Name: Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 cup panko bread crumbs; ⅓ cup beef stock, low sodium (see note); 1 large egg beaten; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon dried onion soup mix; 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey (I recommend 90% lean); ¼ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 pounds red potatoes (cut into 2-3 inch chunks); 1½ cups vegetable or beef broth (see note); ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; salt to taste

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This recipe for Instant Pot Meatloaf makes an outrageously tender meatloaf in under an hour. And if that wasn't reason enough to make meatloaf using the Instant Pot, the fact that you can prepare mashed potatoes at the same time should seal the deal!

Slice of Meatloaf with mashed potatoes next to Instant pot.

Other than my mom's recipe for Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf, I never thought of meatloaf as an item to get too excited over. In my experience, most meatloaf recipes lacked flavor or were dried out.

However, after trying steamed meatloaf by a renowned chef, I realized that my mom's meatloaf wasn't the only way to prepare tender, flavorful meatloaf. While this chef used a multi-step process to create tender meatloaf, you and I can easily replicate the process using the Instant Pot.

Reasons to Love Instant Pot Meatloaf

Amazing Results. The moist heat of the Instant Pot keeps this meatloaf extremely tender and juicy, just like steamed meatloaf. Even when the meatloaf is prepared with lean ground beef or turkey.
Quick and Easy All-In-One Family Meal. This easy recipe for Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes allows you to prepare tender meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes at the same time using one Instant Pot in under an hour!
Versatile. I have shared a flavorful classic meatloaf recipe, but you can play with the ingredients to make your favorite meatloaf using this Instant Pot Meatloaf recipe.
Allergy Modifications. I have included modifications to make this meatloaf egg-free, dairy-free, and/or gluten-free.

Notes on Ingredients & Equipment

Ingredients for IP Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Labeled on counter.

Meat: I prefer using a lean ground sirloin for this recipe, to prevent the meatloaf from being grizzly or greasy. Feel free to use ground turkey in place of ground beef if desired, keeping in mind that 90 percent lean meat works best.
Bread Crumbs: Use plain, unseasoned bread crumbs. Both panko and regular breadcrumbs work for this meatloaf recipe.
Beef Broth: Instead of adding milk to this meatloaf recipe, I recommend using low-sodium beef broth. I do this in my meatball recipe as well, and it gives the meatloaf more flavor than if you use milk.
Seasonings for Meatloaf: To give this meatloaf incredible flavors while using minimal ingredients, I opt to use a few very flavorful additions: ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and homemade dried onion soup mix.
Meatloaf Glaze: Made with red wine vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar, this glaze is sweet and tangy and adds just the right flavor to the meatloaf itself.
Egg: The egg will help to bind the meatloaf together.
Mashed Potatoes: For the mashed potatoes, I recommend using red potatoes, as they do not need to be peeled, nor do they give off a lot of starch when pressure-cooked. I cook them in a bit of broth (vegetable broth or beef broth) and then finish them with a bit of butter, milk, and sour cream.
Instant Pot: This recipe can be made as written using a 3, 6, or 8-quart Instant Pot.
Trivet + Foil: The meatloaf cooks on a foil boat that needs to rest on top of a trivet or rack. This is regardless of if you cook mashed potatoes at the same time as the meatloaf or not.

Recipe Modifications

Swap out the Glaze: Instead of the homemade glaze, use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce.
Egg-Free Meatloaf: The egg helps to bind the meatloaf together, but if you have an egg allergy, simply omit the egg. The meatloaf will not hold together as well, but it will still taste delicious.
Gluten-Free Meatloaf: If you need this recipe for meatloaf to be gluten-free, use quick-cooked oats in place of breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your broth and Worcestershire Sauce are both gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Modifications: The meatloaf is already dairy-free, but to make your mashed potatoes without dairy, use your favorite non-dairy butter and plain non-dairy milk in place of the butter and milk, and omit the sour cream.

How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf

The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post or follow along as I make this dish in the video below.

Step One: Make a Foil Boat. Make a foil "baking dish" by forming a foil boat around your trivet or rack. This will ensure the foil baking dish fits on top of your rack in the Instant Pot.

Side by side picture of forming foil boat around rack for instant pot

Step Two: Combine Meatloaf Binders. To ensure you don't overwork the meat, which can lead to tough meatloaf, mix the seasonings, broth, breadcrumbs, and egg before adding the beef.

Ingredients for Meatloaf mixed together in large mixing bowl before adding meat.

Step Three: Add Beef. Add the meat to the mixing bowl and use your hands to just incorporate the ingredients together, being cautious to not overmix. Once the ingredients just come together, add the meatloaf mixture to the foil boat and use your hands to shape it into a round loaf.

Step Four: Add Potatoes (Optional): If opting to prepare mashed potatoes along with the meatloaf, place the chopped potatoes in the bottom of the inner pot, add the broth, and season with salt. Place the rack on top of the potatoes, for the meatloaf to rest.

Red Potatoes with broth and salt inside inner pot of pressure cooker.

Step Five: Pressure Cook. After placing the meatloaf on the rack, pressure cook the meatloaf and potatoes for 20 minutes with a natural pressure release of at least 10 minutes! This is key to keeping the meat tender. Don't worry if your meatloaf does not look pretty, promise you it will taste delicious!

Side by side photo of raw and cooked meatloaf in instant pot.

Step Six: Glaze and Broil. After pressure cooking, carefully remove the foil baking dish with the meatloaf from the inner pot and carefully drain off the drippings over a bowl. Place the meatloaf on a sheet pan and spoon the glaze over the meatloaf. Broil for 3-5 minutes until caramelized and warmed through.

Step Seven: Mash the Potatoes. While the the meatloaf is broiling mash the potatoes right in the cooking liquid. Add in the butter and sour cream and stir to just incorporate. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Mashed red potatoes inside inner pot of pressure cooker.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatloaf: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Leftover mashed potatoes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the mashed potatoes on a heat-safe plate or bowl, covered with a damp paper towel for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

More Instant Pot All-In-One Meals

If you enjoyed this recipe for Instant Pot Meatloaf with or without mashed potatoes, I would love for you to leave a comment below!