Protein-Packed Meal Prep Instant Pot Recipes

Why Meal Prep with the Instant Pot?

A Sunday meal prep ritual can be a game-changer for maintaining a high-protein diet without the daily hassle. Whether you’re planning ahead or need a quick and convenient cooking method on busy days, the Instant Pot is an incredible tool. It’s one of my favorite kitchen gadgets for making flavorful, nutrient-dense meals with minimal effort.

I’ve shared several of my go-to Instant Pot recipes on the blog, including this Maple Pecan Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal for an easy, protein-rich breakfast meal prep. I also love one-pot Instant Pot meals that cover all your macronutrient needs in a single dish—simple, efficient, and delicious.

The Importance of Protein in Your Diet

Protein plays a crucial role in muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall health. While protein needs vary based on age, activity level, and health goals, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of 0.8g per kg of body weight is often insufficient for active individuals. Studies suggest that a higher protein intake (around 30% of daily calories) can enhance satiety, support weight loss, and promote lean muscle retention.

To make meal prepping even easier, I’ve rounded up 10 high-protein Instant Pot recipes from my blog and some of my favorite fellow food bloggers. If you try any of these, be sure to tag the recipe creator on Instagram and let us know how it turned out!

I’ve also got you covered on one-dish Instant Pot recipes to get all your food groups into one simple recipe. Easy breezy.

10 Protein-Packed Meal Prep Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Mediterranean Beef over cauliflower mashed potatoes (one of my most popular recipes!)

Instant Pot Cuban-Style Shredded Beef

Slow Cooker Mango Beef {Instant Pot option}

Creamy Instant Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup

Paleo Beef Enchilada Instant Pot Meatballs from The Fit Fork

Instant Pot Guinness Beef Stew from Kara Lydon

Instant Pot Chickpea Curry (Vegan, Gluten-Free) from Sharon Palmer

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken from Meme Inge

Instant Pot Lentil Soup with Sausage from Eating Richly

Pressure Cooker Chili Verde Recipe from Noshtastic

Final Thoughts on High-Protein Meal Prep

Prepping protein-packed meals with the Instant Pot is one of the easiest ways to stay on track with your nutrition goals. Whether you’re looking for hearty beef dishes, comforting soups, or plant-based protein options, this list has something for everyone.

Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments or tag me on Instagram!

References:

1. Stuart M. Phillips. Current Concepts and Unresolved Questions in Dietary Protein Requirements and Supplements in Adults. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2017; 4 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2017.00013
2. A high-protein diet induces sustained reductions in appetite, ad libitum caloric intake, and body weight despite compensatory changes in diurnal plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1):41-8