budget friendly vegan instapot recipes pdf Budget Friendly Vegan InstantPot Recipes PDF Guide

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Cooking delicious vegan meals on a budget doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the Instant Pot, you can whip up hearty, nutritious dishes that are both wallet-friendly and packed with flavor.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a student, or simply someone looking to eat healthier without breaking the bank, this collection of budget-friendly vegan Instant Pot recipes is here to make your life easier.

These recipes use simple, affordable ingredients and utilize the magic of pressure cooking to save time and energy.

In this post, you’ll find a variety of vegan dishes—from comforting stews and vibrant curries to protein-packed beans and wholesome grains. Plus, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, equipment, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips to customize each recipe.

Ready to make your vegan cooking effortless, economical, and absolutely delicious? Let’s dive in and transform your Instant Pot into a budget-friendly vegan kitchen powerhouse!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Budget-friendly: Each recipe uses affordable staples like beans, lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables to keep costs low without sacrificing flavor.

Time-saving: Thanks to the Instant Pot, these dishes cook quickly, making weeknight dinners or meal prep a breeze.

Nutritious and wholesome: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, these meals help you stay energized and healthy.

Plus, they’re completely vegan and versatile—perfect for anyone wanting to explore plant-based cooking or simply eat more sustainably.

Ingredients

  • Dried beans and lentils: black beans, chickpeas, red lentils
  • Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, barley
  • Vegetables: carrots, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes
  • Vegetable broth or water: for cooking and added flavor
  • Spices and herbs: garlic, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, bay leaves
  • Canned goods: diced tomatoes, coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
  • Oils: olive oil or avocado oil for sautéing
  • Additional flavorings: soy sauce or tamari, lemon juice, nutritional yeast

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or any electric pressure cooker
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Colander or sieve (for rinsing beans and grains)
  • Ladle or serving spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients: Rinse your dried beans or lentils thoroughly to remove any debris. Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Set your Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add spices: Stir in your dried spices—such as cumin, turmeric, and smoked paprika—and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the flavors.
  4. Add main ingredients: Add rinsed beans or lentils, chopped vegetables, and grains to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth or water to cover the ingredients by about an inch.
  5. Pressure cook: Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual/high pressure. Cooking times vary: red lentils (6-8 minutes), black beans (25-30 minutes), brown rice (20-22 minutes). Refer to specific recipe times below.
  6. Natural release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining steam.
  7. Finishing touches: Open the lid carefully. Stir in any optional ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast for added flavor and creaminess.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra spices as needed.
  9. Serve warm: Dish out your hearty vegan meal and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

“Don’t hesitate to swap in whatever vegetables or beans you have on hand—Instant Pot recipes are forgiving and adaptable!”

  • Meal prep friendly: These recipes store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
  • Spice it up: Add fresh or dried chilies for heat, or experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, garam masala, or Cajun seasoning.
  • Protein boost: Add cubed tofu or tempeh after cooking, tossing it in for a few minutes on sauté mode to warm through.
  • Bulk it up: Serve over steamed greens or with a side of crusty bread to round out your meal.
  • Instant Pot Beans shortcut: Use canned beans for faster cooking, reducing pressure cook time to 5 minutes for most recipes.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories (per serving) Protein (g) Fiber (g) Fat (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Instant Pot Black Bean Chili 320 18 12 5 50
Vegan Lentil Curry 290 20 14 4 45
Quinoa & Vegetable Stew 280 10 8 6 40

Serving Suggestions

Pair these vegan Instant Pot meals with simple sides to round out your plate. Steamed broccoli or kale, a crisp garden salad, or some warm whole-grain bread make excellent companions.

For a refreshing twist, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice to brighten the flavors.

For a heartier meal, consider topping your dishes with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of toasted nuts and seeds. These additions not only add texture but also boost healthy fats and nutrients.

Delicious Budget-Friendly Vegan Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Black Bean Chili

  • Ingredients: 1 cup dried black beans, 1 diced onion, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 bell pepper (diced), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 3 cups vegetable broth, salt and pepper to taste.
  • Instructions: Follow the general Instant Pot instructions above with a pressure cook time of 25 minutes and natural release for 15 minutes.
  • Tip: Add corn kernels or diced sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and texture.

Vegan Lentil Curry

  • Ingredients: 1 cup red lentils, 1 diced onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 can coconut milk, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp turmeric, 2 cups vegetable broth, salt to taste.
  • Instructions: Cook on manual/high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  • Tip: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a boost of greens.

Quinoa & Vegetable Stew

  • Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (rinsed), 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 diced carrot, 1 diced zucchini, 1 diced tomato, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper.
  • Instructions: Cook on manual/high pressure for 1 minute. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
  • Tip: Mix in nutritional yeast before serving for a cheesy flavor.

Ready to explore even more hearty, flavorful dishes? Check out my Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a fresh vegan pasta option.

Or try the comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a seasonal twist. For flavorful sauces to elevate your meals, don’t miss the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe.

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget has never been easier or more delicious thanks to these Instant Pot recipes. They’re designed to maximize flavor, nutrition, and convenience while minimizing cost and prep time.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan looking for new weeknight favorites, these recipes will become staples in your kitchen.

By using simple pantry staples, fresh vegetables, and the magic of pressure cooking, you can enjoy wholesome, hearty meals without spending hours in the kitchen or emptying your wallet. Plus, the versatility of these recipes means you can customize them to your taste and whatever you have available.

So grab your Instant Pot, stock your pantry with these essentials, and start creating budget-friendly vegan meals that everyone will love!

📖 Recipe Card: Budget Friendly Vegan Instant Pot Chili

Description: A hearty and affordable vegan chili made quickly in the Instant Pot. Packed with beans, vegetables, and spices for a nutritious meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black beans, rinsed
  • 1 cup dried kidney beans, rinsed
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Soak beans in water for 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
  2. Set Instant Pot to sauté and cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
  3. Add soaked beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and spices to the pot.
  4. Seal Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes.
  5. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure.
  6. Stir chili, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 17g | Fat: 1.5g | Carbs: 50g

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