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Instant Pot Meatloaf is the best meatloaf I have ever had! Full of vegetables and flavor, it comes out perfectly cooked, tender and moist every time!

Serve this incredible meatloaf with Carrots, a nice Salad, and Rolls. This will be a dinner your loved ones will beg to have again!

Sliced meatloaf on a plate with a side of peas and mashed potatoes.

Instant Pot Meatloaf

After I tried this all-in-one meatloaf dinner in an Instant pot, I have never made it a different way since. You are going to love the way the potatoes and meatloaf cook all together, cutting down on pots and pans. It also frees up your oven and stovetop for other things if needed. It also eliminates heating up your kitchen to have this classic favorite meal. The family is going to love the taste and you are going to love how easy it is.

Using the instant pot infuses moisture and flavor into the meat, no more dry meatloaf! The flavor is customizable too. Add parmesan and more Italian seasoning and top with marinara for an Italian twist on this favorite. I used to avoid meatloaf because it was such a mess, but cooking it in the instant pot wipes that out. And being able to do the potatoes at the same time is such a plus. Perfect for a lazy Sunday dinner or even a quick weekday hearty meal. Enjoy!

Ingredients for Instant Pot Meatloaf

The ingredients in this instant pot meatloaf will keep it moist, tender and absolutely delicious!

  • Potatoes: I used russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • Water: This will create the steam to pressurize the instant pot.
  • Ground Beef: You want to use lean ground beef for this recipe.
  • Onion: Finely chopped.
  • Parsley: Use fresh parsley.
  • Italian Bread Crumbs: Adds flavor as well as moisture.
  • Milk: More moisture helps to bind the meatloaf.
  • Worcestershire sauce: This is a classic flavor that is perfect in this dish.
  • Eggs: These are your binders that hold the meatloaf altogether.
  • Garlic powder: Have to have garlic!
  • Salt and pepper: Add to taste.

Glaze Topping Ingredients

  • Ketchup: This will create your base.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tang and flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings the sweetness and helps the glaze stick.
Process photos of making meatloaf.

What you Need to Add the Potatoes

  • Milk: Allows the potatoes to be mashed to the perfect consistency.
  • Butter: Adds flavor and helps the potatoes be creamy.
  • Salt: Add to taste.

How Long to Cook Meatloaf in an Instant Pot

You will probably never make meatloaf any other way after you have tried this! It’s perfect every single time!

  1. Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the bottom of your instant pot. Pour the water on top.
  2. Making the Loaf: In a large bowl combine beef, onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until combined being careful not to overmix.
  3. Prep for the Instant Pot: Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the counter. Shape the meatloaf into a loaf and shape the sides of the aluminum foil around the meatloaf. Place on top of the potatoes in the instant pot.
  4. Glaze: In a small bowl whisk together ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Brush half of the mixture on the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Cook: Cover and turn the instant pot to the sealing position. Pressure cook on manual high for 25 minutes. Release the pressure with the quick release. Check the meatloaf to see if it has reached an internal temperature of 155 degrees.
  6. Let it Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the pan and let it rest.
  7. Mashing the Pototes: Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash with a beater or hand masher until they reach the desired consistency. Salt to taste.

Mashed Potatoes in the Instant Pot

Mashed Potatoes are excellent made in the instant pot. Once your meatloaf is finished cooking, you just carefully remove the meatloaf from the instant pot and let it rest for 10 minutes to reabsorb the juices.

  1. Soften: Add milk and butter to the potatoes.
  2. Combine: Beat the potatoes with a hand beater or hand masher until they reach your desired consistency.
  3. Seasoning: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Meatloaf

It might seem complicated to make meatloaf in an instant pot, but it’s not, it’s just amazing!

  • Ground Beef: Lean and even extra lean ground beef will work in the instant pot beautifully. The instant pot infuses the meat with steam and moisture. You can use beef from 85/15- 97/3 with success.
  • Potatoes: You can also use baby potatoes in this recipe and toss them in butter before serving, instead of mashing them.
  • No Potatoes: If you want to skip the potatoes, place the meatloaf on top of an instant pot trivet to keep it out of the water.
  • Don’t over mix: When mixing your ingredients mix until just blended. Overmixing will cause a tough meatloaf.
  • Broil: This step is optional but I highly recommend it. Once the meatloaf is done place under the broiler for 5-8 minutes until the glaze is nicely browned. So good!
  • Let it rest: This is super important! It allows the meatloaf to reabsorb the juices and redistribute them. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes. Cover gently with foil while the meatloaf is resting.

How to Store Leftover Meatloaf

Meatloaf is one of those dishes that is almost better the next day. And it is great favorite for meatloaf sandwiches.

  • Refrigerate: Tightly cover and keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap leftover meatloaf in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Put in a 350-degree oven and cover. Bake for 15 min or till the internal temperature is 165 degrees, which is safe for reheated food.
The whole meatloaf sliced up on a plate with parsley garnish.

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Instant Pot Meatloaf

By: Alyssa Rivers
Instant Pot Meatloaf is the best meatloaf I have ever had! Full of vegetables and flavor, it comes out perfectly cooked, tender and moist every time!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People

Ingredients 

For the potatoes:

Instructions 

  • Add the potatoes to the bottom of your instant pot. Pour the water on top.
  • In a large bowl combine beef, onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix until combined being careful not to overmix.
  • Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the counter. Shape the meatloaf into a loaf and shape the sides of the aluminum foil around the meatloaf. Place on top of the potatoes in the instant pot.
  • In a small bowl whisk together ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar. Brush half of the mixture on the top of the meatloaf.
  • Cover and turn the instant pot to the sealing position. Pressure cook on manual high for 25 minutes. Release the pressure with the quick release. Check the meatloaf to see if it has reached an internal temperature of 155 degrees.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the pan and let it rest.
  • Add the milk and butter to the potatoes and mash with a beater or hand masher until they reach the desired consistency. Salt to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 886kcalCarbohydrates: 91gProtein: 65gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 270mgSodium: 816mgPotassium: 2515mgFiber: 6gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 969IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 213mgIron: 10mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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6 Comments

  1. I see there is ketchup in your picture but no ketchup on recipe for mixing with beef. Is that an error? Also, are we to use only half of the glaze? Half is used to brush the meat then it is not mentioned again.Thanks for posting this recipe, I will be making it soon!

    1. Hello! The ketchup is used in the glaze! You only need the other half of the glaze if you choose to broil it. This step is optional but I highly recommend it. Once the meatloaf is done, add in the other half of the glaze and place it under the broiler for 5-8 minutes until the glaze is nicely browned.

  2. If you doubled the recipe for just the meatloaf how much longer would it need to cook and would it effect the potatoes

    1. Yes! I leave a little water if they are a little hard to start with then the potatoes absorb that water as I am smashing.