18 Healthy Meal-Prep Recipes You Can Make in Your Instant Pot

Meal prep can help keep you on track with your goals, in addition to saving you money, but if the idea of carving out hours on Sunday to cook a week's worth of meals sounds daunting, it's time to make use of your Instant Pot. The Instant Pot can help speed up meal prep by cutting down on prep and cook time, and by freeing up your stove and oven so you can tackle more dishes at once.

To get you started, we've rounded up a bunch of healthy recipes you can make in large batches and serve throughout the week. Keep reading for the list!

01
White Chicken Chili
Platings and Pairings

White Chicken Chili

It takes just 30 minutes for this delicious chili to cook in the Instant Pot, and with the recipe making up to 10 servings, you'll have plenty to sustain you throughout the week.

Get the recipe: white chicken chili

02
Beef Carnitas
A Saucy Kitchen

Beef Carnitas

These beef carnitas are ideal for meal prep because they're just so versatile. Throw them on a salad or in a lettuce wrap, or eat them with some simple, colorful vegetables.

Get the recipe: beef carnitas

03
Chinese-Style Brown Fried Rice
Paint the Kitchen Red

Chinese-Style Brown Fried Rice

This brown fried rice isn't actually fried at all, but you'll still love the flavor it adds to your meals throughout the week (and the way it satisfies those cravings for takeout).

Get the recipe: Chinese-style brown fried rice

04
Chicken Fajitas
Cookin Canuck

Chicken Fajitas

Make a batch of these fajitas on Sunday, then serve them with whole-wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps during the week. If you want to make the guacamole ahead of time, simply pour a thin layer of water on top to keep it from turning brown.

Get the recipe: chicken fajitas

05
Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash
The Gunny Sack

Tomato Basil Spaghetti Squash

Paired with parmesan and cream cheese, this "pasta" dish is heavenly — and it only takes 23 minutes with the Instant Pot. Store individual portions in the fridge, then reheat for lunch or dinner.

Get the recipe: tomato basil spaghetti squash

06
Coconut Pork
Running to the Kitchen

Coconut Pork

Give shredded pork a fresh twist with coconut and a number of spices, including turmeric, ginger, and cardamom. To make this recipe healthier, swap out the white rice for a whole grain.

Get the recipe: coconut pork

08
Korean Chicken Bowls With Spiralized Peppers
Inspiralized

Korean Chicken Bowls With Spiralized Peppers

The chicken is seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, sriracha, and maple syrup (a healthier alternative to sugar), then served with spiralized peppers over a bed of rice or quinoa. It sounds so delicious, doesn't it?

Get the recipe: Korean chicken bowls with spiralized peppers

09
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Get Inspired Everyday!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

If you think creamy can't possibly translate to healthy, you're in for a surprise with this meal-prep-friendly chicken dish. It's made with vegan cashew cream instead of heavier ingredients.

Get the recipe: creamy Tuscan chicken

10
Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa
Dishing Out Health

Vegetarian Chipotle Chili With Quinoa

When in doubt, turn to sweet potatoes to deliver a healthy, filling dish. This chili also contains two types of beans and quinoa for a double dose of protein. Top it with Greek yogurt and avocado.

Get the recipe: vegetarian chipotle chili with quinoa

11
Short Rib Ragu
I Breathe I’m Hungry

Short Rib Ragu

This short rib ragu is the furthest thing from a sad desk salad, and while it'll need an hour in the Instant Pot, it takes just 10 minutes of prep.

Get the recipe: short rib ragu

12
Carrot Soup With Ginger
Well Plated

Carrot Soup With Ginger

Soup is an Instant Pot staple, and since it's so easy to warm up, it's also perfect for meal prep. This one is packed with vegetables, including carrots, cauliflower, and onion.

Get the recipe: carrot soup with ginger

13
Cashew Butter Chicken
Paint the Kitchen Red

Cashew Butter Chicken

Love Indian butter chicken? Prep this healthier version, seasoned with cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, turmeric, and more.

Get the recipe: cashew butter chicken

14
Brazilian Fish Stew
Savory Tooth

Brazilian Fish Stew

Choose a firm white fish, such as cod or halibut, to be the star of this stew, which is made with seafood broth, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk.

Get the recipe: Brazilian fish stew

15
Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps
Cotter Crunch

Sticky Chinese BBQ Pork Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps can be surprisingly filling, especially when paired with tender, juicy pork rib loin, red cabbage, and chopped nuts. Add the pork to the lettuce just before serving for a fresh, flavorful meal.

Get the recipe: sticky Chinese BBQ pork lettuce wraps

16
Moroccan Lentils
Sweet Peas and Saffron

Moroccan Lentils

Break out your meal-prep containers, because this vegan dish is the perfect work lunch. The lentils and sweet potato make it a hearty dish, and you'll love the touch of maple syrup and variety of spices to finish it off.

Get the recipe: Moroccan lentils

17
Mexican Casserole
Well Plated

Mexican Casserole

Choose ground chicken or turkey as the base for this casserole — made with brown rice, black beans, peppers, onions, and tomatoes, among other ingredients — for a healthy and flavorful meal you can enjoy throughout the week.

Get the recipe: Mexican casserole

18
Chicken Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles
Food Faith Fitness

Chicken Meatballs and Zucchini Noodles

Pasta and meatballs get a much healthier spin with ground chicken and zucchini noodles. You won't even miss those extra carbs.

Get the recipe: chicken meatballs and zucchini noodles