghetti, effectively replacing regular semolina noodles with the meat of the said vegetable. Indulge in a bowl of tasty strips of nutrient-packed squash, slathered in a classic marinara pasta sauce made from spices and tart crushed tomatoes. This spaghetti squash in marinara sauce definitely deserves a spot on your list of vegetarian Instant Pot recipes.

Recipe for Inspiration: Easy Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash in Marinara Sauce

Stop missing out on this unique Midwestern dish. Why choose between meatless chili and mac and cheese when you can have both? This recipe fuses these two quick and easy vegetarian Instant Pot recipes for a dish that’s not only filling but also packed with flavor! The firm macaroni noodles make for the perfect vehicle for pocketing sauces and melted cheese. Furthermore, the creaminess of the mac and cheese melds perfectly with the hot and spicy vegetable chili. Every bite is guaranteed to give you a different, gratifying flavor experience each time.

Recipe for Inspiration: Vegetarian Instant Pot Chili Mac 

Have your dose of plant-based protein with a generous serving of baked beans for your next meal. This recipe calls for a combination of three types of beans: kidney, pinto, and northern beans. Each type has different flavors and textures for a well-balanced dish. Enjoy notes of creamy and nutty pinto beans, sweet and meaty kidney beans, and delicate northern beans cooked in a sweet and slightly tangy brown sugar sauce.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Brown Sugar Baked Beans 

Sometimes, less is indeed more. Prepare large artichokes that have been doused with lemon juice by steaming them with spices in an Instant Pot, and you’ll have a snack that’s satisfying in and of itself. In addition, you can also dip your artichokes in buttery and tangy hollandaise sauce for a classic culinary combo. Truly, this healthy yet delicious snack is one of the vegetarian Instant Pot recipes you can count on when you’re craving for finger foods.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes with Dipping Sauce

Instant Pot Vegetarian Side Dishes

Let’s admit it, side dishes make most meal experiences a lot better. It gives you an additional flavor and texture that complements the star of your dish. Now you can find the perfect side to your vegetarian Instant Pot recipes with these easy recipes:

Pep up your side of regular white rice by making Mexican rice in your Instant Pot. Prep your ingredients, and let the equipment do the rest of the work for you. Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, fluff the rice and immediately catch a whiff of your aromatic and flavorful rice cooked in a combination of well-seasoned tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Serve with cilantro and lemon juice for some acidity.  

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Mexican Rice

If you enjoy the flavors of Latin American cuisine, then you’ll surely love vegetarian Instant Pot recipes like this refried beans. Dip your corn tortilla chips in earthy and creamy mashed pinto beans that have been heavily seasoned with a classic Tex-Mex spice combination. Squeeze a bit of lime juice according to your liking. You can also opt to garnish your mashed beans with tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, avocados, or queso. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Refried Beans

Also known as “frijoles negros,” Mexican black beans are a sure-fire way to elevate your Tex-Mex inspired vegetarian Instant Pot recipes. These black beans are incredibly flavorful, as they are cooked in a broth that’s well-seasoned with herbs and spices. A great way of using black beans is by incorporating them into your quesadillas. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Mexican Black Beans

Who knew that Instant Pots are also perfect for cooking raw vegetables? Have yourself a plate of cauliflower florets that have been quickly steamed in an Instant Pot, as an easy way of filling up your stomach. 

Munch on nothing but a pure, unadulterated crunchy vegetable for a healthier way of downing your greens. Have this as a side for your other simple vegetarian Instant Pot recipes, or incorporate this Instant Pot technique in making cauliflowers for some scrumptious tofu tikka masala. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Easy Instant Pot Cauliflower

Kidney beans are a versatile bunch. It’s a great addition to your vegetarian meal, as it has a delicately sweet and meaty flavor that goes well with a lot of flavors. Its dense texture also provides contrast for some food. Whip up this simple side dish by cooking kidney beans with water in your Instant Pot. You can also opt to use vegetable broth instead of water for it to impart flavor to the beans. Sprinkle some of these Instant Pot beans on stews, soups, chili, pasta, or serve them as a side for your greens. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Simple Instant Pot Kidney Beans

For your next dinner, serve a bowl of mashed potatoes with this fuss-free recipe. It’s made with milk and butter, so you can expect that every scoop is incredibly creamy with a texture that melts in your mouth. And now, you can make this must-have side dish with your Instant Pot in under 20 minutes. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Complete your meal with a side of sweet potatoes. This is one of the easiest vegetarian Instant Pot recipes to make. All you have to do is cook the sweet potatoes with some water in your kitchen appliance, and you’ll have a tender and filling side dish in under 45 minutes.  

Recipe for Inspiration: Simple Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Vegetarian Soup Recipes

Soup is food for the soul. It’s one of those food items that really evokes a comforting vibe. Take a peek at our list below for vegetarian Instant Pot soups that you can have to start your meals. You can even have some of the more filling ones as vegetarian entrees:

Taste the flavors of autumn and Thanksgiving on any given day with this cozy butternut soup that’s fit for a vegetarian diet. This butternut soup feels like a warm embrace from an old, familiar friend, especially during cold days. It highlights your favorite fall flavors with the combination of granny smith apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and squash. Toss together the ingredients in your Instant Pot, and cook them with the recommended setting. Then, all you have to do is puree the soup until smooth.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup 

This split-pea soup is a surefire way to delight your taste buds. This is one of the best vegan instant pot recipes as it doesn’t use any animal by-product. Satisfy your cravings with a bowl of this rich and creamy soup made with dried split peas, potatoes, and carrots drenched in a vegetable broth that has been cooked in an Instant Pot. The best part is, you can make this comfort food in under 30 minutes. Say goodbye to long and slow simmers.

Recipe for Inspiration: Vegan Split Pea Soup

Vegetable soup has been around for a long time. It’s served its purpose as comfort food and a filling meal for people from different generations. Chow down on this hearty soup that’s jam-packed with greens. This recipe is guaranteed to be vegetarian-friendly, made with vegetables and beans swimming in plant-based broth, with a dash of quintessential Italian seasoning. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Vegetable Soup

This is a vegetarian version of the traditional Mexican soup. You can easily make this using your Instant Pot. Enjoy a bowl of crispy homemade corn tortilla chips stirred into a spicy tomato-based soup. Morsels of sweet potatoes are also incorporated into the dish for a more filling meal. This Mexican soup is ideal even for busy days. It’s one of the vegetarian meals that are quick to make and easy to assemble. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Sweet Potato Tortilla Soup

This tomato soup is bright, refreshing, and delicious—classic comfort food in the culinary world. Compared to other Instant Pot soup recipes, more steps go into making this dish. However, rest assured that your finished product will be well worth the extra effort. 

This particular tomato soup is made of crushed tomatoes and vegetables that have been carefully cooked together with a few herbs and spices in an Instant Pot. The soup is then pureed to achieve a creamy consistency. When you pair this tart tomato soup with a freshly-toasted grilled cheese sandwich, you’ll get a guaranteed match made in vegetarian heaven.

Recipe for Inspiration: Pureed Instant Pot Tomato Soup

You can now enjoy the full Asian flavors of ramen using mostly plant-based ingredients with this vegetarian recipe. Indulge in a combination of ramen noodles, shiitake mushrooms, and a variety of vegetables swimming in a broth that’s infused with mirin, miso paste, and coconut milk. Then, further elevate your dish’s appeal (and flavor) by garnishing it with nori or seaweed sheets, soft boiled eggs, sesame seeds, tofu, and mushrooms. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Homemade Instant Pot Ramen

This wild rice soup is creamy and comforting, so it’s the perfect warm meal to fill you up for especially chilly days. Gobble up wild rice, mushrooms, and vegetables cooked in soup with a coconut milk base. Infuse the soup with more flavor by stirring in vegetable broth, or chicken broth if you aren’t particular about using strictly plant-based ingredients. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup

Chowder is always great to have as an appetizer. It’s hearty and satisfying. This corn chowder is made with a combination of sweet corn and vegetables in coconut milk and vegetable stock, thickened by a cornstarch slurry. For snacking, corn chowder is best served with bread or other vegetables like roasted zucchini. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Hearty Instant Pot Corn Chowder 

Asian Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes

Want to try something different? Check out these delicious vegetarian recipes of Asian staples to experience the flavors of other cultures. Choose between Indian favorites that call for heaping amounts of spices and other Asian recipes that are equally as flavorful. Using only your Instant Pot, you can recreate these classics in your kitchen. 

Breakaway from your regular vegetarian meals and try this Indian Chevti Dal. This dish is made using an Instant Pot by sauteing garlic, ginger, and chili in avocado oil. Then, lentils are carefully cooked in a mixture of spices with water. This dish is intensely flavorful and packed with healthy plant-based protein. Aside from that, this recipe is fairly simple, so you won’t need to do much to have a taste of Southern Asia. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Chevti Dal Mixed Lentils 

Green Moong Dal recipe highlights the flavor of green mung beans by infusing them with traditional Asian flavors. This is another vegetarian recipe you can try as a substitute for your staples. It’s great for days when you’re feeling experimental, too. Enjoy a hearty serving of mung beans coated with a harmonious blend of spices. Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon and a sprig of cilantro for added zest.

Recipe for Inspiration: Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal

Indian food is well-known for its vast array of individual spices and blends, and this vegetarian curry is no different. Tickle your taste buds with a generous serving of curry, with sweet potatoes and chickpeas at its core. Each bite of this dish boasts the classic combination of turmeric, chili, coriander, and other spices that bursts with a multitude of flavors in your mouth. This curry is an ideal vegan recipe because it uses coconut milk and not dairy. Plant-based food has never been tastier (and more filling). 

Recipe for Inspiration: Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry

For another fun variation of vegan Indian food, you might want to try this chickpea curry. In under 20 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal of garbanzos and other vegetables swimming in a heavily spiced sauce with crushed tomatoes. The tartness of these red fruits amplifies the brightness of this dish, perfectly balancing the richness of the rest of the spices. Serve your curry with naan bread or plain rice for a well-balanced meal. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Vegan Chickpea Curry

This vegetarian curry makes use of lentils as the main ingredient. Lentils contain more plant-based protein compared to chickpeas, so this recipe is great if you’re looking to consume more protein-rich food. This dish is rich, creamy, and delicious— guaranteed to make your palate happy. 

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Lentil Curry

Dive deeper into South Asian cuisine with this recipe for Pav Bhaji. Take this Indian street food straight to your kitchen by making some in your Instant Pot. Dig into a mixture of spicy vegetables and delight your palate. Specifically, Pav Bhaji boasts a combination of cauliflower, eggplant, potatoes in a thick well-seasoned sauce with crushed tomatoes. Most importantly, this dish is definitely vegetarian-friendly and very flavorful. Serve pav bhaji the traditional way, alongside soft bread buns.

Recipe for Inspiration: Instant Pot Pav Bhaji

This is another one of the best vegetarian Instant Pot recipes you’ll ever make. Explore more Asian flavors with this recipe for pad thai that’s a great contender for easy vegetarian dinners. You’ll surely enjoy a meal of plant-based Thai cuisine. Slurp gelatinous rice noodles with firm tofu, flavored with vegan fish sauce and coconut aminos to experience the full-bodied Southeast Asian taste.    

Recipe for Inspiration: Easy Vegetarian Pad Thai