This Instant Pot Meatloaf is juicy and tender, perfect for a hearty meal. The slow-cooked flavors come together quickly, so you won’t be waiting long to dig in!
Honestly, I love how fast this cook is—no more waiting forever for dinner. Just pop it in and relax while the magic happens. You’ll want seconds, trust me! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. They work well but can be a bit leaner, so you may want to add a little more moisture.
Bread Crumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can use panko for added crunch. If gluten-free is your goal, try almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs instead. They will keep the meatloaf moist as well.
Onion: Fresh, finely diced onion adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have fresh onions, dehydrated onion flakes are a decent substitute (use about 1 tablespoon). You can also swap in shallots for a milder taste!
Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but any milk works! Non-dairy options like almond or oat milk can also be used without impacting the flavor too much.
Ketchup: This adds that classic meatloaf tang. If you want a little kick, BBQ sauce or a spicy salsa could be fun alternatives. I sometimes use a homemade ketchup mix for a fresher taste!
How Do I Get the Meatloaf Just Right?
The key to a perfect Instant Pot meatloaf is in how you combine the ingredients. Mix everything gently, as overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Shaping it correctly also matters; make sure it’s compact but not overly pressed.
- Use a large bowl to mix your ingredients well.
- Form the mixture into a loaf that fits nicely in your Instant Pot.
- Spread ketchup on top before cooking; it caramelizes beautifully!
Cooking under pressure makes the meatloaf super tender, but a quick broil afterward adds a lovely glaze. Trust me, this little tip brings the meatloaf to the next level!
Instant Pot Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus more for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (plus fresh chopped parsley for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired creaminess)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For Cooking:
- 1 cup water or beef broth (for Instant Pot steaming)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook: 25 minutes in the Instant Pot, plus about 15 minutes for the mashed potatoes. Total time is around 45-50 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix; this keeps the meatloaf nice and tender!
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
Mold the mixture into a loaf shape that will fit inside the Instant Pot on the trivet. You can also use a heatproof dish or pan (like a silicone loaf pan) if you prefer. Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf to give it a delicious glaze.
3. Prepare the Instant Pot:
Pour 1 cup of water or beef broth into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside and carefully set the shaped meatloaf on top of the trivet or place your loaf pan with the meatloaf directly into the pot.
4. Cook:
Seal the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. When the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.
5. Cook the Mashed Potatoes:
While the meatloaf is cooking, place the peeled and cut potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water well.
6. Mash Potatoes:
Add the drained potatoes back into the pot. Stir in the butter and begin mashing. Gradually add milk until you reach your preferred creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a bit of chopped parsley for flavor!
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot. To give the top a nice caramelized finish, you can put it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, if you’d like. Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside your creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color!
Enjoy your tender, flavorful Instant Pot meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes! This combination makes for a classic comfort meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter version of meatloaf. Just be careful not to overcook it, as turkey can dry out more quickly than beef. Adding a little extra moisture, like more milk or even a bit of grated zucchini, can help keep it juicy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave or cover with foil and heat gently in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Freeze the Meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the meatloaf before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; it will hold well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before cooking. If freezing leftovers, slice and freeze individual portions for easy meals later on.
What Sides Pair Well with Meatloaf?
Besides mashed potatoes, popular sides include green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. For a classic touch, you can even serve it with macaroni and cheese!
