Discover 10 cozy fall Instant Pot recipes—soups, stews, mains, and dessert—curated from trusted food blogs. This roundup saves time, uses seasonal ingredients, and brings hearty comfort to chilly evenings.
Crisp air and colorful leaves call for warm, comforting meals. With an Instant Pot, you can enjoy hearty fall flavors in a fraction of the time.
This hand-picked list of 10 cozy fall Instant Pot recipes brings together rich soups, savory stews, and even a sweet apple dessert. Each recipe is sourced from reliable food blogs and perfect for weeknights or relaxed weekends. You’ll find ideas that use seasonal stars like pumpkin, squash, apples, and root vegetables.
Whether you crave creamy risotto, tender pulled pork, or a simple veggie stew, this roundup makes autumn cooking easy and fun. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the scents of cinnamon, sage, and slow-cooked goodness—without the wait.
Contents
Why This Recipe?
Fall Instant Pot recipes are loved for their ease and versatility. The Instant Pot cuts long cooking times, so you can make tender stews or creamy soups in under an hour. These dishes are full of seasonal flavor, using hearty vegetables, warming spices, and fall fruits like apples and pumpkin. They’re also flexible and healthy—easy to adapt for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets. Plus, everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the cozy season.
10 Cozy Fall Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love
1. Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
Flavor Summary: A velvety, slightly sweet soup with classic fall squash flavor. The butternut is balanced by aromatic onion, a hint of apple, herbs, and warming spices. Creamy texture without being too heavy.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onion, garlic, and optional herbs in the Instant Pot.
- Add butternut squash cubes, diced apple, broth, and spices.
- Seal and pressure cook until squash is tender.
- Purée until smooth with an immersion blender.
- Stir in cream or butter if desired; adjust seasoning.
Time: ~30-45 minutes
Tags: Vegan option, Comfort Food, Soup
Recipe Credit: Damn Delicious
💡 Tip: Roast or buy pre-cubed squash to cut prep time.
2. Instant Pot Apple Crisp Dessert
Flavor Summary: Warm, tender apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with a crunchy oat-streusel. Sweet but balanced and quick to make for a perfect fall dessert.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, vanilla, brown sugar, and spices in the Instant Pot.
- Add water for moisture.
- Mix crumb topping of oats, sugar, flour, and butter.
- Pressure cook apples briefly, then quick release.
- Add topping and broil or air-fry to crisp.
Time: ~20-30 minutes
Tags: Dessert, Fruit, Fall Favorite
Recipe Credit: Tastes Better From Scratch
💡 Tip: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady to keep texture.
3. Beef & Pumpkin Chili
Flavor Summary: A hearty chili with ground beef, pumpkin puree, and warming spices like chili powder and cocoa. Subtle sweetness from apple cider balances smoky heat.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Brown ground beef with onions and bell pepper.
- Add pumpkin pie spice, chili powder, cocoa powder, and seasoning.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, apple cider, and beans if desired.
- Pressure cook until flavors meld and beans are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and serve with favorite toppings.
Time: ~50 minutes
Tags: Comfort Food, Hearty, One-Pot
Recipe Credit: Bowl of Delicious
💡 Tip: Replace some broth with apple cider for extra autumn flavor.
4. Apple Cider Pulled Pork
Flavor Summary: Tender pork shoulder cooked with apple cider, onions, and spices. Sweet-tangy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it ideal for sliders or tacos.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Season and brown pork in sauté mode.
- Add onions, apple slices, apple cider, cider vinegar, and aromatics.
- Pressure cook until pork is tender.
- Shred meat and simmer sauce to thicken if needed.
- Toss pork in sauce and serve.
Time: ~75-90 minutes
Tags: Pork, Sweet & Savory, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: Finished With Salt
💡 Tip: Choose unsweetened apple cider to control sweetness.
5. Chicken and Dumplings
Flavor Summary: Classic comfort dish featuring juicy chicken, creamy broth, and fluffy dumplings. Full flavor with minimal active cooking.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onions, celery, carrots, and garlic.
- Add chicken, broth, and herbs; pressure cook.
- Quick release, then return to sauté mode.
- Drop dumpling dough into the simmering broth.
- Cook until dumplings are fluffy; add peas if desired.
Time: ~45-55 minutes
Tags: Comfort Soup, Family-Friendly, One-Pot
Recipe Credit: Kristine’s Kitchen Blog
💡 Tip: Bone-in chicken thighs give a richer flavor.
6. Lentil & Root Vegetable Stew
Flavor Summary: A nourishing, plant-based stew packed with lentils, carrots, potatoes, and warm spices. Thick, hearty, and naturally high in protein and fiber.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onions, carrots, and celery.
- Add lentils, root vegetables, and seasoning.
- Pour in vegetable broth and pressure cook.
- Natural release, then stir in tomato sauce or vinegar for brightness.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Time: ~30-40 minutes
Tags: Vegan, High Protein, One-Pot
Recipe Credit: Everyday Eileen
💡 Tip: Mix green and brown lentils for a variety of textures.
7. Harvest Vegetable Risotto
Flavor Summary: Creamy risotto with seasonal vegetables like squash and kale. Brightened with lemon and finished with Parmesan for a rich yet fresh dish.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onions and garlic with chopped vegetables.
- Add arborio rice and herbs.
- Pour in vegetable stock; pressure cook.
- Quick release, then stir in lemon juice and Parmesan.
- Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Time: ~25-30 minutes
Tags: Vegetarian, Vegan Option, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: The Herbeevore
💡 Tip: Add roasted butternut squash for extra fall flavor.
8. Potato Leek Soup
Flavor Summary: Smooth and creamy soup where mild leeks pair perfectly with tender potatoes. Light yet hearty and naturally comforting.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Clean and slice leeks, sauté in butter or oil.
- Add diced potatoes, broth, and seasoning.
- Pressure cook until potatoes are soft.
- Blend until silky; add cream if desired.
- Season and garnish with chives or parsley.
Time: ~40-45 minutes
Tags: Soup, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Option
Recipe Credit: Simply Happy Foodie
💡 Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes create the creamiest texture.
9. Creamy Instant Pot Risotto
Flavor Summary: Rich and velvety risotto without constant stirring. Parmesan and butter create deep, comforting flavor, while optional seasonal vegetables add extra fall character.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onion and garlic in butter or oil.
- Add arborio rice and deglaze with broth or wine.
- Pressure cook for about 6-8 minutes.
- Quick release and stir in Parmesan and butter.
- Serve with roasted root vegetables if desired.
Time: ~25-30 minutes
Tags: Comfort Food, Vegetarian, Side or Main
Recipe Credit: Family Food on the Table
💡 Tip: Warm the broth before adding for creamier, even cooking.
10. Barley and Vegetable Risotto
Flavor Summary: Rustic, hearty risotto made with barley for more chew and fiber. Earthy mushrooms and vegetables make it a filling, nutritious fall meal.
Quick 5-Step Summary:
- Sauté onion and garlic.
- Add barley, vegetables, broth, and seasonings.
- Pressure cook about 18 minutes.
- Natural release, then stir in spinach and Parmesan.
- Adjust consistency with extra stock if needed.
Time: ~35-40 minutes
Tags: Whole Grain, Vegetarian, Comfort Food
Recipe Credit: Hot Rod’s Recipes
💡 Tip: Keep extra hot stock on hand to loosen texture if barley thickens too much.
More Recipe Details
Each of these fall Instant Pot recipes brings cozy flavors and weeknight convenience.
Here’s a quick way to compare them:
- Ingredients at a glance
Most use pantry basics like onions, garlic, broth, and herbs. Seasonal stars include butternut squash, pumpkin, apples, root vegetables, and leafy greens. - Cooking times
Most dishes are ready in 30 to 60 minutes, including pressure-up time. A few heartier meals, like pulled pork, may take around 90 minutes. - Skill level
Beginner to intermediate. The Instant Pot does most of the work—no need to hover over the stove. - Serving ideas
Pair soups and stews with crusty bread or simple salads. Pulled pork and chili are great for sandwiches or over baked potatoes. - Storage tips
Cool and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge, or freeze for up to 3 months.
History or Origin of the Dish
Many of these recipes have deep seasonal roots:
- Butternut squash soup and potato leek soup reflect classic European harvest soups, celebrating autumn vegetables.
- Chili and pulled pork grew popular in early American cooking, where hearty proteins and spices could feed a crowd.
- Risotto has Italian origins, known for creamy rice slowly cooked in broth—made faster in the Instant Pot.
- Apple crisp is a traditional North American dessert, highlighting the apple harvest with a simple baked topping.
These traditions meet modern life thanks to the Instant Pot, which preserves rich flavors with far less time and effort.
Tools & Equipment Needed
Cooking these recipes is simple with a few key tools:
- Instant Pot (6- or 8-quart) – The main workhorse.
- Sharp knife and sturdy cutting board – For chopping vegetables and trimming meats.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for seasoning and liquids.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – To sauté and stir.
- Immersion blender – Helpful for creamy soups like butternut squash or potato leek.
- Optional accessories: extra sealing rings, trivet, or glass lid for easy serving.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen meat or vegetables?
Yes. Add a few extra minutes to the pressure-cook time and be sure to deglaze the pot to avoid a burn notice.
How do I avoid the burn warning?
Always scrape up browned bits after sautéing and ensure there is enough liquid before sealing.
Can I make these recipes vegetarian or vegan?
Most soups, stews, and risottos adapt easily—swap vegetable broth for chicken broth and use plant-based cream or cheese.
How long can I store leftovers?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to refresh texture.
Do I need to adjust for high altitude?
Generally, add 5% more cooking time for every 1,000 feet above 2,000 feet.
What sides go well with these meals?
Crusty bread, green salads, or roasted seasonal vegetables complement the warm flavors.
Can I double the recipes?
Yes, as long as you don’t fill the Instant Pot past the max line. Increase liquid slightly if using more dry ingredients.
Conclusion
Cooler days call for warm, nourishing meals—and these fall Instant Pot recipes fit perfectly. From silky butternut squash soup to hearty lentil stew and sweet apple crisp, each dish highlights seasonal ingredients with minimal effort.
Grab your Instant Pot, gather a few fresh fall staples, and bring comforting, homemade meals to the table all season long.