Father’s Day Menu with Instant Pot Recipes!
If you're staying home and needing a Father's Day Menu to make a special lunch or dinner, see this easy menu using Instant Pot (and/or slow cooker) recipes!
I often cook at home for Father's Day. It's one of those days we like to head out and grab something to eat to celebrate dad, but we don't love those extra crowds and wait times at restaurants. We put together this easy Tex-Mex Cuisine menu with favorites like Steak Fajitas, Cilantro Lime Rice, Salsa, Black Beans, and of course a special occasion dessert! See these recipes below.
If you're worried about the fact that you can't make these all at the same time, don't worry. Almost everything below (except for the fajitas) can be made well in advance and refrigerated until serving.
Main Entree for Father's Day Dinner- Instant Pot steak Fajitas!
You can choose to make steak fajitas in the Instant Pot or traditionally in a pan on the stove. If you like that seared flavor and look to your meat, you can turn on the saute feature in the Instant Pot and cook your steak for a few minutes after it's done cooking. Or, you can transfer to a pan on the stove.
I love that the Instant Pot allows you to have fajitas done even if you're not home due to church or visiting family on Father's Day!
Sides- Cilantro Lime Rice and Homemade Salsa!
I love Cilantro Lime Rice for a side since it can be made ahead of time in the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) and just heated up when ready to eat.
You might ask, how do heat up rice without drying it out? There are actually two ways. Make your rice ahead of time and let cool down completely prior to refrigeration. Then, microwave or heat up on the stove! This frees up your Instant Pot to cook your main dish!
To microwave, you must first transfer into a microwave safe bowl (preferably heavy glass). Glass keeps the heat evenly distributed around the rice. Add a small amount of water over the top of the refrigerated rice. For 2-4 servings of rice I add about 3 tablespoons of water. Add more as needed. The more you add, the stickier the rice will be when done. Then, cover the top of the bowl very well with plastic wrap. Heat 2 minutes (max) and remove from microwave with potholders. Remove plastic wrap and stir. If rice looks dry, add 2-3 more tablespoons of water, reseal and return to the microwave in 30 second increments. Whatever you do, don't heat up rice without adding water– that's the trick here! Keep hot until ready to serve.
On the stove, add rice to a small sauce pan with 3-4 Tbsp. of water. Cover and heat at lowest heat. Stir and add additional water, 1-2 Tbsp at a time, until rice is heated throughout.
Making the Salsa
We have several homemade salsa recipes on the blog. Again, this is something you would want to make ahead. It's actually better the second day or after several hours in the refrigerator after those flavors have had a chance to mix. See some easy salsa recipes below.
Try our Family Famous Black Bean Salsa for a hearty recipe with corn and beans!
For a slow cooker option, check out this easy Slow Cooker Restaurant Style Salsa. Make this one ahead and refrigerate! You can use the slow cooker feature on your Instant Pot if needed.
If you prefer simple black beans to making a salsa, this Instant Pot Black Beans recipe is a great homemade version!
Instant Pot Dessert Ideas for Father's Day!
No Father's Day menu would be complete without a special dessert for dad.
Instant Pot Low Carb Turtle Cheesecake is a showstopper. It's just the thing if dad is a fan of Snicker's candy bars. If I was making this one, it might be tempting to keep it a secret and surprise him!
Another idea is this Instant Pot Reese's Cheesecake! It's a Peanut Butter lover's dream. Be sure to make this one around 24 hours in advance, and you can add final toppings prior to serving. Cheesecakes are at their best if made ahead!
