I have three instant pots one of them the mini. Just don't fill it more than half full. And yes, google for recipes. When I don't know which recipe to use and I have a taste for something, such as stew, or pork chops, I put "instant pot recipe stew" into google and get a lot to choose from and then go from there. You could add mini to that.
Next time when you release, just do it a bit at a time. I'm wondering if the mini has the ingredients closer to the lid. I've not had a situation like yours in the 6 quarts. I use the mini for rice and yogurt. And for hard boiled eggs.
I have two going tonight. Corn on the cob in one and 5 minute shrimp scampi paella in the other. I find that regular ears of corn don't fit that great in the mini. We are just two people but I started with the 6 quart.