April Instant Pot Meal Plan (2019)

Spring is in the air… and so are the delightful aromas of delicious Instant Pot recipes that you’ll make daily following this meal plan. In this April 2019 Instant Pot Meal Plan, you’ll find so many delicious dishes. From wonderful pasta dishes to special recipes for Easter. And I have loads of kid-friendly recipes that are sure to make those hungry little rascals happy. Here’s what you can expect:

Instant Pot Pasta Dishes

Looking for some fabulous pasta recipes for the Instant Pot? Well, this meal plan has them. If you haven’t noticed yet, I love pasta recipes! They seem to be perfect for big families. Plus, they’re so quick and easy to make. That makes them especially great for busy weeknights. Here are a few of the pasta recipes that you can expect to see in this month’s meal plan.

Spicy Cajun Pasta

The Instant Pot Spicy Cajun Pasta quickly became a family favorite in my home. This pasta recipe uses simple ingredients like pasta, andouille sausage, and cheese mixed with the perfect amount of Cajun spices to make an outstanding meal. You’ll find plenty of other outstanding pasta dishes in this April meal plan.

Butternut Mac and Cheese

If you’re in the mood for something comforting, then my Instant Pot Butternut Mac and Cheese recipe offers more comfort than fuzzy slippers on a cold winter’s day. Seriously, this pasta dish is so amazing. The mixture of the sweetness and nuttiness of the butternut squash along with the sharpness of the cheese is a match made in heaven.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Looking for a more traditional pasta dish? My Instant Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe is a quick and easy way to make this classic Italian dish using your pressure cooker. Spaghetti and meatballs are always a family favorite. Serve it with a salad and side of garlic bread, and you’ll have a feast that everyone will enjoy.

Cheeseburger Mac

Oh, and don’t miss the Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac. My kids are fanatics about this recipe. It’s all the taste of a cheeseburger served in a pasta dish. The flavor is spot on and the kids gobble this one up in a flash. And speaking of recipes that kids love…

Kid-Friendly Instant Pot Recipes

I always include plenty of recipes that kids love in my meal plans and this month is no exception. I’m happy to share all the recipes that my own kids love so much. I know your kids will love them too!

Beef and Bowtie Pasta

One of my kid’s absolute favorite recipes is my Instant Pot Beef and Bowtie Pasta which is made with Farfalle pasta and ground beef in a creamy red sauce with plenty of cheese. The kids always say it’s amazing! And so do the adults.

Taco Pasta

Another favorite for the kids is the Instant Pot Taco Pasta. It packs all the Tex-Mex flavor of a fully-loaded taco into a pasta dish. I’ve caught a kid (or two) licking their plate after finishing this one. Top the pasta with all your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and plenty of cheese.

Beef and Macaroni Pasta

Finally, my Instant Pot Beef and Macaroni Pasta is another kid favorite. Kids love pasta! This one is a super quick, easy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any busy day of the week. Loaded with a wonderfully seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, and sour cream, this casserole is super creamy and flavorful!

two servings of macaroni and ground beef in a bowl and plate

As you can see, there are plenty of recipes on this April Instant Pot meal plan that are quick to make, super hearty, and kid-approved.

Instant Pot Easter Recipes

I’ve included plenty of meatless options for Fridays as we come into the last stretch of Lent. You’ll find some wonderful seafood dishes like Shrimp Etouffee and Thia Red Curry Salmon. There’s also a vegetarian curry dish that is so warm and delicious.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

And celebrate Easter Sunday by feasting on my Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork. It makes plenty of meat to serve a gathering of family and friends pulled pork sandwiches to celebrate this special day.

Instant Pot Side Dishes

Serving a delicious side dish is the only way to complete a meal. You’ll find some wonderful side dish recipes for the Instant Pot in this month’s meal plan. In particular, you’ll find some super delicious ways to serve up your favorite vegetables.

Lemon Butter Broccoli

The side dish options include my Instant Pot Lemon Butter Broccoli, which has a creamy fresh flavor and pairs well with any main dish. Just steam the broccoli following my instructions and then whip together the amazing lemon butter dressing, pour over the broccoli, and toss. So quick and simple!

pouring a creamy lemon butter sauce over broccoli in a large bowl

Loaded Cauliflower Casserole

My Instant Pot Loaded Cauliflower Casserole is an absolute must-try side dish. The cauliflower is exquisitely creamy and topped with cheese and bacon. Yes, I said bacon. Yummy!

Seriously, you must-try this recipe. It will let you experience how amazingly delicious cauliflower can be.

close up of loaded cauliflower casserole with bacon bits on a plate

Instant Pot Desserts

For the desserts, I’ve included some of my readers’ favorites. You’ll find my Arroz con Leche and Flan recipes in there. If you haven’t tried them yet, then you must! They are some of the most popular recipes on my blog. They are so good!

Turtle Lava Cakes

These Instant Pot Turtle Lava Cakes are so good that you’ll be dreaming about them for days. The warm, molten chocolate that pours out after your first spoonful is a beautiful thing. These are perfect served with a scoop of ice cream.

There are even more wonderful Instant Pot Dessert Recipes in the April Instant Pot meal plan, so check them out.

Happy cooking and enjoy the glorious warmer weather of April.

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

April 2019 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

These are the dishes for April.

April 1
Meatloaf
from The Halfway Homesteaders
Perfect for the meat lover, meatloaf just got way easier to make!
April 2
Chicken Taco Bowls
from Simply Happy Foodie
An easy dump-and-start meal that’s loaded with taco flavor.
April 3
Meaty Lasagna
from One Happy Housewife
Looking for a hearty dish that can feed an entire family? Try this rich, creamy, and flavorful lasagna. It’s easy to prep and you’ll have it on the table in no time. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
April 4
Butter Chicken
from Two Sleevers
An easy recipe that’ll give you restaurant quality butter chicken in under 30 minutes.
April 5
Shrimp Etouffee
from Paint the Kitchen Red
A rich, delicious, and spicy tomato-based stew seasoned with Creole spices and loaded with shrimp.
April 6
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
from Monday is Meatloaf
This no-fail Instant Pot recipe is an absolute homerun for any weeknight dinner.
April 7
Pot Roast
from Simply Happy Foodie
A juicy pot roast that’s oh, so tender and served with hearty potatoes, and carrots.
April 8
Spicy Cajun Pasta
from One Happy Housewife
Simple ingredients like pasta, sausage, and cheese seasoned with the perfect touch of Cajun spices make this a winning combination. This is a super easy weeknight dinner with a wonderful kick of cajun.
April 9
Salsa Chicken
from One Happy Housewife
A very popular recipe that’s fast, easy, and so versatile. The perfect busy weeknight meal!
April 10
Tomato Soup
from One Happy Housewife
This wonderfully delicious and creamy tomato soup is infused with basil and lightly sweetened with honey.
April 11
Beef & Macaroni Casserole
from One Happy Housewife
This deliciously creamy beef and pasta casserole is the perfect hearty and filling comfort dish for those busy weeknights. It’s fast and easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy those hungry bellies. This one is sure to become a favorite in your home.
April 12
Thai Red Curry Salmon
from Spice Cravings
Simmered in a red curry paste and coconut milk, this deliciously tender and flaky salmon is ready in under 30 minutes!
April 13
Teriyaki Chicken
from Cooking with Karli
Enjoy a bowl of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and rice covered in a homemade Teriyaki sauce.
April 14
Gumbo
from Paint the Kitchen Red
Chicken, sausage, and shrimp make for a hearty bowl of Cajun comfort food.
April 15
Beef & Bowtie Pasta
from One Happy Housewife
A fast and simple pasta dinner that even the most picky of eaters will devour. This one is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for those hectic weeknights.
April 16
Carnitas
from One Happy Housewife
Authentic flavor, incredibly juicy pork, and crispy edges. Traditional pork carnitas made in a fraction of the time.
April 17
Butternut Squash Soup
from One Happy Housewife
With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, this soup is the perfect comfort meal for cooler weather.
April 18
Dijon Shrimp Linguine
from This Old Gal
A comforting creamy pasta dish that’s sure to be a weeknight favorite.
April 19
Potato & Peas Curry (Aloo Matar)
from Piping Pot Curry
This quick and easy Instant Pot recipe delivers a warm bowl of potatoes and peas in a delicious curry.
April 20
Butternut Mac and Cheese
from One Happy Housewife
Fall spices and a rich and creamy cheddar flavor are perfectly paired with sweet butternut squash in this comforting pasta dish. This is an amazing comfort dish.
April 21
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 22
Chicken and Dumplings
from One Happy Housewife
Tender, tasty chicken, sweet veggies, and dumplings. This is the epitome of comfort food.
April 23
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 24
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 25
White Chicken Chili
from The Halfway Homesteaders
With a blend of Tex-Mex flavors, this warm, hearty chili is packed with wholesome ingredients.
April 26
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 27
Hawaiian Chicken
from One Happy Housewife
Enjoy the delightful tastes of the islands with this sweet, savory and tangy chicken cooked with bell pepper, sweet onion, pineapple and macadamia nuts.
April 28
French Dip
from One Happy Housewife
An unbelievably flavorful and juicy meat, covered in melted cheese and served on toasted, crispy, buttered bread.
April 29
Cheeseburger Mac
from One Happy Housewife
A super hearty and flavorful, from-scratch pasta casserole that’s sure to be a hit with the kids. This one is so delicious, it’s like having your favorite burger in a bowl. A great meal for busy weeknights.
April 30
Cochinita Pibil
from One Happy Housewife
With a mix of sweet, acidic and earthy flavors this traditional Mexican food will provide a unique experience for your taste buds.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potatoes
from One Happy Housewife
Cooked and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes are so fast and easy to make.
Lemon Butter Broccoli
from One Happy Housewife
An incredibly delicious and healthy side dish that can be served fast using the help of the Instant Pot.
Green Beans
from One Happy Housewife
The buttery garlic flavor make these tender green beans a favorite side dish.
Corn on the Cob
from One Happy Housewife
Sweet ears of corn make an easy vegetable 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

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!
Lemon Bundt Cake
from One Happy Housewife
Drizzled with a sweet lemony glaze, this wonderful lemon cake is the perfect refreshing dessert.
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake
from Living Sweet Moments
This moist, creamy, and decadent cheesecake is a pure slice of heaven.
Monkey Bread
from Monday is Meatloaf
With one taste, you’ll be hooked with this absolutely heavenly dessert.
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.

Download the April 2019 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.