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Instant Pot Meatloaf

A soft, juicy, and flavorful Instant Pot meatloaf made with simple ingredients. This easy recipe gives you tender meatloaf every time, perfect for a quick and comforting family dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatloaf:
  • 500 g ground chicken or beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 small onion very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
For the glaze:
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp mustard

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, garlic, egg, ketchup, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix gently using your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Do not overmix.
  2. Form the mixture into a round or oval loaf shape. Keep it slightly loose and do not press too hard so the meatloaf stays soft after cooking.
  3. Pour 1 cup water into the bottom of the Instant Pot insert. Place the metal trivet inside. This step is important to create steam for pressure cooking.
  4. Place the shaped meatloaf on a foil sling or in a small heat-safe pan. Carefully lower it onto the trivet inside the Instant Pot.
  5. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once cooking is done, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid and check that the meatloaf is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach at least 75 degrees Celsius.
  7. In a small bowl, mix ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until smooth.
  8. Carefully remove the meatloaf using the foil sling. Place it on a baking tray and spread the glaze evenly on top.
  9. Place the meatloaf under a hot oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the glaze becomes glossy and slightly caramelized.
  10. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape and stay juicy.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture, or the meatloaf can turn dense
  • Finely chopped onions cook better and blend into the texture
  • Always add water to the Instant Pot to avoid burn warning
  • A foil sling makes it easy to lift the meatloaf safely
  • Resting before slicing keeps the juices inside