Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner

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Looking for a quick and easy dinner? The Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner is perfect for busy days. This recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep and 4 minutes to cook. It’s a hearty meal that combines ground beef, macaroni, veggies, and flavorful seasonings in one pot.

You’ll love how simple this dish is to make. Just layer the ingredients, set your Instant Pot, and dinner is ready in no time. It’s a tasty, filling meal your whole family will enjoy on those nights when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (or turkey/pork)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (4 oz)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch rounds
• 2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

For seasoning:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon each: oregano, thyme, rosemary, basil

Additional ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen lima beans or corn
• 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken or mushroom soup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup cream or milk

This recipe makes 6 servings. You can easily double the ingredients if you’re cooking for a larger group. Remember to check if your Instant Pot can handle larger quantities before doubling the recipe.

Instructions

Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to sauté. Add the ground beef when it’s hot. Break up the meat as it cooks. Drain extra grease if needed. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, then turn off the pot.

Pour in the broth. Scrape the bottom to loosen any stuck bits. Add macaroni, then layer carrots and potatoes on top. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Add lima beans next. Spoon cream of chicken soup on top. Pour in Worcestershire sauce. Don’t stir the ingredients.

Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking, then release the pressure.

Open the lid and stir everything together. Add cream or milk to make it creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve your lazy wife’s dinner hot. It’s a quick, easy meal your family will love. You can swap ingredients based on what you have in your kitchen.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily swap ingredients in this Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Protein options:

• Ground turkey or pork instead of beef
• Diced chicken breast or thighs
• Sliced sausage

Veggie swaps:

• Frozen mixed vegetables instead of lima beans
• Canned green beans or peas
• Diced bell peppers or zucchini

For the pasta, try penne, rotini, or small shells if you don’t have elbow macaroni. You can also use rice or quinoa, but adjust the cooking time.

No cream of chicken soup? Use cream of mushroom or celery instead. Or make a quick homemade version with milk, flour, and seasonings.

To make it dairy-free, skip the cream and use coconut milk. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the meat.

Add some kick with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. For extra flavor, stir in some shredded cheese at the end.

Remember, cooking times may vary slightly with substitutions. Keep an eye on your Instant Pot and adjust as needed.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Here are some helpful tips for making Instant Pot Lazy Wife’s Dinner:

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  Use frozen veggies to save time on chopping. Peas, corn, or mixed vegetables work great.

  
  
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  Don’t have cream soup? Make a quick substitute with 1 cup milk and 3 tablespoons flour.

  
  
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  Add cheese at the end for extra flavor. Cheddar or Parmesan are tasty options.

  
  

To store leftovers:

• Let the dish cool completely before refrigerating.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freeze for later:

1. Portion into freezer-safe containers
2. Label with date and contents
3. Freeze for up to 3 months
4. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating

You can easily double this recipe if you have a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time to 6 minutes.

For a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water. Stir this in after cooking and use the sauté function for 1-2 minutes until thickened.