Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

Instant pot steel cut oats are so easy to make and turn out perfect every time. This recipe using simple ingredients and is one of the best ways you can make steel cut oats.

It’s easy to cook steel cut oats in an instant pot! I love this method because it’s totally hands free. No need to fuss over the stove as the steel cut oats are cooking. This is a great method to use for meal prep. Make a large batch of steel cut oats on a sunday and store them in the fridge for a week’s worth of healthy breakfasts.

steel cut oats in a white bowl with fresh berries, cinnamon and a spoon. Blue plaid kitchen towel beside bowl.

Anyone else grow up eating mushy oatmeal? My family would go on ski trips and every morning my dad would be up super early preparing the mushiest oatmeal for everyone. I remember how gross I thought it was. The consistency was enough to turn me off oatmeal for many years…actually, decades.

But the TRUTH is that you can make oatmeal taste pretty incredible when using the right version of it. Those microwavable instant packets of oatmeal are not where it’s at. No my friends, grab yourself a bag of old fashioned rolled oats for your baking recipes (like my banana oatmeal muffins) AND grab a bag of steel cut oats to cook easy, delicious AND healthy oatmeal in your instant pot!

I have the Ninja Foodi Deluxe – it’s an all-in-one that allows me to use it as an instant pot (pressure cooker), air fryer, slow cooker, and I can also sear, steam, and bake food. The options are truly endless with this tool and it is absolutely my favorite way to cook in my kitchen!

If you haven’t purchased an instant pot yet, or are looking for an upgrade that will be multipurpose, then I highly recommend checking out the Ninja Foodi Deluxe. I love that it replaces multiple tools which saves space, saves time and saves added clean up in my kitchen.

cooked steel cut oats inside an instant pot with a wooden spoon

How To Cook Steel Cut Oats In An Instant Pot

It doesn’t matter what type of Instant Pot or pressure cooker you have, this easy oats recipe will come out perfect every time!

Instead of using the “porridge” setting on an instant pot, just use the “high” setting. This will ensure you get the right cook temperature and time.

Add the steel cut oats, water (or milk) and cinnamon to the instant pot.
Close the lid and turn the steam release valve to “seal”
Turn the instant pot setting to “high” for 4 minutes. It will take a few minutes to fully pressurize before it starts cooking.
When cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “vent” I always do this with a wooden spoon so that my hand is far away from the steam.
Remove the lid and give the steel cut oats a really good stir.
Serve with your favorite toppings like berries, nuts and seeds, sliced banana and plain yogurt.

Steel Cut Oats Instant Pot Ratio

This is the base recipe for cooking perfect instant pot steel cut oats.

The instant pot steel cut oats ratio is: 2 cups steel cut oats + 4 cups water or milk + 2 tsp cinnamon = the best steel cut oats

instant pot steel cut oats in a bowl with a spoon. Two glass bowls with raspberries and blackberries beside it along with plaid kitchen towel.

Health Benefits Of Steel Cut Oats

Steel cut oats look very different than instant oats or old fashioned rolled oats. But all of these types of oats come from the same “oat groat”. To make steel cut oats, the oat groats are roasted and then chopped into smaller pieces. They’re high in fiber, they have a low glycemic index, a good source of iron, high in protein and are naturally gluten free (source). If you are gluten intolerant, always make sure to check the label for “gluten free” as some are processed in facilities that could contain traces of gluten.

Steel cut oats have been proven to help lower cholesterol, and could also help to lower blood pressure. Eating plenty of fiber can also help control blood sugar levels, and oats will help you feel fuller longer.

What I personally love about steel cut oats is that they help to avoid a poorer food choice first thing in the morning. When you make a large batch and store it in the fridge, you have breakfast ready to go. Choosing healthy toppings like plain greek yogurt (high in protein), fruit, nuts and seeds will also add nutritional benefits.

instant pot steel cut oats in a white bowl with fresh berries and cinnamon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

What Is The Ratio Of Water To Steel Cut Oats?

The ratio of water to steel cut oats is 2:1. For example, 2 cups water (or milk) and 1 cup steel cut oats.

How Much Does 1/4 Cup Steel Cut Oats Make Cooked?

1/4 cup steel cut oats will double in size as they absorb the liquid, making about 1/2 a cup of cooked steel cut oats.

Are Instant Steel Cut Oats Healthy?

Yes! They’re high in fiber, they have a low glycemic index, a good source of iron, high in protein and are naturally gluten free (source).

What Is The Difference Between Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats and Regular Steel Cut Oats?

While shopping for steel cut oats you might notice two different kinds at the grocery store. Regular steel cut oats are the kind that I used in this recipe. Quick cooking steel cut oats (like Bob’s Red Mill) take less time to cook. They’re similiar to regular steel cut oats but are cut into smaller pieces which is why they take less time to cook.

Can I Cook Steel Cut Oats With Frozen Fruit?

Yes! 1/2 cup to 1 cup of frozen fruit added to this recipe will work. You can try frozen blueberries, raspberries or sliced strawberries.

instant pot steel cut oats in a white bowl with fresh berries. Spoon and plaid kitchen towel are beside it.

More Breakfast Recipes To Try:

How To Make Overnight Oats With 6 Flavors To Try – this ultimate overnight oats guide will walk you through everything you need to know in order to make the best overnight oats.
12 Healthy Breakfast Toasts – easy and delicious recipes that can be put together in under 10 minutes.
Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Cups – your family is going to love these as you can easily customize them to include favorite ingredients.
6 Healthy Chia Pudding Recipes – these will give you delicious flavor options to try for an energizing meal.
Banana Oatmeal Muffins – these are the best healthy breakfast muffin!