Table of Contents: Instant Pot Meatloaf
Instant Pot Meatloaf
The Ultimate Comfort Food in Half the Time!
Picture this: a tender, juicy meatloaf packed with flavor, smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze, ready in just 30 minutes. No oven, no fuss, just pure comfort food perfection. Thatβs the magic of this Instant Pot Meatloaf! Whether youβre a busy parent, a meal prep enthusiast, or just craving a hearty homemade dish without the long wait, this recipe is your new best friend.
Meatloaf has always been a classic family favorite, but traditional recipes can take over an hour to bake. Thanks to the Instant Pot, weβve cut that time in half while keeping all the deliciousness intact. Plus, cooking it under pressure locks in moisture, ensuring every bite is incredibly juicy.
If you loved our Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos, youβll adore this meatloafβitβs just as easy but with a nostalgic twist. So, grab your Instant Pot, and letβs make the most effortless, mouthwatering meatloaf youβve ever tasted!
What is Instant Pot Meatloaf?
Ever wondered why meatloaf is calledβ¦ well, meatloaf? Itβs not exactly shaped like bread, but hey, weβre not complaining! This hearty dish gets its name from being a βloafβ of ground meat mixed with breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. And letβs be real, the way to anyoneβs heart is through their stomach, and this Instant Pot Meatloaf is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.
Some say meatloaf dates back to ancient Rome, while others credit German immigrants for bringing it to America. Whatever its origin, weβve perfected it with modern convenienceβno oven required! The Instant Pot cooks it faster, keeps it moist, and delivers that classic comfort food taste in record time.
Ready to give it a try? Letβs dive in!
Why Youβll Love This Instant Pot Meatloaf
1. Juicy & Flavorful Every Time
Unlike oven-baked meatloaf, which can dry out, the Instant Potβs pressure cooking seals in moisture, making every bite tender and packed with flavor. The blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings creates the perfect texture, while the glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish.
2. Budget-Friendly & Homemade
Skip the frozen dinners or takeoutβthis recipe costs a fraction of restaurant meals and tastes ten times better. Ground beef is affordable, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples.
3. Quick & Family-Approved
From prep to plate in 30 minutes, this dish is a lifesaver on busy nights. Kids and adults alike will devour it, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
If you enjoy easy comfort food, check out our Instant Pot Shredded Chickenβthe perfect sidekick for this meatloaf!
How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf

Quick Overview
This Instant Pot Meatloaf is foolproof, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes. The secret? Pressure cooking locks in moisture while the glaze caramelizes beautifully.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Key Ingredients
β 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
β 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
β 1/4 cup milk
β 1 egg
β 1 small onion, finely diced
β 2 cloves garlic, minced
β 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
β 1 tsp dried parsley
β 1/2 tsp salt
β 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Glaze:
β 1/4 cup ketchup
β 2 tbsp brown sugar
β 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Meatloaf: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently (donβt overwork the meat).
2. Shape the Loaf: Form into a loaf that fits inside a 7-inch round pan or a greased Instant Pot-safe dish.
3. Make the Glaze: Whisk ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Spread half over the meatloaf.
4. Pressure Cook: Pour 1 cup water into the Instant Pot. Place the trivet inside, then set the meatloaf pan on top. Seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 20 minutes, then do a quick release.
5. Broil (Optional): Brush with remaining glaze and broil for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Meatloaf
A classic meatloaf deserves classic sides! Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or roasted carrots make perfect companions. For a lighter option, try a crisp garden salad with ranch dressing. And if youβre feeling extra indulgent, a slice of warm cornbread never hurts!
Top Tips for Perfecting Instant Pot Meatloaf
β Donβt Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to avoid a dense texture.
β Use a Pan: A 7-inch round pan keeps the shape intact. No pan? Shape foil into a sling.
β Check Doneness: Meatloaf should reach 160Β°F internally.
Storing and Reheating Tips
β Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
β Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
β Reheating: Microwave slices for 1-2 minutes or warm in the oven at 350Β°F for 10-15 minutes.
People Also Ask: Instant Pot Meatloaf

How long does meatloaf take in an Instant Pot?
About 20 minutes under high pressure, plus natural or quick release. Total time is around 30 minutes, making it much faster than oven baking.
Can you cook meatloaf and mashed potatoes in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook the meatloaf first, then remove and keep warm. Use the leftover liquid to make Crockpot Chicken Legs And Mashed Potatoes: Easy, Flavorful Comfort Food in the same pot.
What is the best Instant Pot meatloaf recipe?
This one! Itβs juicy, flavorful, and foolproof. The glaze adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish.
Do you need a special pan for Instant Pot meatloaf?
A 7-inch round pan or a foil sling works best to keep the shape intact.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Meatloaf is the ultimate weeknight dinnerβquick, juicy, and packed with flavor. Whether youβre new to pressure cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting meal in minutes!
Ready to try it? Pin this recipe and share your results in the comments! οΈ
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Instant Pot Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A quick and juicy meatloaf made effortlessly in the Instant Pot, finished with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup water (for Instant Pot)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a piece of foil, folding the edges up to form a packet.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot and insert the trivet.
- Place the foil-wrapped meatloaf on the trivet.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Once cooking is done, allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick release the remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf and discard excess liquid.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze.
- Spread glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
- Optional: Place under the broiler for 3β5 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing beef and pork. Use the broiler step for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: instant pot, meatloaf, pressure cooker, beef, quick dinner