Instant Pot Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes

You guys. Have you jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet? Well, why not?! We can only assume it’s because you haven’t heard of its glory yet, so here’s the rundown:

Basically, it’s a pressure cooker. We know that doesn’t sound that exciting. But hear us out.

It’s an electric, programmable pressure cooker, which means that you can set it and forget it and that it naturally releases pressure on its own so you don’t have to worry about anything exploding. It has that convenience factor of a crockpot where you can put dinner in and walk away, but with the Instant Pot your food is done much, much faster. Like, really fast. It’s the perfect companion for turning a budget cut of meat into a tender, flavorful meal in no time.

Oh. It also has a sauté function, so you can brown things in the same pot before closing it up to cook. It also functions as a rice cooker, yogurt maker, slow cooker, steamer, and has pre-programmed modes for stew, soup, and all kinds of things. It’s easy to use, saves a ton of time, and has quickly become our very favorite kitchen appliance. It’s so great that we’re not entirely convinced there isn’t some sort of wizardry involved with this thing. We’re always looking for things that make life a little easier, and this does just that. To wit:

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes cooked all in the same pot. In 25 minutes. (Okay, the steam release will take a little bit of extra time. But it’s not like you have to be standing around the kitchen for that.) The meatloaf comes out tender and moist, but not soggy, and the potatoes are comforting and creamy, and you have one dish to clean. It’s delicious. It’s comforting. It’s quick. It’s filling. It’s kind of amazing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Not only is it incredibly quick to prepare, but it also combines two classic comfort foods into one easy dish. The meatloaf is juicy and flavorful while the mashed potatoes are creamy and rich, all done in just one pot!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Disposable loaf pan or aluminum foil
• Potato masher
• Wire rack (comes with Instant Pot)

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup ketchup, divided
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the potatoes:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, 1/3 cup of the ketchup, parsley, salt, and pepper with your hands until evenly combined. Place the mixture in a disposable loaf pan or form your own out of aluminum foil.
2. Arrange potatoes in the bottom of the Instant Pot in an even layer. Pour broth or water over the top. Place the wire rack that comes with the Instant Pot over the potatoes. Set the meatloaf on top.
3. Close the lid, make sure the steam release is set to sealed, and set to manual mode (on high pressure) for 25 minutes. Once done, use quick release to release the pressure.
4. Remove the meatloaf using handles on the wire rack and drain off any extra liquid. Brush with the remaining ketchup and, if desired, place under a broiler in the oven for 3 minutes to caramelize.
5. Meanwhile, add the heavy cream or half-and-half, sour cream, butter, and salt and pepper to the potatoes in the Instant Pot and mash until creamy. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure that the meatloaf is tightly packed to prevent it from falling apart.
• For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs to the meatloaf mixture.
• Use a potato masher or a hand mixer to achieve the desired consistency for your mashed potatoes.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes for an extra savory touch.
• For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for beef and Greek yogurt for sour cream.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is rich in protein and provides a hearty dose of comfort with each serving. Exact nutritional values will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of ground meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for beef.

Can I make the mashed potatoes without dairy? Absolutely, you can use dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk and dairy-free butter.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear how it turned out for you!