Quick Answer
Yes, you can put a casserole dish in an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is a versatile multi-cooker that can accommodate most oven-safe dishes. As long as the casserole dish fits in the Instant Pot inner pot and the lid can close securely, it will work for pressure cooking. Some tips when using a casserole dish in an Instant Pot:
- Use a trivet or steamer rack under the dish to elevate it off the bottom.
- Add enough liquid to the pot to create steam.
- Select a pressure cooking program and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Allow pressure to fully release before opening lid.
- Use oven mitts when removing hot dish.
The casserole dish should be made of a material like oven-safe glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid putting plastic dishes or anything with non-stick coatings in the pressure cooker. With the right dish and a few precautions, the Instant Pot can cook casserole recipes to tender perfection.
Choosing the Right Casserole Dish for the Instant Pot
Not all casserole dishes are created equal when it comes to using them in the Instant Pot. The material and construction of the dish makes a difference in how it performs under pressure. Here are some guidelines for selecting an Instant Pot-friendly casserole dish:
- Material – Opt for oven and stovetop safe materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Avoid plastics or silicone which cannot withstand pressure cooking temperatures.
- Size – Choose a dish that fits comfortably in your Instant Pot inner pot with room for ingredients. Allow 2/3 capacity for expansion.
- Shape – Round or oval dishes work best to maximize capacity. Avoid tall, narrow dishes which limit ingredient space.
- Lid – A fitted lid or foil cover helps contain ingredients but is not mandatory.
- Handles – Side handles make removing the hot dish easier. Avoid plastic handles.
- No Coatings – Do not use dishes with non-stick or enamel coatings which can deteriorate.
Glass or ceramic baking dishes, ramekins, souffle dishes, and stainless steel pots all make good options. Be sure to check dimensions against your Instant Pot inner pot size. Allow room for food expansion as the pot pressurizes.
Recommended Casserole Dishes for 6 Quart Instant Pots
| Dish | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Round Baking Dish | Glass | 7 inch diameter x 2.5 inch height |
| Rectangular Baking Dish | Ceramic | 6.5 x 4 inch length x 2.5 inch height |
| Souffle Dish | Stainless Steel | 6 inch diameter x 2.5 inch height |
How to Cook a Casserole in an Instant Pot
Cooking casserole recipes in the Instant Pot requires a few easy steps and precautions. Here is a walkthrough of the process:
- Prep ingredients – Prepare casserole ingredients as recipe directs. Cut vegetables, brown meats, cook pasta, etc before assembling.
- Grease dish – Lightly coat casserole dish with butter or oil if needed.
- Assemble – Layer casserole ingredients evenly into prepared dish.
- Add liquid – Pour water, stock or sauce over casserole to help create steam.
- Insert trivet – Place trivet or steam rack in Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place dish on trivet – Lower dish gently onto trivet.
- Secure lid – Make sure silicone ring is properly seated and lid locks into place.
- Select program – Choose manual or pressure cook program and set time.
- Adjust time – Add 5-10 minutes to recommended oven bake time for casserole.
- Allow pressure release – Let pressure release naturally or quick release as recipe directs.
- Remove dish – Use oven mitts to lift hot dish out of pot using handles or sides.
- Let rest – Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
Always place the casserole dish on a trivet inside the Instant Pot rather than setting it directly on the inner pot bottom. This allows steam to circulate properly. Add at least 1 cup of liquid to the pot to generate enough steam pressure. Adjust cooking time and pressure release method per recipe guidelines.
Tips for Cooking Casseroles to Perfection
Achieving tender, evenly cooked casseroles from your Instant Pot involves using the right cooking techniques. Here are some top tips:
Have the Right Amount of Liquid
The Instant Pot needs adequate liquid to pressurize and create steam. For casseroles, use at least 1 cup of water, broth, sauce, or juice. Too little liquid can lead to scorching or the pot not coming to pressure.
Layer Ingredients Evenly
Distribute ingredients like meat, vegetables, rice or pasta evenly throughout the casserole dish. This allows everything to cook through at the same rate.
Stagger Additions
When adapting a stovetop recipe, cook meats, hard vegetables or pasta al dente before adding to the casserole dish. More delicate ingredients can go in raw.
Cook Low and Slow
For best texture and flavor development, cook casseroles at lower pressure settings (if your model allows it). Cook time will be a bit longer but worth it.
Quick Release for Crisp Toppings
If a casserole has a crispy topping like breadcrumbs or cheese, do a quick pressure release. This prevents condensation from sogging out the topping.
Let Rest Before Serving
Allow casseroles to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This finishes the cooking process and lets liquids redistribute evenly.
Common Recipe Substitutions for Instant Pot Casseroles
When adapting traditional casserole recipes for the Instant Pot, you may need to make some simple ingredient swaps. Here are substitutes to try:
| Original Ingredient | Instant Pot Substitution |
|---|---|
| Canned condensed soup | Broth or homemade condensed soup |
| Long grain white rice | Parboiled or converted rice |
| Pasta | Gluten-free or protein pasta |
| Cream | Evaporated milk |
| Potatoes | Parboiled potatoes |
| Flour as thickener | Cornstarch or potato starch |
Substituting broth for canned soup allows you to control the sodium content. Swapping sturdier rice and pasta prevents mushiness. Par-cooking potatoes and thickening with cornstarch helps recipes turn out perfectly pressurized.
Common Casserole Mistakes to Avoid
It takes a little practice to master casserole cooking in the Instant Pot. Steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Not enough liquid – The pot needs adequate liquid to pressurize properly.
- Overfilling dish – Ingredients expand under pressure so don’t pack dish completely full.
- Undercooking pasta – Pasta and grains may require longer cook times in a casserole.
- Quick releasing cheesy dishes – Natural release prevents a mess from bubbling cheese.
- No heat protection – Always place dish on a trivet and use mitts to handle.
- Skipping resting time – Letting casserole sit allows flavors to meld.
It can take some trial and error to adjust traditional recipes for the pressure cooking environment. Start by only adjusting one component at a time until you achieve desired doneness and texture.
Cleaning Casserole Dishes After Instant Pot Use
Here is how to clean casserole dishes after using them in the Instant Pot:
- Let dish cool completely before cleaning.
- Discard any trivet or liner used in the pot insert.
- Remove any stuck on food particles.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water.
- Use a bottle brush to clean narrow dishes.
- Avoid abrasive scouring pads or cleaners.
- Rinse and dry dish well.
- For stainless steel dishes, wipe down inside and out with white vinegar.
- Air dry casserole lid separately.
Do not put hot casserole dishes straight into cold water as this can cause cracking or shattering. Avoid harsh chemicals and scrubbing that might damage non-stick or enamel coatings. With regular cleaning after use, casserole dishes will maintain their integrity. Replace any dishes that show signs of deterioration like pitting, scratching or clouding.
Instant Pot Casserole Recipe Ideas
The Instant Pot makes quick work of all kinds of classic comfort food casseroles. Try out these delicious recipe ideas:
Breakfast Casseroles
- Sausage Egg Breakfast Casserole
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
- Broccoli Cheddar Quiche
- French Toast Casserole
- Blueberry Coffee Cake Casserole
Chicken Casseroles
- Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Beef Casseroles
- Cheeseburger Casserole
- Shepherd’s Pie Casserole
- Beef Stroganoff Casserole
- Lasagna Casserole
- Hamburger Noodle Casserole
Vegetarian Casseroles
- Vegetable Lasagna
- Baked Ziti Casserole
- Broccoli Potato Casserole
- Tamale Pie Casserole
- Pasta Primavera Casserole
The possibilities are endless for deliciously comforting casseroles made easy in the Instant Pot. Experiment with your favorite ingredients and flavors.
Conclusion
Cooking casseroles in the Instant Pot opens up a whole new world of possibility for weeknight meals and potluck entrees. Almost any oven-baked casserole can be adapted to the pressures of this popular multi-cooker. Choosing the right dish, layering ingredients properly, simmering in steam, and allowing time to rest are keys to success. With a little practice, you can whip up amazing casseroles any night of the week using your Instant Pot.