This tender and moist instant pot meatloaf is full of flavor and so easy to make. Juicy on the inside and glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce.
Meatloaf is a perfectly hearty comfort food to warm your belly. An American classic that goes great with Whipped Potatoes and a veggie side such as steamed green beans or Oven Roasted Asparagus.
Dinner Made in the Instant Pot
Mealoaf is a homey classic that often has a bad reputation. I have always loved meatloaf, but there are definitely some that are better than others.
I can’t help but think of Randy on “A Christmas Story” lamenting how he hates meatloaf. Hahaha, I get it Randy, but this one will change your mind! 😉
This delicious meatloaf is all the best parts of your mama’s tasty meatloaf but quicker! It is full of flavor and perfectly juicy with just the right tender texture to leave you wanting more. No leftovers for meatloaf sandwiches here!
How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf
BEEF MIXTURE. Whisk together eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Combine the egg mixture along with the beef, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gently mix together with your hands until combined (DO NOT over-mix or the meatloaf will turn out tough). Add 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
INSTANT POT. Place a sheet of foil inside of the Instant Pot, turning up the edges to create a pan for the meatloaf to cook in. Add beef mixture and form into a loaf. Place lid on and close (make sure the valve is in the sealing position). Select MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 26 minutes.
REMOVE. Once cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting for a quick or manual release. Turn oven on to broil. Remove the lid and transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet.
TOPPING. In a small mixing bowl combine ingredients for the topping. Spread a thick layer over the meatloaf with a pastry brush.
BROIL. Place in the oven and broil for 4-6 minutes or until the topping starts to bubble and caramelize. Remove from the oven, slice and serve.
Recipe FAQ
What makes a good meatloaf sauce? Typically meatloaf sauces have ketchup, mustard, a little bit of brown sugar. The goal is a sweet and tangy sauce. Some recipes even use vinegar to get the tangy sensation.
How to make meatloaf healthy? To make meatloaf healthier you can use ground turkey instead of ground hamburger. You can use whole wheat bread crumbs or even include more vegetables such as bell peppers, shredded carrots or zucchinis.
How to keep meatloaf moist? There are many tips and tricks to keep meatloaf moist:
- Make sure that you use enough bread crumbs. Now this may sound weird because you think that breadcrumbs would dry out the loaf but in reality it allows the meat juices to be soaked up and stay inside the meatloaf instead of just baking out.
- Don’t press the meat too tightly together: over mixing the meat will cause it to dry out quicker.
- Let the meatloaf rest before you slice it. This again helps the meatloaf retain its juices and moisture.
Why does my meatloaf fall apart? Meatloaf will fall apart if you don’t use enough binding agents, over bake, or cut it too early.
Storing + Side Ideas
You can STORE meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
You can also FREEZE meatloaf. All you need to do is to cook it like the instructions say and then place it in a freezer safe bag or container and freeze it! Let it thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before reheating it in the oven.
What to serve with meatloaf? Some recipes include making potatoes in the instant pot at the same time. This is because potatoes pair great with meatloaf!
Meatloaf also goes great with veggies like our oven roasted asparagus. I’ve even seen a recipe where you make another boat to go aside the meatloaf that has brussel sprouts. Meatloaf really can be paired with any of your favorite veggies.
For more instant pot dinner ideas, check out:
- Instant Pot Short Ribs
- Vegetable Beef Stew
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
- Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe
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Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 c breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/4 c ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 lb ground beef - 90% or higher
- ½ c diced onion
- 4 cloves garlic - minced
- 1 tsp fresh parsley - minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Topping:
- 1/3 c ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl whisk together eggs, breadcrumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- In a medium mixing bowl combine the egg mixture along with the beef, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Gently mix together with your hands until combined. Do not over-mix or the meatloaf will turn out tough.
- Add 3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place a sheet of foil inside of the Instant Pot, turning up the edges to create a pan for the meatloaf to cook in. Add beef mixture, then form into a loaf.
- Place lid on and close. Make sure the valve is in the sealing position.
- Select MANUAL mode (high pressure) for 26 minutes. Once cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting for a quick or manual release
- Turn oven on to broil.
- Remove the lid and transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet. In a small mixing bowl combine ingredients for the topping. Spread a thick layer over the meatloaf with a pastry brush
- Place in the oven and broil for 4-6 minutes or until the topping starts to bubble and caramelize. Remove from the oven, slice and serve.
Very tasty, went by the exact recipe and it turned out perfect. My family loved it. It will be a regular in our evening meal planning. You just Gotta try it!
I’m so glad you all loved it so much.
My son said this was the best meatloaf he had ever eaten, full of flavor. My 4 year old granddaughter who is a very picky eater, ate all of hers which is unusual for her. Even my husband who is not much of a ground beef fan, went back for seconds. I followed the recipe as written except used low sodium soy sauce, no salt ketchup and half the salt the recipe called for. The salt didn’t seem to be missed by anyone. Best meatloaf I’ve ever tasted!
That makes me so happy to hear that! Thank you so much for letting me know what they thought 🙂
The men in our family love meatloaf!! This is much quicker & the taste is great!