There’s something truly magical about an Instant Pot. Like, one minute you’re chopping carrots half-asleep, and the next you’re staring at a bubbling curry that smells like your neighbor’s grandma made it. And when it comes to vegan food? Oh honey, the Instant Pot don’t play.
Here’s a collection of 19 drool-worthy vegan Instant Pot recipes that’ll knock your cozy socks off. Not just basic stuff either. These are real-deal, soul-hugging, weeknight-saver meals that make you feel like a genius in the kitchen even if you forgot to soak your beans. Again.
1. Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
It’s creamy, spicy, and kinda feels like you’re cheating on takeout. Toss in chickpeas, coconut milk, tomatoes, and a bunch of cozy spices like cumin and garam masala. Press a button. Take a nap. Wake up to magic.
Serve it with rice. Or naan. Or just a spoon and your feelings.
2. Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
This one’s got that “I’m fancy but also wearing pajamas” kinda vibe. Baby Bella mushrooms, garlic, onion, a lil white wine if you’re feelin’ it—plus cashew cream. The sauce gets so rich you forget there’s not a single drop of dairy.
Eat it over pasta or mashed potatoes. Or just by itself straight out the pot with a fork. No judgment.
3. Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili
You don’t need a reason to eat chili. But here’s one anyway: it’s sweet, smoky, protein-packed and hella easy. Dump in black beans, chunks of sweet potato, tomatoes, and a tiny bit of cocoa powder. Yes, cocoa powder. Trust.
Instant Pot does its magic and BOOM—it tastes like you slow cooked it for 7 hours in a log cabin somewhere cold.
4. Vegan Lentil Tacos
Who said tacos had to be beefy? Lentils got your back. Add green or brown lentils, taco spices, salsa, and just enough broth to make it juicy but not sloppy.
Pile it into warm tortillas. Add avocado, cilantro, and maybe a lil lime squeeze. They’re messy, but in a sexy way.
5. Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto usually sounds like the kinda thing you’d only make if you had an hour, a glass of wine, and a shoulder massage mid-stir. But Instant Pot? It cheats the system.
Dump arborio rice, squash, broth, garlic, and sage. It comes out creamy, earthy, and borderline luxurious. You’ll feel like an autumn witch.
6. Vegan Butter “Chicken” with Tofu
No chickens were buttered in this recipe. But you’ll get that warm, silky, bold flavor you love. Cubes of tofu get cozy with tomato puree, cashew cream, garlic, and that iconic blend of Indian spices.
It’s comfort food that whispers “I got you” in your ear.
7. Instant Pot Vegan Pho
Pho’s got this reputation like it takes all day. And yeah, it usually does. But we’re rebels here. Toss in onion, ginger, star anise, cinnamon, cloves, soy sauce, and veggie broth. Let it do its thing.
Strain, pour over rice noodles, tofu, and herbs. Slurp like you mean it.
8. Spiced Red Lentil Dahl
If you’re not making dahl on a cold night, wyd? Red lentils cook up fast, especially in a pressure cooker. Add turmeric, cumin, chili, and a scoop of coconut milk. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
Top with cilantro and maybe some crispy onions if you’re feelin’ extra.
9. Vegan Stuffed Pepper Soup
You wanted stuffed peppers but got lazy. We get it. This soup is your shortcut. Bell peppers, rice, tomatoes, and beans. Throw in Italian seasoning and let the Instant Pot do the work.
Serve with crusty bread. Or just your fave oversized spoon.
10. Jackfruit Tinga
Jackfruit is the Beyonce of vegan meat substitutes. It shreds up real nice and soaks in flavor like a pro. Add in chipotle, onion, garlic, and crushed tomatoes. The Instant Pot turns it into spicy, smoky, taco-ready gold.
Piled high on tostadas? Chef’s kiss.
11. Vegan Bolognese
This one’s thick. Meaty (without meat). Rich. A lil sweet from carrots and onions, a lil punchy from garlic and herbs. Lentils + walnuts + tomatoes = the dream team.
Spoon it over spaghetti and you’ve got yourself a first-class dinner. Possibly date-night approved.
12. Instant Pot Vegan Ramen
Real ramen is a whole experience. This? It’s weeknight ramen done right. Broth made with miso, garlic, soy sauce, mushrooms, and a lil sriracha for chaos. Simmered in the pot while you pretend you’re productive.
Add noodles, tofu, greens. Slurp in silence. Think about life.
13. Vegan Moroccan Stew
This stew smells like someone’s cooking in the streets of Marrakech. Sweet potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, raisins, cinnamon, cumin. It’s cozy with a hint of sweet. Savory with a lil spice.
Eat it alone or with couscous. Or both. Live your truth.
14. Vegan Jambalaya
One pot. Tons of flavor. Loads of attitude. It’s spicy, tomato-y, herby, and packed with bell peppers, celery, rice, and vegan sausage. Instant Pot doesn’t mess around with this one.
You’ll probably eat two bowls. Maybe three. Don’t plan anything after.
15. Instant Pot Chana Masala
This one slaps. Chickpeas stewed in tomatoes, onion, garlic, ginger, and all the right spices. And the flavor? It only gets better the next day, if there’s any left.
Scoop it up with flatbread, or pour it over rice. Say a lil thank you to yourself.
16. Vegan Mac & Cheese
Yes. You can make mac and cheese in an Instant Pot. No, it’s not gross. Yes, it’s actually cheesy (thanks to nutritional yeast, cashews, and a touch of mustard). You stir it at the end and bam—it’s creamy and craveable.
Top with smoked paprika or bread crumbs if you’re feeling bougie.
17. Vegan Thai Peanut Noodles
Think savory, spicy, sweet, and a bit nutty. The kind of noodles that make you dance a little while eating. The sauce is made from peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and maple syrup. Cooked with rice noodles and veggies in one go.
Top with green onions and crushed peanuts. Just… yes.
18. Instant Pot Vegan Gumbo
This ain’t your grandma’s gumbo, but she’d be impressed. Roux-less but still rich, thanks to okra, tomato, mushrooms, and vegan sausage. Add in that Cajun spice and let the Instant Pot simmer it into perfection.
It’s got soul. And sass.
19. Vegan Rice Pudding
We’re ending sweet, because why not? This dessert’s creamy, lightly spiced, and made with plant milk, rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. The Instant Pot makes it almost too easy.
Serve warm or chilled. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Eat it in bed. You earned it.
These vegan Instant Pot recipes aren’t just meals. They’re lil love letters to your taste buds. They turn weeknights into adventures. They make leftovers feel exciting. And best of all? They prove you don’t need animal products—or even a lot of time—to make something unforgettable.
Don’t be surprised if your meat-loving friends ask for seconds. Or thirds. Or the recipe. You don’t have to share your secrets. Just send them the link. Or tell them it’s magic. Because let’s be real—it kinda is.
