Imagine a mouthwatering, home-cooked meal that's ready in less than an hour and requires minimal cleanup - sounds too good to be true? Welcome to the world of Instant Pot Meatloaf and Potatoes, where classic comfort food meets modern cooking convenience! This recipe transforms the traditional meatloaf into a quick, juicy, and absolutely irresistible dish that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups baby potatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that will fit inside your Instant Pot, ensuring it's not too wide or tall.
- Prepare the Instant Pot by placing the trivet or a metal steamer basket inside the inner pot.
- Pour beef broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot to create steam and prevent burning.
- Place the formed meatloaf on the trivet or steamer basket, keeping it elevated from the liquid.
- Arrange baby potatoes around the sides of the meatloaf in a single layer.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meatloaf.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release before performing a quick release.
- Check the internal temperature of the meatloaf with a meat thermometer - it should read 160°F (71°C).
- Optional: Brush additional ketchup on top of the meatloaf and broil for 2-3 minutes for a caramelized top.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving with the cooked potatoes.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef (80/20 mix) for the best flavor and texture without being too greasy.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture - this can make the meatloaf tough and dense.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped onions to the meat mixture.
- Make sure to use a trivet or steamer basket to keep the meatloaf elevated from the liquid.
- Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Let the meatloaf rest after cooking to help it retain its juices and make slicing easier.
- For a crispy top, don't skip the optional broiling step with extra ketchup.
- If you prefer firmer potatoes, you can par-boil them before adding to the Instant Pot.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and make excellent sandwiches the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 219kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 74mg
