WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Instant Pot Meatloaf
Array/5
COOK TIME
25-35 min
TOTAL TIME
45 min
SERVINGS
8-10 servings
My Grandma made the best meatloaf ever and it became one of my top 5 favorite meals. Still to this day, love me some meatloaf. Add mashed potatoes and corn and I’m in Nebraska girl heaven. I’ve heard that some people aren’t meatloaf lovers, but friends of Lolo seem to love their meatloaf too because I had so many messages asking for this easy Instant Pot meatloaf recipe!
I do love my grandma’s meatloaf recipe, however, it takes a long time to bake and can sometimes be a bit greasy and messy. Oh but wait….guess what I got last Christmas that has saved dinner? Insert the Instant Pot.
I love making a lot of things in the Instant Pot, but meatloaf is hands down my favorite. About 30 minutes in the Instant Pot vs about 2 hours in the oven. Less mess, super flavorful. Love!
When I first started using my Instant Pot, I scoured Pinterest for recipes. I wasn’t necessarily looking for the best Instant Pot meatloaf recipes, but they kept popping up! And as much as I love my Grandma’s recipe, I decided to try this new one.
After several meatloaf meals in the Instant Pot, I morphed a little of both my Grandma’s and this new meatloaf. Thirty minutes later, an incredible, classic dinner.
Curious about making meatloaf in an Instant Pot? Keep reading for more details on this easy Instant Pot meatloaf!
Understanding the Key(s) to Great Meatloaf
I was definitely no novice meatloaf-maker when I decided to try my hand at Instant pot meatloaf. Like I said, I’ve been making my grandmother’s recipe for YEARS. I’ve tried variations in the past but just keep coming back to her classic version. And all my experimenting has helped me figure out what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to making a really great meatloaf.
What ingredient keeps meatloaf from falling apart?
The truth is, it’s not just one ingredient – it’s two ingredients working together! In this easy Instant Pot meatloaf, for example, it’s eggs and breadcrumbs. And this is true for most meatloaf recipes. While the proportions or the exact ingredients used may change, pretty much every meatloaf recipe out there will use some combination of egg and a binder, like breadcrumbs, actual bread or crackers.
What can I use in meatloaf besides breadcrumbs?
This recipe for Instant Pot meatloaf uses breadcrumbs for a reason: I think they’re your best option for a meatloaf that is really moist but also doesn’t fall apart. That being said, there are definitely alternatives you could try.
Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs are generally an easy swap. I’ve also seen recipes that use broth-soaked bread mashed up into the loaf mixture with eggs. Another classic option is to break up crackers (Ritz-style crackers would work best) into crumbs.
While I haven’t tested out each of these options, they would likely all work well in this dish.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Meatloaf?
One of my favorite things about meatloaf is just how easy it is to make. There’s not a ton of steps and when you make Instant Pot meatloaf, cooking time is majorly reduced. In this case, because we’re making Instant Pot meatloaf without potatoes or any other sides, we also don’t have to worry about the meat cooking while vegetables get mushy.
Instead, you can simply mix up your meatloaf in one bowl, throw it in the Instant Pot and deal with sides while it cooks! Total time saver!
Let’s take a look at how to make this easy dinner recipe:
Step One: Mix together all of the meatloaf ingredients (minus the topping and broth for cooking) in a large bowl. There! You’re basically done.
Step Two: Shape the meat into a loaf and put it on some foil. Wrap the foil around the edges of the meatloaf. I like to think of this as a little meatloaf boat.
Step Three: Put the rack into your Instant Pot, pour some chicken broth into the bottom of the post and put the meatloaf inside. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes and quickly release the steam.
Step Four: Mix together the glaze – this one uses mustard, ketchup and brown sugar! – and then let it sit under the broiler for just a few minutes to finish it up.
I love to serve this easy Instant Pot meatloaf recipe with some comfort-food sides. Some of my favorites are:
– Baked Mashed Potatoes: These creamy baked mashed potatoes are full of butter, cream cheese, half-n-half and heavy cream. So you know they’re good!
– Grandma’s Mac and Cheese: This simple side is so creamy and delicious – you won’t be reaching for a boxed mac anytime soon!
– Honey-Roasted Carrots: These easy roasted carrots are a great side dish for just about anything – from Thanksgiving dinner to Instant Pot meatloaf!
Try this out and let me know how you like it! Follow me over on Facebook and Instagram @lolohomekitchen. Be sure to snap a pic if you make a Lolo’s recipe and tag it with #lolohk. I love to see what you are making!
Print
Instant Pot Meatloaf
My Grandma made the best meatloaf ever and it became one of my top 5 favorite meals. Still to this day, love me some meatloaf. Add mashed potatoes and corn and I’m in Nebraska girl heaven.
Ingredients
2 lbs lean ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup onion, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon mustard
1 Tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 cup chicken broth for the bottom of the instant pot (vegetable or beef are fine too)
Topping
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
2 Tablespoons mustard
1/3 cup Ketchup
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients for the meatloaf (minus the topping and chicken broth) in a large bowl until fully combined. (use your hands, it’s easier)
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place on a piece of aluminum foil. Shape the tinfoil up and around the edges of the meatloaf. Place the rack in the instant pot then pour the chicken broth into the pot. Place the meatloaf on top of the rack and secure lid.
- Make sure the vent/steam release is closed and set to manual mode for 30 minutes. Once finished cooking, use the quick release method to let the steam escape.
- Lift the meatloaf out of the pressure cooker and place on a baking sheet. Mix the ingredients for the topping and brush all over the meatloaf. Place meatloaf under the broiler for just 3 to 4 minutes, until the top is bubbly and caramelized. Watch carefully, it can burn quickly.
- Remove from oven, let sit for a couple minutes, then cut and serve!
Notes
You can make this in the oven too, just place in a baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
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5 Responses
This is the best meatloaf I’ve ever had. Two thumbs up.
I made mine in the oven. Just takes longer.
Love it!!
Delicious!
Thank you!
Delicious! Only minor tweak would be more of that yummy glaze for the top.
I agree! I LOVE that glaze!