⏱️ Why Your Instant Pot Isn’t Saving You Time (And How to Fix It)
By Rossi Voss | September 1, 2025
You bought an Instant Pot to save time.
But now you’re:
- Waiting 10–15 minutes for pressure to build
- Washing extra parts
- Cooking one meal at a time
- Ending up with the same cleanup as stovetop cooking
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: Your Instant Pot isn’t the problem. It’s how you’re using it.
After teaching thousands of beginners, I’ve found the #1 mistake: 👉 They use it like a slow cooker — one meal at a time.
That’s not saving time. That’s just waiting.
Let’s fix it.
🔍 The 3 Reasons Your Instant Pot Feels Slow
1. You’re Not Cooking in Batches
The Instant Pot shines when you **cook once, eat all week**.
Fix: Double your recipe. Eat one batch tonight, freeze the rest.
👉 Try: Creamy Red Lentil Dal — cook 6 servings, freeze 3.
2. You’re Not Prepping Ahead
Chopping onions every night = not saving time.
Fix: Spend 20 minutes on Sunday chopping onions, carrots, peppers, and storing them.
Then: Instant Pot → Sauté → Add → Cook in 10 minutes.
3. You’re Ignoring the Freezer
If you’re not freezing meals, you’re missing the biggest time-saver.
Fix: Use your Instant Pot to make freezer meals like:
- Turkey & Rice Soup
- Black Bean & Sweet Potato Stew
- Lentil Loaf
Reheat from frozen — no prep needed.
✅ How to Actually Save Time: The 3-Step System
1. Cook Big, Not Small
Don’t make 2 servings. Make 6.
Yes, pressure builds for 10 mins either way — so cook more while you’re at it.
Pro Tip: Use the “Manual” button → 25 mins for beans, 10 mins for soups.
2. Prep Once, Cook Fast
Every Sunday:
- Chop 2 onions, 3 carrots, 2 bell peppers
- Store in airtight containers
- Label: “Instant Pot Ready”
Now you can start cooking in 1 minute.
3. Freeze for Future You
Portion leftovers into glass containers.
Label: “Turkey Soup – Use within 3 months”.
Future-you will thank present-you.
📚 Recipes That Actually Save Time
These come from my 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook — all designed for batch cooking:
- Red Lentil Dal – 25 mins, 6 servings
- Turkey & Rice Soup – 30 mins, freeze half
- Pinto Bean & Sweet Potato Bowl – 35 mins, great for freezing
📥 Download the Free “Instant Pot Time-Saving Checklist”
I’ve created a printable checklist with:
- Batch cooking guide
- Freezer meal labels
- Prep-ahead veggie list
👉 Get the Free Instant Pot Time-Saving Checklist
No broken links. Just real help for real kitchens.
📚 More from Rossi Voss
- 100 Beginner’s Instant Pot Bean and Grain Cookbook – Fast, filling meals using pantry staples.
- Stockpot Cookbook: 139 Simple and Hearty Recipes – Perfect for soups, stews, and one-pot wonders.
- 100 Beginner's Air Fryer Rotisserie Recipes – Crispy, juicy meals in minutes.
— Rossi Voss
Author of the $0.99 Cookbook Series
rossivoss.blogspot.com