May Instant Pot Meal Plan (2018) - One Happy Housewife

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.

a homemade hawaiian sloppy joe on a plate

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.

close up of a creamy plate of instant pot cajun shrimp alfredo with sausage

Instant Pot Comfort Food

I also included some more traditional comfort dishes in this meal plan. You’ll find a recipe for meatloaf with mashed potatoes, all made in one batch. Therefore, this one is a super convenient recipe for weeknights! There is also a Beef Sheperd’s Pie and Classic Lasagna, two more traditional dishes made easy in the Instant Pot. You will love these comforting classic recipes.

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 1
Carnitas
from One Happy Housewife
Authentic flavor, incredibly juicy pork, and crispy edges. Traditional pork carnitas made in a fraction of the time.
May 2
Poblano Chicken Soup
from Two Sleevers
This soup is bursting with chili flavor without being spicy.
May 3
Macaroni Salad
from One Happy Housewife
Made with pasta, bread and butter pickles, green olives, peas, and Spam, this macaroni salad has a delicious surprise in every bite!
May 4
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.
May 5
Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
from Adventures of a Nurse
The same flavor as a traditional homemade pot pie, but without all the work.
May 6
Maple Bourbon Ham
from The Halfway Homesteaders
A wonderful ham with an absolutely delicious glaze.
May 7
Broccoli 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 8
Chicken 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 9
Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
from Simply Happy Foodie
Make this traditional home-style dinner all in one pot.
May 10
French Garlic Chicken
from Two Sleevers
A simple restaurant quality chicken dish made in the pressure cooker.
May 11
Lasagna
from Simply Happy Foodie
A super simple lasagna recipe that you can customize to your own taste.
May 12
Cubed 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 13
Gumbo
from Paint the Kitchen Red
Chicken, sausage, and shrimp make for a hearty bowl of Cajun comfort food.
May 14
Egg Roll in a Bowl
from The Halfway Homesteaders
This deconstructed egg roll is seriously flavorful, easy to make and absolutely delicious.
May 15
Chicken Taco Burrito Bowls
from This Old Gal
A wonderful Mexican dish made with wholesome ingredients like rice, beans, corn, and other vegetables.
May 16
Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
from Adventures of a Nurse
Pasta paired with tender and juicy shrimp smothered in a creamy and spicy sauce. Skip the takeout and make this at home instead.
May 17
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.
May 18
Hamburger Stew
from Two Sleevers
A super easy ground beef recipe for those days when you need to get dinner on the table quick.
May 19
General Tso’s Chicken
from This Old Gal
Moist, tender, and juicy bite-sized chicken nuggets in a sweet and spicy sauce.
May 20
Shepherd’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 21
Balsamic Apple Pork Tenderloin
from Simply Happy Foodie
Tender and moist pork medallions drenched in an amazingly sweet & tangy sauce.
May 22
Chicken Taco Pie
from Simply Happy Foodie
Use rotisserie chicken, or leftover cooked chicken meat to make this fun and delicious dish.
May 23
Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
from One Happy Housewife
Pineapple, red and yellow peppers, and sweet onion give the traditional Sloppy Joe a Hawaiian twist.
May 24
Chicken Shawarma
from Paint the Kitchen Red
A quick and easy homemade pressure cooker version of chicken shawarma.
May 25
Chipotle 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 26
Beef Macaroni
from This Old Gal
If your family loves a meaty pasta then they’ll really enjoy this recipe.
May 27
Chicken Soup
from One Happy Housewife
This hearty, healthy, homemade chicken soup is so tasty and loaded with nourishing vegetables and spices.
May 28
Cheesy Tuna Helper
from Adventures of a Nurse
A comforting tuna recipe made with flakey tuna, egg noodles, peas, and a creamy base.
May 29
Taco Casserole
from The Typical Mom
This cheesy taco casserole is bursting with flavor.
May 30
Salmon with Orange Ginger Sauce
from Two Sleevers
A perfectly delicious option for salmon lovers.
May 31
Chicken 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
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 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.

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.