Hey-o. The Big Day is almost here! And we’re gearing up with plenty of recipe options (Nachos! Wings! Ribs! Chili! Mac ‘n cheese!) for our game day spread. We might just keep it extra simple this year and rely on the Instant Pot for our game day faves.
Whether you’re a football fan or just a human who loves good food, there’s a lot to be said for the ease and speed of the Instant Pot. The MVP of kitchen utensils when you’re pinched for time, it does great work fast. Pull it out for game day and save your energy for yelling at the TV screen. Even better, most of these recipes can be made ahead then kept warm in the Instant Pot, so you and your sports-watching buddies can help yourselves when hunger strikes. Here are a few recipes to get psyched about.
1. Chili With Andouille
Every year, every game day, we crave Chili With Andouille. It’s so wonderful when it comes together quickly in the IP with a hearty red bean base amped up by andouille. (If you forgot to soak your beans overnight, no worries; high pressure, water and an hour can fix that problem for you!) Good news: Substitutes work well here. Swap out cannellini for pinto, or andouille for kielbasa.
2. Mac and Cheese
If you’ve tried it, you know: Our Instant Pot Ultimate Mac and Cheese is the jam. We love it at Thanksgiving, we love it at barbecues, and we love it a cozy big bowl of it in February for the big game. It goes really well with pretty much anything, including…
3. Asian-Style Short Ribs
If you’re the sort of person who gets so amped up by the game you need to meditate at halftime, consider Asian-Style Short Ribs. Sticky and delicious, they can go on your lap in a bowl on the couch; you’ll be distracted by how glorious they are. That’s honey, chili garlic sauce, fresh ginger, and more garlic in the cooking liquid. They’re super-tasty, they’re a snap to pull off, and focusing on them may just calm your game-day nerves.
4. Deviled Eggs
Don’t forget: Game day recipes can sometimes just comprise appetizers. (Maybe you ordered delivery pizza!) Enter: Deviled Eggs. Pros know that the IP is the way to get those shells off of eggs with ease. This recipe features our pal Sriracha, which plays surprisingly nicely with white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard and mayo. A little paprika-dusted breadcrumb topping is the ideal finishing touch.
5. Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes are messy, sure. Their name gives that away. But making them doesn’t need to be. Thanks, IP, for making the creation of these bad boys a breeze. These have a chili-esque flavor profile amped up with Worcestershire, Dijon, chili powder, bell pepper, and brown sugar. They are memorable as can be. Messy meals are a hallowed part of many big game day traditions, whether it’s nachos or wings. Embrace the chaos.
6. Carnitas
Boy oh boy, do we love a starter sauce, and these carnitas tacos are no exception. Our very own IP carnitas starter sauce is the base. From there, you’re a simple tomatillo salsa recipe away from taco happiness. (Or bust out a jar; no judgment!) Avocado, fresh radishes and cilantro on top will make you feel like your home is the best taqueria in town.
7. Barbacoa Tacos
You had us at “barbacoa.” These Barbacoa Tacos cook up in 45 minutes. All the classic flavors are in there: chipotle chiles, fresh oregano, lime, garlic and more. (Plus “secret ingredient” classics like brown sugar!) Set this out with warm tortillas, garnishes and the carnitas above if you’re feeling like an overachiever. Expect a whole lot of “yes” RSVPs next year!
