The school year is wrapping up. And with that comes lots of activities and running around. In my May 2018 Instant Pot Meal Plan, I’ve included some simple recipes for those super busy weeknights. That way you can get dinner on the table and get your night wrapped up quickly. Who couldn’t use more adult time in the evenings? Here’s what you can expect:
Big Batch Meals
Sometimes the best way to make cooking during the week easier is to make big batches of food on the weekend. That’s why I like to reserve some big batch recipes for Saturday and Sunday. When things get hectic, there’s nothing better than knowing you already have most of your meals made for the week. One of my favorite big-batch recipes is my Carnitas.
Carnitas
My Instant Pot Carnitas are perfect for busy weeks because you can make them on the weekend and have plenty stored away to make quick tacos, nachos, or sandwiches during the week. This recipe can go so far and it’s so versatile. One of my favorite ways to serve these carnitas is by mixing in our favorite BBQ sauce to make pulled pork sandwiches. I also like to crisp the edges on an iron skillet and serve it on tacos.
Easy Instant Pot Meals
Looking for super easy Instant Pot meals that you can make during the week? Well, you’ve come to the right place because I love easy. I load my meal plans with tons of easy recipes. Two of the easiest recipes on my meal plan are also two of my favorites. My Salsa Chicken and Hawaiian Sloppy Joe recipes are always winners. Both recipes are quick to make, and the entire family loves them.
Salsa Chicken
My Chicken Tacos, which are based on my Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe, is the perfect meal for busy weeknights. This dump-and-start recipe is as easy as they come. And the chicken is so tasty, super versatile, and cooks in less than 10 minutes. Just like the Carnitas, you can use the chicken to make nachos, sandwiches, burritos, salads, and more.
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
If you’re looking for a kid favorite, that’s ready in minutes, then my Instant Pot Hawaiian Sloppy Joes are a must. The ground beef is cooked and seasoned to perfection with mild peppers and pineapple, which gives it an unmistakable Hawaiian sweetness. The kids devour these sandwiches.
Instant Pot Seafood Recipes
You’ll also find tons of great seafood recipes. So, if you love seafood, there are plenty of options. You’ll enjoy tasty dishes like Shrimp & Grits. Yum! You’ll also find seafood dishes like a comforting Cajun Gumbo made with chicken, shrimp, and sausage. Finally, for the salmon lovers, there is a Salmon covered in an orange ginger sauce that is spectacular.
Spicy Cajun Pasta
If you’re in the mood for seafood and pasta, then my Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp Alfredo is perfect. The plump, juicy shrimp, and andouille sausage are smothered in a spicy Cajun cream sauce and served over penne pasta. And the best part, this marvelous dish is ready in 20 minutes. Now that’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Instant Pot Comfort Food
I also included some more traditional comfort dishes in this meal plan. You’ll find a recipe for
Lasagna
Looking for a comforting Italian dish? This Instant Pot Meat Lasagna is the perfect Italian comfort meal. This lasagna has multiple layers of pasta, Italian seasoned meat, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. With every slice, the melty cheeses ooze out from between the layers. Yum! Serve a slice of this wonderful pasta with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.
Instant Pot Side Dishes
In the side dishes section of the meal plan, you must try the Mexican Street Corn pasta. I’ve made this one a few times. It’s so fresh and delicious! And the Cheesy Garlic Orzo is fantastic. A warm spoonful of this super creamy and cheesy pasta is so comforting. It’s a perfect side dish for just about any meat, chicken, or fish main dish.
Mashed Potatoes
Also, my Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are perfection. I love making these potatoes in the Instant Pot because they are completely no-fuss. Just add the cubed potatoes, water, and salt to the pot, cook for 10 minutes and then mash and mix in some butter and milk. That’s it! No more draining a big pot of scorching hot water over a sink. It’s so much easier than cooking them on the stovetop.
Green Beans
My Southern-style Instant Pot Green Beans are comforting classics that perfectly complement a variety of main dishes. They’re especially great served with chicken, beef, or pork. Serve them alongside the mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Instant Pot Desserts
I like to say that no meal is complete without a sweet treat. And I have some great desserts for you this month. You’ll find a Dulce de Leche Cheesecake, Cakes in a Jar, Pound Cake, Flan, and more. So, make sure you try all the desserts listed on this month’s meal plan. They’re all so easy and so delicious!
Flan
I included my Instant Pot Flan recipe this month. It’s a super creamy Honduran version of this classic Hispanic dessert. So, get ready to have your tastebuds pleasantly surprised by this sensational treat. This flan is always the perfect way to follow a splendid meal.
Have a wonderful May!
Make sure you also check out my latest Instant Pot Meal Plan.
May 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
May 1Carnitas from One Happy Housewife
Authentic flavor, incredibly juicy pork, and crispy edges. Traditional pork carnitas made in a fraction of the time.
May 2Poblano Chicken Soup from Two Sleevers
This soup is bursting with chili flavor without being spicy.
May 3Macaroni Salad from One Happy Housewife
This macaroni salad has a delicious surprise in every bite!
May 4Shrimp 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.
May 5Chicken Pot Pie Casserole from Adventures of a Nurse
The same flavor as a traditional homemade pot pie, but without all the work.
May 6Maple Bourbon Ham from The Halfway Homesteaders
A wonderful ham with an absolutely delicious glaze.
May 7Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Piping Pot Curry
If you’re craving soup, don’t miss this one. Broccoli and carrots come together in a deliciously creamy cheesy base.
May 8Chicken Tacos from One Happy Housewife
These tacos are made using frozen chicken and a few very simple ingredients. Perfect for when you need a good meal fast.
May 9Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes from Simply Happy Foodie
Make this traditional home-style dinner all in one pot.
May 10French Garlic Chicken from Two Sleevers
A simple restaurant quality chicken dish made in the pressure cooker.
May 11Lasagna from Simply Happy Foodie
A super simple lasagna recipe that you can customize to your own taste.
May 12Cubed Steak and Gravy from Adventures of a Nurse
Like cubed steak? This looks like a great and easy recipe to cook in your Instant Pot!
May 13Gumbo from Paint the Kitchen Red
Chicken, sausage, and shrimp make for a hearty bowl of Cajun comfort food.
May 14Egg Roll in a Bowl from The Halfway Homesteaders
This deconstructed egg roll is seriously flavorful, easy to make and absolutely delicious.
May 15Chicken Taco Burrito Bowls from This Old Gal
A wonderful Mexican dish made with wholesome ingredients like rice, beans, corn, and other vegetables.
May 16Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta from Adventures of a Nurse
Pasta with tender and juicy shrimp smothered in a creamy and spicy sauce.
May 17Hawaiian 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.
May 18Hamburger Stew from Two Sleevers
A super easy ground beef recipe for those days when you need to get dinner on the table quick.
May 19General Tso’s Chicken from This Old Gal
Moist, tender, and juicy bite-sized chicken nuggets in a sweet and spicy sauce.
May 20Shepherd’s Pie from The Halfway Homesteaders
Shepherd’s Pie is a classic and here’s how you can make it in the Instant Pot!
May 21Balsamic Apple Pork Tenderloin from Simply Happy Foodie
Tender and moist pork medallions drenched in an amazingly sweet & tangy sauce.
May 22Chicken Taco Pie from Simply Happy Foodie
Use rotisserie chicken, or leftover cooked chicken meat to make this fun and delicious dish.
May 23Hawaiian Sloppy Joes from One Happy Housewife
Pineapple, red and yellow peppers, and sweet onion give the traditional Sloppy Joe a Hawaiian twist.
May 24Chicken Shawarma from Paint the Kitchen Red
A quick and easy homemade pressure cooker version of chicken shawarma.
May 25Chipotle Shrimp Soup from Paint the Kitchen Red
This quick and easy soup is so creamy and loaded with potatoes, corn, bacon, and shrimp. This one has a spicy kick to it too!
May 26Beef Macaroni from This Old Gal
If your family loves a meaty pasta then they’ll really enjoy this recipe.
May 27Chicken Soup from One Happy Housewife
This hearty, healthy, homemade chicken soup is so tasty and loaded with nourishing vegetables and spices.
May 28Cheesy Tuna Helper from Adventures of a Nurse
A comforting tuna recipe made with flakey tuna, egg noodles, peas, and a creamy base.
May 29Taco Casserole from The Typical Mom
This cheesy taco casserole is bursting with flavor.
May 30Salmon with Orange Ginger Sauce from Two Sleevers
A perfectly delicious option for salmon lovers.
May 31Chicken Fajita Soup from The Halfway Homesteaders
A wonderful Tex-Mex favorite in a soup bowl.
Side Dishes
Street Corn Pasta from The Halfway Homesteaders
Pasta with a Mexican flare – this street corn pasta is so fresh and flavorful.
Steamed Broccoli from Piping Pot Curry
A quick, simple, and nutritious side dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Mashed Potatoes from One Happy Housewife
Cooked and seasoned to perfection, these mashed potatoes are so fast and easy to make.
Cheesy Garlic Orzo from Simply Happy Foodie
A delicious pasta side dish with a creamy, cheesy, and garlicky sauce.
Country Style Green Beans from The Halfway Homesteaders
Made using fresh green beans, onions, garlic, and ham, these Southern-style green beans are big on comfort and flavor.
Desserts
Dulce de Leche Cheesecake from Living Sweet Moments
This moist, creamy, and decadent cheesecake is a pure slice of heaven.
Cakes in a Jar from The Halfway Homesteaders
These wonderful cakes come in so many delicious flavors and are so easy to make.
Pound Cake from The Halfway Homesteaders
A perfect and delicious pound cake just like grandma used to make.
Flan from One Happy Housewife
A heavenly dark caramel blankets this rich, creamy, and silky smooth flan.
Orange Semolina Cake from Piping Pot Curry
A fluffy and moist cake with the phenomenal orange flavor.
Download the May 2018 Meal Plan Calendar.
For more Instant Pot Meal Plan ideas for the month of May, check out my archive of May Instant Pot Meal Plans.
