Instant Pot Meals When You’re on a Budget

Most people look for ways to cut down on their grocery budget. If you are on a tight budget, Instant Pot meals can help save money. That is an attractive benefit of this versatile cooker.

In addition to saving you money, Instant Pot is easy to use. The meals you prepare in your Instant Pot are as delicious as they are nutritious.

Instant Pot Meals on a Budget

Whatever meal plan you follow, you can adapt almost any recipe for Instant Pot. You start by looking for sales at your local grocery store.

Whatever foods you find on sale you can cook in your Instant Pot. This is especially true for chicken and beef. Buy whatever is on sale then whip out your favorite recipe.

This is how you cook healthy and yummy meals without breaking the bank. Here are some examples.

Soft and Hard-Boiled Eggs

Eggs have what nutritionists consider a perfect protein profile. Eggs are inexpensive and filling. Packed with proteins and nutrients, you can prepare eggs in many ways.

For example, you can prepare soft or hard-boiled eggs in an Instant Pot. So consider an egg steamer rack when you buy your Instant Pot.

You can cook soft-boiled eggs with little time and effort. You can cook hard-boiled eggs and store them in your refrigerator for up to 7 days.

Soups and Chili

Soups are generally inexpensive to make. This makes them a perfect budget-friendly option. Also, homemade soups are healthier than canned options. When you make your soup you control the ingredients you use.

And, if you are trying to lose weight, healthy soups are often recommended.

Instant Pot is an efficient soup maker if you want to prepare large batches. You can freeze your soup in freezer bags for later use.

Batch cooking chili is especially helpful when you want something hot and hearty on a cold night.

Protein and Veggie Lettuce Wraps

You can make lettuce wraps any number of ways. For quick and easy Instant Pot cooking on a budget, invest in a stackable steamer tray.

First, choose a protein source (beef, poultry, or pork) and place it on the lower level of the steamer tray. Then add your favorite diced and sliced veggies on the upper tray.

When your food is ready, use any lettuce of your choice as your wrap. An example of a healthy lettuce wrap meal is this Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe.

You can cook different types of foods at the same time with your Instant Pot. Again, it’s quick and efficient.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Wedges

Slice apples into 6 or 8 wedge-shaped pieces. Coat with your favorite cinnamon spice mix, sauce, or glaze. Bake in your Instant Pot for a healthy and filling snack or dessert item. This fast and simple easy-on-the-budget recipe also works well with pears.

These are some of the easy budget-friendly meals that you can make with your Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Sides and Snacks

A budget-friendly healthy eating plan can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Healthy eating can make your heart healthier. It can restore and repair your respiratory and circulatory systems.

Eating healthy meals can make your skin and hair look shiny and youthful. You will enjoy many health benefits when you adopt a healthy eating plan.

A multifunctional Instant Pot will save you time. That means spending less time in the kitchen and more time living your life.

One pot cooking also saves you money. You won’t spend your hard-earned dollars on cooking appliances when one Instant Pot is all you need.

Here are some quick and easy foods for on-the-go eating that won’t drain your bank account.

Steamed Vegetables

As you likely know, healthy eating includes lots of healthy vegetables. Steaming your favorite vegetables ahead of time gives you instant access.

When you want a nutrition-packed side dish, your veggies will be ready. You can add them to your meat, poultry, or fish entrée.

Steamed veggies are also a great snack, whether at home or on the go.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are full of healthy dietary fiber. They pack a lot of nutrients and vitamins not found in other foods. And don’t forget they taste great.

Recipes for sweet potatoes are readily available on the Internet. Use your Instant Pot to cook your sweet potatoes in advance. Add to your favorite entrée, and then you can enjoy a delicious meal in a short amount of time.

Cooked sweet potatoes can last 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. If you eat sweet potatoes several times a week, you can batch cook them in advance.

Applesauce

Applesauce is one of many sauces and glazes you can make with your Instant Pot. Not only is it healthy, but the high fiber content of applesauce also helps you feel full longer.

Eating this food helps you avoid cravings throughout the day.

Healthy Drinks

The average person does not stay hydrated. No matter how much you think you drink, it probably is never enough. This is true for adults as well as children.

If you struggle to drink water throughout the day, consider making a hydrating drink. Yes, you can make healthy drinks like this Ginger-Peach Iced Tea in your Instant Pot.

You can make a batch of herbal tea, cider, or even lemonade using your versatile Instant Pot.
These are just some of the easy and inexpensive sides and snacks you can make in advance with your Instant Pot. As you become familiar with your Instant Pot, you will find more you can add to your list of grab and go foods.

Instant Pot Foods You Can Freeze

One of the popular features of Instant Pot is its ability to batch cook foods efficiently. When you batch cook, you cut down on your time in the kitchen while, at the same time, cut down on your grocery bill.

When you follow a healthy eating plan, it’s a good idea to batch cook foods and snacks and store them in the freezer for later. This saves time when you are hungry and need something quick.

You won’t be in a hurry to trash your good work with a quick trip to junk food paradise. You’ll have plenty of healthy alternatives on hand when you need them.

Be sure to have a good supply of resealable freezer bags on hand if you want to start making meals in advance. After cooking, break the food down into single serving sizes then freeze.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Frittatas, Egg Casseroles, and Omelets

You can prepare a huge omelet in your Instant Pot or make baby omelets using muffin liners in your Instant Pot.

You can freeze omelets of any size for a quick reheat. Wrap your omelets in plastic wrap and foil or pop them into resealable freezer bags.

If you freeze egg dishes, be sure to eat them within 3 months.

Casseroles

You can freeze just about any casserole, be it beef, poultry, or vegetable. Cut the casserole into single serving sizes and place them in resealable freezer bags. Put the bags in the freezer for future meals.

Meatballs and Other Beef-Based Meals

Protein-packed, low-carb, grass-fed beef has a place in  many tasty recipes that end up on the dinner table. Preparing your entrées in advance and freezing them for future use makes a lot of sense.

Meatballs are very versatile and always good to have on hand as a side to a pasta dish or as a snack. Batch cooking and freezing these treats is also a good idea.

Nutritionist tell us you should eat frozen beef within 3 to 4 months.

Baked Chicken and Other Poultry

By all means, cook your favorite chicken entrée in advance. Remember to check the internal temperature of poultry after cooking. A temperature of 165° F is safe for both white and dark meat.

You can keep baked or otherwise cooked chicken in your freezer for up to 4 months.

Pulled Pork, Ribs, and Other Pork Products

Pork products are low in carbohydrates and high in protein. This makes pork a welcome addition to any healthy eating plan.

Try this recipe for Pulled Pork Lettuce Wraps. Cook your meal in your Instant Pot. Separate into single serving sizes and place in resealable freezer bags.

When you’re ready to eat, reheat your pork and add your favorite glaze or sauce before serving.

Fajita Mixes and Stir-Fries

You probably have specific recipes for your fajitas. You like certain vegetables and spices with your chicken or shrimp fajita mix.

Make large quantities of your favorite fajita mixes and stir-fries ahead of time. That way your meals are available whenever you want them.

These are just some of the freezer-friendly foods that you can make with your Instant Pot.

As you can see, you can eat healthy meals and snacks on a budget with your Instant Pot. And keep in mind they are a lot healthier than your meal-in-a-box will ever be.