Valentine's Day Menus & Recipe Ideas - Pressure Cooking Today™ (2024)

Make-Ahead Fancy Night In

Menu: Instant Pot Bone-In Beef Short Ribs (page 209), Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Green Beans with Toasted Almonds (page 273), andHeart-Shaped Mini Cheesecakes.

Since February 14th falls on a Wednesday this year, many of us will be celebrating after work. This Instant Pot Valentine’s Day menu is fancy but still fits well with busy schedules since most of the prep work is done a night or two before.

My Bone-In Beef Short Ribs feature a red wine sauce and are perfect for a fancy Valentine’s dinner. Drizzle extra sauce over the top of mashed potatoes, with a side of almond-dressed beans. Finish the night with mini cheesecakes made in their own little pansand topped with a decadent berry topping.

The night before, I’d make the cheesecakes (30 minute prep/cook time), rinse the cooking pot, then start the short ribs (90 minutes prep/cook time). While the ribs are cooking, prepare the fruit topping for the cheesecake. Once the ribs are finished cooking, place them in a separate bowl to cool to room temperature and refrigerate overnight.

On Valentine’s Day, prepare the mashed potatoes (10 minutes prep/cook time), then transfer to a slow cooker on low. (Check them occasionally and add milk as needed.) Skim the fat off of the refrigerated short ribs and reheat on the stove or in your pressure cooker, whatever works best for you. Prepare the green beans (10 minutes prep/cook time) about 15 minutes before you think the short ribs will be warmed through.

Quick & Easy Romantic Dinner

Menu:Chicken Lazonewith steamed broccoli and The Best Pressure Cooker Rice Pudding.

Real life doesn’t stop—not even for Valentine’s Day! This menu will have you covered when traffic has you running late or when you just want to focus on having fun outside of the kitchen.

This is a creamy, full-flavor Italian meal is easy to prepare and comes together really quickly since it starts with chicken tenders. It pairs well with simple vegetables, pasta, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The creamy, old-fashioned rice pudding is the perfect sweet finish. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a meal to sweep your sweetheart off their feet!

On Valentine’s Day, before you start pressure cooking,heat your water for cooking the pasta. The chicken lazone cooks so quickly (15 minute prep/cook time), you’ll want to start your pasta around the time you start the High Pressure cook time for the lazone.

While the chicken is coming to pressure, chop the broccoli and get it ready to steam. (If you want, you can steam your broccoli in your Instant Pot—pour in 1 cup water, place the chopped broccoli on a steamer basket, set the cook time for 0 minutes, then use a quick pressure release.)

After dinner, start the rice pudding about 30 minutes before you want to eat dessert. (Or, for further time-savings, you can prep the rice pudding the night before. Since the rice pudding thickens when chilled, check the texture just prior to serving and add a little more liquid if needed.)

Family Valentine’s Dinner & Dessert

Menu:Fork-Tender Instant Pot Beef Brisket (page 207),Macaroni and Cheese(or Grown-Up Mac & Cheese on page 268), andChocolate-Dipped Cheesecake Pops.

When finding a sitter costs as much as a nice night out, sometimes you share your Valentine’s meal with the kids. This menu has something to keep everyone happy!

The brisket and macaroni & cheese are the perfect pair of comfort foods. And kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy these fun cheesecake pops! The brisket has a long cook time, which is perfect for dipping and decorating the cheesecake pops as a family while you wait.

The day before, cook the cheesecake and chill overnight.

The night before,don’t forget to get the brisket marinating!

On Valentine’s Day, start the brisket well before you want to eat (90+ minute prep/cook time). While the brisket cooks, melt the chocolate, grab the sprinkles, and decorate your cheesecake pops. Return to the fridge until ready to serve. Once the brisket is cooked, remove to a platter and cover with foil and a little of the cooking liquid. Clean the cooking pot, then start the mac and cheese (10 minutes prep/cook time).