If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as nostalgic as it is easy, then you’re going to love this Instant Pot Meatloaf. This recipe gives you the classic, savory flavors you know and crave, but with a modern twist—the pressure cooker cuts down on time while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Sunday, Instant Pot Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food that’ll bring everyone to the table with a smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Instant Pot Meatloaf relies on just a handful of familiar, wholesome ingredients, each playing a key role. These essentials bring all the right flavors and textures to the dish, creating a hearty meal with minimal effort and no fuss.
- Ground Beef (1 ½ pounds, 85% lean): The heart of your meatloaf—perfectly juicy with enough richness to keep every slice tender.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): These hold everything together and give the meatloaf its signature, sliceable texture.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Sweetens and deepens the flavor profile while keeping the loaf moist.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic warmth that infuses each bite.
- Milk (½ cup): Softens the breadcrumbs so your loaf is moist, never dry.
- Eggs (2 large): The magic binders that hold everything in a perfect slice.
- Ketchup (¼ cup for loaf, plus ¼ cup for topping): A tangy-sweet base that keeps things classic.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Just enough umami to make this meatloaf irresistible.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors forward.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a hint of warmth.
- Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): Brightens up every bite and adds a touch of color.
- Topping Ingredients (¼ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard): This trio caramelizes into a mouthwatering glaze you’ll look forward to with every slice.
How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf
Step 1: Mix Up Your Meatloaf Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining your ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. You’re aiming for a mixture that’s cohesive but not compacted—mix just enough to blend everything, so your Instant Pot Meatloaf turns out tender, not dense.
Step 2: Shape and Prepare For Cooking
Next, gently shape your meat mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably inside your Instant Pot. You can set it atop a lightly greased sheet of aluminum foil, folding up the edges to make a little sling, or use a pressure-safe loaf pan that fits in your pot. This step keeps your loaf together and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Add The Topping
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and yellow mustard for the topping. Smooth this mixture over the top of your uncooked meatloaf with a spatula or spoon. The topping is key for that signature, sticky-sweet glaze that finishes off every classic Instant Pot Meatloaf.
Step 4: Set Up Your Instant Pot
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot, then place the trivet inside. Carefully lower your prepared meatloaf (using the foil sling or pan) onto the trivet. This keeps your loaf out of the water and lets the steam create that perfectly moist texture.
Step 5: Pressure Cook
Seal the lid, make sure your valve is set to “Sealing,” and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 25 minutes. Once the timer is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release for any remaining steam. This step locks in all the juices for the most flavorful Instant Pot Meatloaf.
Step 6: Finish With a Broil (Optional)
If you crave that caramelized topping, pop your cooked meatloaf under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes in the oven. This quick step adds a beautiful color and a sticky finish that’ll make everyone’s mouth water. Let the loaf rest for five minutes before slicing to keep every bite juicy.
How to Serve Instant Pot Meatloaf
Garnishes
The right garnish can make your Instant Pot Meatloaf feel restaurant-worthy. Try a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color, or a dusting of grated Parmesan if you went with the Parmesan add-in. Even a few thinly sliced scallions can add the perfect finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This meatloaf begs for all the classic sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, and a crisp green salad are timeless pairings. For a weeknight twist, roasted veggies or even mac and cheese make it a cheerful, well-rounded meal. Don’t forget a piece of warm bread to mop up extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, slice leftover Instant Pot Meatloaf and serve it inside a sandwich with sharp cheddar and a dollop of barbecue sauce. Or, cut the meatloaf into thick cubes and serve on skewers with cocktail picks for a party appetizer! Presentation can turn this homestyle classic into something delightfully new every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Instant Pot Meatloaf keeps wonderfully in the fridge! Simply let any leftovers cool completely, then wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and ready to reheat for up to four days—perfect for quick lunches or stress-free dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, slice your cooled meatloaf and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. You can also freeze the entire loaf, tightly wrapped, for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed, so you always have comfort food at your fingertips.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices of Instant Pot Meatloaf in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. If you prefer the oven, cover your loaf with foil and warm at 350°F until hot throughout. Either way, that sweet-savory topping will taste just as good as the day it was made!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or a different meat blend?
Absolutely! You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a meatloaf blend. If you do use leaner meats, consider adding extra moisture with another couple tablespoons of milk or even a splash of olive oil.
How do I know when my Instant Pot Meatloaf is done?
The easiest way is to check with a meat thermometer—a fully cooked meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Letting it rest after cooking will ensure the juices redistribute, giving you the tastiest results.
What’s the best way to avoid a dry meatloaf?
Mix the ingredients just until combined (don’t overwork the mixture) and don’t skip the milk or eggs. The Instant Pot naturally keeps things moist, but adding extra topping after broiling can help too!
Can I add extra veggies or seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to sneak in extras like grated carrots, zucchini, or peppers, or play with seasonings to put your own spin on Instant Pot Meatloaf. Just be sure not to overload the mixture, so it holds its shape.
Why use foil or a loaf pan in the Instant Pot?
Using foil or a small loaf pan makes it much easier to lift the meatloaf out after cooking and prevents it from sitting in water. This technique also helps keep the shape perfect and the texture just right.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Meatloaf delivers that classic, comforting flavor you crave, but in a fraction of the usual time. It’s foolproof, flexible, and guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table. Give it a try—you may be surprised at just how much easier (and more delicious) weeknight dinners can be!
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Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Meatloaf recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food dish in a fraction of the time. With simple ingredients and a delicious topping, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Topping:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, milk, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Shape into a loaf.
- Prepare Topping: Combine ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl; spread over the meatloaf.
- Cook in Instant Pot: Place trivet in Instant Pot with water. Set meatloaf on trivet, seal, and cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes.
- Broil: Optionally, broil meatloaf in the oven for 3–5 minutes to caramelize the topping.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or a meatloaf blend instead of beef.
- Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Leftover meatloaf is great for sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
