April Instant Pot Meal Plan (2018)

The grass is green, the flowers are in full bloom, and the grey skies have given way to beautiful blues and bright sunshine. I’m ready to start getting out of the kitchen and spending a little more time outdoors enjoying the fresh air. In this April 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan, you’ll find so many wonderful dishes. Here’s what you can expect:

Instant Pot Beef Recipes

Looking for something savory and beefy? Well, I have some great Instant Pot Beef Recipes for you this month. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or something that is loaded with knock-your-socks-off flavor, I’ve got you covered. Check out all the beef recipes I have listed for this month.

French Dip

I start off the month with my own Instant Pot French Dip. It’s like magic, the way the Instant Pot turns a chuck roast into tender, juicy shreds of the most wonderful meat that you’ll ever try on a sandwich. Each bite into a sandwich made with this meat piled on buttered crusty bread with cheese melting into the meat is superb. Oh, and dipping it into the au jus takes this sandwich to a whole other level. This one is a must-try.

Salpicón

You also don’t want to miss my Instant Pot Salpicón. Salpicón is a traditional Honduran minced meat. This dish has such a fresh, citrusy taste. Perfect for the spring weather! Serve the meat over rice or in a corn tortilla with onion and cilantro sprinkled over top. It’s a light and refreshing way to enjoy an eye of round.

close up of white rice on a plate of salpicon

Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

As you’d expect, you will find plenty of simple Instant Pot pasta recipes in this April Meal Plan. Pasta based dishes are just so filling and hearty as a meal. They’re also super quick and ridiculously easy to make. And making pasta in the Instant Pot is even easier since there is no need for draining. That makes these Instant Pot pasta recipes perfect for making a quick family meal on busy weeknights. Plus, everyone is always happy to have pasta for dinner.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

My Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a great weeknight meal. It’s a super fast and easy recipe to make. Plus, this Italian classic is always a favorite for families. Served with a side of garlic bread, this is a perfect and complete hearty meal to feed a hungry family.

Taco Pasta

My Instant Pot Taco Pasta is another wonderful easy pasta dish. It’s a Mexican-inspired style pasta dish that’s loaded with bold, south-of-the-border flavor. Add all your favorite toppings, just like you would a traditional taco. We like to top it with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro. This one is another hearty pasta dish that the entire family will love.

Instant Pot Side Dishes

As always, you’ll find a handful of wonderful Instant Pot Side Dishes to accompany the main dishes. All the side dish recipes are simple, quick, and tasty. You’re sure to find one that’s perfect to serve with your meal, so check them out.

Mashed Potatoes

If you haven’t tried making my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe, then I highly recommend that you try it this month. They are so quick and easy to make and come out perfect every time. In fact, they’re so easy that I’ll likely never make mashed potatoes on the stovetop again.

Instant Pot Desserts

For the desserts, I’ve included my Arroz con Leche and Flan recipes. If you haven’t tried them yet, then you’re missing out! These two are some of the most popular recipes on my blog. Both are easy to make and, oh, so decadent. You will absolutely love these two recipes. I’ve also included some other Instant Pot Desserts that you’re sure to love.

Arroz con Leche

My Instant Pot Arroz con Leche recipe has to be one of the most comforting desserts there is. There is just something about this recipe that is so soothing. Maybe it’s because I like to serve it warm. It’s odd, because every time I order this dessert at a restaurant, they always serve it cold. I don’t get it, because it is so much better served warm.

Enjoy the beautiful warmer weather of April.

Make sure you also check out my latest Instant Pot Meal Plan.

April 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan

Below the list of recipes, you will find a link to the downloadable calendar and links to all my monthly Instant Pot meal plans.

Main Dishes

April 1
French Dip
from One Happy Housewife
An unbelievably flavorful and juicy meat, covered in melted cheese and served on toasted, crispy, buttered bread.
April 2
Spaghetti & Meatballs
from One Happy Housewife
You can never go wrong with spaghetti and meatballs. Everyone loves it and it’s always easy. This recipe makes it even easier because it requires no prep and is ready in minutes.
April 3
Minestrone Soup
from Spice Cravings
Easy, tasty, and healthy, this minestrone soup has the perfect blend of hearty vegetables, tomato broth and beans.
April 4
Spicy Honey Chicken
from The Typical Mom
Moist and full of flavor these sweet and spicy chicken bites are smothered in a delicious honey sauce.
April 5
Shrimp with Coconut Milk
from Two Sleevers
This shrimp is slightly sweet from the coconut milk and seasoned with Indian spices.
April 6
Chicken Curry
from Piping Pot Curry
An authentic chicken curry made in a simple onion-tomato gravy with the wonderful aroma of Indian spices.
April 7
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
from Simply Happy Foodie
These stuffed peppers are loaded with South of the Border flavor.
April 8
Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
from One Happy Housewife
Made with only 4 ingredients, this fall apart delicious pulled pork is so tasty and versatile.
April 9
Penne Pasta in Tomato Sauce
from Piping Pot Curry
This one-pot pasta in tomato cream sauce is a quick and easy meal that both kids and adults love.
April 10
Spicy Orange Beef
from This Old Gal
A one pot Asian dish with a fresh, spicy, and citrusy flavor that’s better than take-out.
April 11
Korean Spice Chicken
from Spice Cravings
A delicious combination of Korean Bibimbap and Bulgogi made in the Instant Pot.
April 12
Red Beans & Rice with Sausage
from Simply Happy Foodie
A flavor packed, spicy New Orleans traditional meal.
April 13
Chicken Fajita Soup
from Piping Pot Curry
A healthy and delicious soup made with tender chicken, lots of veggies and Mexican spices.
April 14
Salisbury Steak
from This Old Gal
Juicy meat patties in a rich onion gravy covered with mushrooms.
April 15
Mexican Pulled Pork
from Two Sleevers
Use this delicious pork to make tacos, burritos, casseroles, and more.
April 16
Chicken and Dumplings
from One Happy Housewife
Tender, tasty chicken, sweet veggies, and dumplings. This is the epitome of comfort food.
April 17
Indian Coconut Tomato Soup
from Two Sleevers
Serve up the warm and comforting flavors of India with this wonderful tomato soup.
April 18
Coca-Cola Ribs
from The Halfway Homesteaders
These ribs are so sweet and clean the bone delicious. Plus, they’re so easy to make!
April 19
Mississippi Chicken
from Simply Happy Foodie
An amazingly tasty twist on Mississippi Pot Roast.
April 20
Corn Chowder
from The Typical Mom
This potato corn chowder is the perfect creamy corn soup to eat all year long.
April 21
Salpicón
from One Happy Housewife
A light minced meat with a fresh citrusy taste. Perfect served on a corn tortilla or over a bed of rice.
April 22
Football Chili
from The Halfway Homesteaders
This chili is so easy and delicious. You and your family will LOVE this one! Perfect for the big game!
April 23
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
from One Happy Housewife
Creamy, delicious, and very easy to make, this pasta dish is sure to be a hit with your family!
April 24
Taco Soup
from One Happy Housewife
A wonderful dump-and-go meal that’s loaded with taco flavor, requires very little prep, and uses easy to find ingredients.
April 25
Green Chili Bowls
from The Halfway Homesteaders
Tastes like authentic Mexican without all the carbs.
April 26
Teriyaki Chicken
from The Halfway Homesteaders
Get the wonderful taste of teriyaki chicken in your Instant Pot.
April 27
Taco Pasta
from One Happy Housewife
Love Mexican food but tired of the same ‘ole, same ‘ole? Then try this easy and delicious pasta dish. It’s kid-approved and will be ready in no time. It’s the perfect hearty meal for a busy weeknight.
April 28
Chili Lime Steak Bowl
from Food n Service
This steak bowl is very popular! It will not disappoint.
April 29
Lentils and Rice
from Piping Pot Curry
A rich, creamy, and flavorful one-pot meal.
April 30
Butter Chicken
from Two Sleevers
An easy recipe that’ll give you restaurant quality butter chicken in under 30 minutes.

Side Dishes

Macaroni and Cheese
from One Happy Housewife
The absolute BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! A blend of four cheeses make it the creamiest and cheesiest. There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of this favorite pasta dish.
Mashed Potatoes
from One Happy Housewife
Cooked and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes are so fast and easy to make.
Green Beans
from One Happy Housewife
The buttery garlic flavor make these tender green beans a favorite side dish.
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
from One Happy Housewife
You’ll never think of cauliflower the same way after trying this amazingly delicious casserole. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy cauliflower casserole with any meal.

Desserts

Arroz con Leche
from One Happy Housewife
This traditional Hispanic dessert is so creamy, rich and delicious. Simple ingredients and so quick and easy to make.
Flan
from One Happy Housewife
One of my favorite desserts growing up! A heavenly dark caramel blankets this rich, creamy, and silky smooth flan. You’ll want to make this one all the time!
Orange Cheesecake
from Simply Happy Foodie
The flavor of the chocolate crust paired with the fresh orange of this creamy cheesecake is incredible.
Applesauce
from Simply Happy Foodie
A sweet and healthy snack that’s so much better than the store bought kind.

Download the April 2018 Meal Plan Calendar.

For more Instant Pot Meal Plan ideas for the month of April, check out my archive of April Instant Pot Meal Plans.

Past Instant Pot Meal Plans

Each month I publish a new, updated Instant Pot Meal Plan. So don’t miss out on seeing what wonderful dishes I’ve included in my latest one.

LOOKING FOR A PAST MEAL PLAN?

You can also access all of my previously published Instant Pot Meal Plans through the links below. I handpick the recipes that appear each month, so you will find that each month is unique with its own set of recipes geared specifically toward that month. Plus, on each meal plan page, you can download the printable calendar for that month.