Instant Pot Meatloaf

So here’s the deal — Instant Pot Meatloaf is your new kitchen BFF. This gloriously juicy meatloaf gets all cozy in your Instant Pot, which makes it come out like a warm hug on your taste buds. Plus, it’s WAY faster than waiting around by the oven. Trust me, if you haven’t tried making meatloaf this way, you’re missing out on some serious flavor magic.
Oh, this meatloaf? It’s basically a legend at our house. Picture this: one busy weeknight, my husband strolls in and asks, with a hopeful twinkle in his eye, “Is it meatloaf night?” Now it’s a heroic dish that can bring smiles to tired faces and belly laughter to the dinner table. It’s become our little family tradition, a staple for when life gets a bit too hectic. Plus, it’s one of those dishes where even the littles ask for seconds. Yup, that good!
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Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Meatloaf
Alright, here’s why you’ll wanna dive headfirst into making this:
– It’s as comforting as a cozy sweater — seriously, it fills your kitchen with the best smells.
– Quick. Like, “dinner in under an hour” kind of quick.
– It’s practically foolproof. The Instant Pot keeps it tender and luscious every single time.
– And come on, who doesn’t love a dish that doesn’t hog the oven?
How to Make It
Okay, here’s the lowdown — making this bad boy is like chatting with an old friend. It’s basically chucking stuff in a bowl, shaping it lovingly, and letting the Instant Pot do its thing. You’ll start by mushing all the good stuff together like a stress ball for adults, then forming it into a rustic-looking loaf. No, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Pop it in the trusty Instant Pot, set it, and walk away to catch up on some well-deserved YOU time. Before you know it, dinner’s served.
Ingredient Notes
– Ground Beef: Your trusty base. Opt for an 85/15 mix, or it’ll be a grease-fest.
– Breadcrumbs: These babies bind everything like magic glue.
– Onion: Don’t skip this, unless you like bland food.
– Optional: If you’re brave, toss in some extra herbs. Basil, thyme, go wild — there are no rules here.
Recipe Steps
1. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and seasonings like you’re crafting a masterpiece.
2. Form it into a loaf (or pretty close) and pop it in the Instant Pot.
3. Cook on high pressure and ignore it for about 30 minutes. Live your best life in the meantime.
4. Carefully release the pressure, avoiding any scary steam burns.
5. Serve up some slices and watch the smiles spread.
What to Serve It With
Steamy mashed potatoes, a heap of buttery peas, or slap it between a couple of bread slices for a killer sandwich. Any way you roll, you won’t regret it.
Tips & Mistakes
Avoid overmixing or your meatloaf could end up dense like a brick. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? Oh, you’re in luck. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge for about 3-4 days, if it lasts that long. And hey, don’t knock a cold meatloaf sandwich for breakfast. It’s like a sleepy food hug in the morning. Weird? Maybe. Delicious? Definitely.
Variations and Substitutions
Out of ketchup? BBQ sauce has your back. No onions? Shallots do the job. And when the pantry is bare, most sauces will do just fine. Seriously, sometimes throwing caution to the wind pays off.
Frequently Asked Questions

Instant Pot Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 0.75 cup breadcrumbs use plain or Italian seasoned
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup milk whole milk preferred
- 0.33 cup ketchup plus extra for topping
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a trivet inside the Instant Pot.
- Spread a thin layer of ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, set to Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Remove the meatloaf carefully and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Featured Comments
“Made this last night and it was family favorite. Loved how the quick dinner came together.”
“Super easy and will make again! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Impressed! Clear steps and family favorite results. Perfect for busy nights.”
“New favorite here — turned out amazing. hearty was spot on.”
“Super easy and turned out amazing! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”
“Super easy and absolutely loved! My family asked for seconds. Saving this one.”