Instant Pot Pork & Lentil Stew
Soft, Hearty, Budget-Friendly Comfort Food
If you’ve ever made lentils that stayed hard or just didn’t feel satisfying, this recipe fixes that. This is one of those “set it and breathe” meals—simple ingredients, easy prep, and a warm, filling supper that feels like home.
Why This Recipe Works
- Lentils cook up soft and creamy
- Pork becomes tender and flavorful
- Carrots add natural sweetness
- It is filling without costing a fortune
- The Instant Pot makes it easy and dependable
Ingredients
- 1 pork steak, cut into chunks
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or broth
- 1 to 2 carrots, peeled and sliced into thick pieces
- 1 small onion, chopped, or 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
Add after cooking:
- Salt to taste
- A splash of vinegar or lemon juice, if desired
Instructions
1. Build flavor first (optional)
Turn your Instant Pot to Sauté. Add the oil and pork pieces. Brown lightly for 3 to 5 minutes. This step adds extra flavor, but the recipe will still turn out well if you skip it.
2. Add the ingredients
Add the following to the pot:
- Lentils
- Water or broth
- Carrots
- Onion
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Paprika
Do not add salt yet. Waiting until the end helps the lentils soften better.
3. Pressure cook
Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes.
4. Let it rest
Allow a natural release for 10 to 15 minutes, then open the lid.
5. Finish and season
Add salt to taste and stir gently. If you like, add a small splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavor.
What You’ll Get
- Soft, creamy lentils
- Tender bites of pork
- Sweet, soft carrots
- A warm, hearty bowl of comfort
Lynne’s Under Pressure Tips
- If the lentils are still a little firm, cook for 5 more minutes
- If you want it thicker, mash a few lentils and stir
- If you want richer flavor, stir in a little butter at the end
- If you want more vegetables, celery works well too
Budget Stretch Tip
This recipe stretches beautifully:
- Eat it as-is the first night
- Serve leftovers over rice the next day
- Thin it with broth and turn it into soup
One pot, multiple meals.
Warm, simple, and dependable... just what we need sometimes.
