August Instant Pot Meal Plan (2020)

August is here, and that means back to school! The heat is about to kick in big time and you’re probably going to be busy busy busy! With that in mind, this August 2020 Instant Pot Meal Plan should make your life a little easier.

In this Meal Plan, you’ll find loads of quick and easy meals, side dishes, and desserts that are sure to make the back-to-school season and hot weather a lot more bearable. I made sure and kept the heat in mind when making the meal plan. Here’s what you can expect:

august 2020 meal plan calendar

Easy Instant Pot Recipes

If you’re looking for easy, I’ve got easy! In this August Instant Pot Meal Plan, we start off the month with the easiest of easy Instant Pot recipes, my Salsa Chicken recipe. It is the quickest and simplest way to prepare chicken. It’s also a highly versatile recipe that can be enjoyed with several preparations.

You’ll also find some super simple Instant Pot Pasta recipes, including my Pasta with Meat Sauce and Cheeseburger Mac. Both recipes are family favorites. The kids absolutely love them!

Salsa Chicken

This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe is the answer to quick and simple dump-and-start recipes. If you have some chicken breasts and a jar of salsa, then you have dinner. Just add the breasts to the pot, dump in the salsa, add some spices, and that’s it! Dinner will be ready in minutes. Just shred the cooked chicken and serve on tacos, in sandwiches, over nachos, or however you wish. The options are limitless.

serving instant pot salsa chicken

Pasta with Meat Sauce

Need a simple pasta dish that’s ready in minutes? This Instant Pot Pasta with Meat Sauce is the recipe you’re looking for. While this recipe uses very few ingredients, it is packed full of flavor. This is a perfect pasta dish for busy weeknights that your family is guaranteed to love. Serve with homemade garlic bread.

a bowl of pasta and meat sauce

Cheeseburger Mac

This Instant Pot Cheeseburger Mac is big on cheeseburger taste. I season the ground beef with a special blend of spices and load this pasta dish up with cheddar cheese so that the burger flavor is on point. Your family will inhale this pasta as fast as they do their favorite cheeseburger. Oh, and add some crumbled bacon to take this pasta dish to the next level.

a plate of cheeseburger mac served with lettuce and tomato

Instant Pot Sandwiches

Sandwiches? In the Instant Pot? Yep, you heard that right! I use the pressure cooker to make some absolutely amazing meat that you can pile onto a sandwich. In this August Instant Pot Meal Plan, you’ll find my French Dip Sandwiches and my Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork.

Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

This Instant Pot Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork recipe is one of the most popular recipes on this blog. You’ll enjoy the most tender and flavorful pulled pork right out of your pressure cooker. For the most remarkable pulled pork sandwiches, just mix in your favorite barbeque sauce and pile it on some burger buns. Yum!

a dr pepper pulled pork topped with pickle and onion slices served with a bottle of dr pepper

French Dip

This Instant Pot French Dip is, hands down, the best sandwich recipe that you can make using a pressure cooker. This recipe makes the most tender, juicy, and flavorful chuck roast that you’ll try out of your Instant Pot. Pile it high onto a baguette, add a slice of provolone, and enjoy!

dipping a french dip sandwich in au jus

Instant Pot Side Dishes

Whether you’re looking for a healthy side, an easy side, or both, I have you covered. You’ll find plenty of Instant Pot Side Dishes to choose from in this August Instant Pot Meal Plan. From my healthy and tasty Quinoa to my super simple Salsa Rice, and much more. You’ll find the perfect side for your main dish.

Quinoa

Enjoy this delicious superfood with my Instant Pot Quinoa recipe. The quinoa cooks in minutes and comes out perfectly fluffy every time. This healthy side is great served with beef, pork, chicken, or seafood. You can also use it to make an appetizing salad.

a scoop of quinoa in a wooden spoon being added to a bowl of quinoa

Salsa Rice

Just like my Salsa Chicken, my Instant Pot Salsa Rice is a super simple side dish recipe. Just dump the rice, a jar of salsa, and some chicken stock in the pot and cook. Super simple, right? It’s actually the perfect side for salsa chicken. Serve on a warm flour tortilla with some shredded chicken, diced avocado, pico de gallo, a dollop of sour cream, and some shredded cheese for a delicious taco.

overhead shot of salsa rice in a glass bowl

Instant Pot Desserts

It’s time for a wonderful sweet treat! And I have some great Instant Pot Dessert Recipes for you this month. You’ll find a wonderful Coconut Flan and a truly magical Chocoflan cake. So save plenty of room in your stomach to enjoy one of these exquisite desserts after dinner.

Chocoflan

Add some magic to your evening with this wonderful dessert. A layer of moist chocolate cake topped by a creamy flan. This Hispanic dessert is spectacular! Serve with some Dulce de Leche to make this dessert even more special.

fresh chocoflan on a large plate

Coconut Flan

My Instant Pot Coconut Flan recipe is so delicious. It’s creamy and filled with tiny bits of coconut and loads of coconut flavor. I grew up enjoying this recipe as a child in Honduras. This wonderful dessert is sure to impress your family.

slice of instant pot coconut flan

Well, I wish you a cooler than normal August and a pleasant back-to-school experience.

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

August 2020 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

  • serving instant pot salsa chicken
    August 1
    Salsa Chicken
    from One Happy Housewife

    A very popular recipe that’s fast, easy, and so versatile. The perfect busy weeknight meal!

  • overhead shot of a bowl of thai red curry salmon
    August 2
    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!

  • a bowl of creamy sun-dried tomato pasta topped with parmesan and basil leaves
    August 3
    Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
    from One Happy Housewife

    Penne pasta drenched in an impossibly creamy sun-dried tomato and basil sauce. And since you’ll have it on the table in less than 20 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for any weeknight dinner.

  • overhead view of salpicon
    August 4
    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.

  • a large bowl of jambalaya garnished with cilantro
    August 5
    Jambalaya
    from Paint the Kitchen Red

    A New Orleans staple, this Instant Pot version of jambalaya is loaded with andouille sausage, chicken, and shrimp. So tasty!

  • a bowl of creamy fettuccine alfredo with chicken
    August 6
    Chicken Alfredo
    from One Happy Housewife

    A quick and easy pasta dish made with a homemade Alfredo sauce that’s incredibly rich and creamy.

  • a bowl of broccoli cheese soup topped with shredded cheese
    August 7
    Broccoli Cheese Soup
    from One Happy Housewife

    The combination of broccoli, carrots, cream, and cheddar make for a hearty soup that’s amazingly creamy and flavorful.

  • overhead shot of butter chicken and rice in serving bowls
    August 8
    Butter Chicken
    from Two Sleevers

    An easy recipe that’ll give you restaurant quality butter chicken in under 30 minutes.

  • close up of a dr pepper pulled pork sandwich topped with onions and pickles
    August 9
    Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork
    from One Happy Housewife

    Made with only 4 ingredients, this fall apart delicious pulled pork is so tasty and versatile.

  • pasta with meat sauce on a plate
    August 10
    Pasta with Meat Sauce
    from One Happy Housewife

    A super easy Italian dish is a comforting and filling family favorite.

  • low country shrimp boil on a tray
    August 11
    Low Country Shrimp Boil
    from Simply Happy Foodie

    Potatoes, sausage, corn and shrimp cooked together with seafood seasoning and Cajun spices.

  • cheeseburger mac in a large bowl
    August 12
    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.

  • instant pot mango fish tacos
    August 13
    Mango BBQ Fish Tacos
    from The Halfway Homesteaders

    The wonderful sweet spiciness of these fish tacos will transform taco Tuesdays.

  • a serving of vegan thai curry noodles in a bowl
    August 14
    Thai Curry Noodles
    from Simply Vegetarian 777

    A wonderful vegan Thai recipe that’s loaded with vegetables and is super easy to make.

  • hawaiian chicken served over a bed of rice on a plate
    August 15
    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.

  • overhead shot of tuscan chicken pasta served on a plate
    August 16
    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!

  • red beans and rice with sausage in a large bowl garnished with cilantro
    August 17
    Red Beans and Rice With Sausage
    from Monday is Meatloaf

    This traditional dish that epitomizes Louisiana cuisine is packed with red beans, green peppers, celery, onions, loads of bacon, and smoked sausage.

  • a close up of buffalo chicken sliders
    August 18
    Buffalo Chicken Sliders
    from Adventures of a Nurse

    Tender pulled chicken with a blue cheese hot sauce that is the perfect mix of spice and a splash of sweet.

  • creamy sausage rigatoni
    August 19
    Creamy Sausage Rigatoni
    from One Happy Housewife

    Rigatoni pasta, Italian sausage, and red peppers in a creamy marinara sauce. This deliciously flavorful and satisfying pasta dish is quick, simple, and perfect for weeknights.

  • a bowl of shrimp and grits
    August 20
    Shrimp and Grits
    from Paint the Kitchen Red

    Enjoy tender shrimp and crisp bacon in a spicy tomato-based sauce over creamy grits with this wonderful one-pot meal.

  • a plate of coca cola pot roast surrounded by carrots and potatoes
    August 21
    Cola Pot Roast
    from The Bearded Hiker

    A wonderful pot roast in a delicious gravy with lots of root vegetables .

  • meatball soup garnished with cilantro and shredded cheese served in a soup bowl
    August 22
    Meatball Soup
    from Make Ahead Meal Mom

    A warm and hearty meal that your family will love!

  • teriyaki chicken bowl garnished with sesame seeds on top of rice
    August 23
    Teriyaki Chicken
    from Cooking with Karli

    Enjoy a bowl of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and rice covered in a homemade Teriyaki sauce.

  • a bowl of beef and bowtie pasta
    August 24
    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.

  • a bowl of chana masala
    August 25
    Chana Masala
    from Spice Cravings

    Enjoy this easy to make, extremely flavorful Indian dish.

  • a close up of a dish with dirty rice
    August 26
    Cajun Dirty Rice
    from One Happy Housewife

    Chock full of the Cajun flavor, this comforting dish is outstanding!

  • overhead shot of chicken and potatoes garnished with lemon slices
    August 27
    Chicken And Potatoes
    from Recipes from a Pantry

    A quick and easy one-pot dish that’s loaded with Mediterranean flavor.

  • instant pot cajun pasta
    August 28
    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.

  • a spoonful of white chicken chili from a bowl
    August 29
    White Chicken Chili
    from One Happy Housewife

    A super easy and crazy delicious dump and start creamy chicken chili loaded with hearty white beans, chicken, corn, tomatoes, and green peppers.

  • August 30
    French Dip
    from One Happy Housewife

    An unbelievably flavorful and juicy meat, covered in melted cheese and served on toasted, crispy, buttered bread.

  • caribbean chicken thighs on a dinner plate
    August 31
    Caribbean Chicken Thighs
    from Dinner of Herbs

    Enjoy the island flavor with with these chicken thighs served with sweet potato slices & topped with a fresh mango salsa.

Side Dishes

  • quinoa being spooned out of a bowl
    Quinoa
    from One Happy Housewife

    A quick and tasty superfood that makes a perfect side dish for many meals.

  • a large serving of cilantro lime rice in in a bowl
    Cilantro Lime Rice
    from One Happy Housewife

    Perfectly cooked rice with a fresh lime and cilantro flavor. Enjoy in a burrito bowl or as a side dish to chicken, beef, or fish.

  • lemon parmesan orzo in a bowl topped with shredded parmesan
    Lemon Parmesan Orzo
    from Piping Pot Curry

    garlic, cherry tomatoes and parsley is a perfect side dish. It is very quick and easy to make pressure cooker orzo pasta!

  • a dinner plate served with green beans
    Green Beans
    from One Happy Housewife

    The buttery garlic flavor make these tender green beans a favorite side dish.

  • overhead shot of salsa rice being scooped
    Salsa Rice
    from One Happy Housewife

    An incredibly easy and delicious side dish that makes a perfect companion for any meal, especially Mexican inspired dishes.

Desserts

  • close up of coconut flan on a plate
    Coconut Flan
    from One Happy Housewife

    A delicious custard-like dessert filled with with coconut flavor and shredded coconut in every bite.

  • best mango cheesecake
    Mango Cheesecake
    from Ministry of Curry

    This cheesecake is so smooth and creamy with a wonderfully tangy sweet flavor.

  • creamy and soft orange cheesecake on the center of a plate
    Orange Cheesecake
    from Simply Happy Foodie

    The flavor of the chocolate crust paired with the fresh orange of this creamy cheesecake is incredible.

  • instant pot chocoflan
    Chocoflan
    from One Happy Housewife

    A moist chocolate cake layered with a smooth, creamy flan, and topped with caramel.

  • a spoonful of arroz con leche
    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 August 2020 Meal Plan Calendar.

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

2024 Meal Plans

2023 Meal Plans

2022 Meal Plans

2021 Meal Plans

2020 Meal Plans

2019 Meal Plans

2018 Meal Plans

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