Tillie Doyle
Cooking meatloaf in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic comfort food. The pressure cooker method significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking, which typically takes over an hour. With an Instant Pot, you can have a delicious, juicy meatloaf on the table in around 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the meatloaf and the desired level of doneness, but generally, it involves cooking on high pressure for 25 to 30 minutes. This convenient method allows you to prepare the meatloaf mixture, shape it, and let the Instant Pot do the rest while you work on side dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 25 minutes on high pressure or 30 minutes on manual mode |
| Cook time in oven | 45-50 minutes |
| Temperature | 160°F |
| Temperature in oven | 375°F |
| Broiler time | 3-5 minutes |
| Total time | 30 minutes |
| Total time in oven | 90 minutes to 2 hours |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | Enough to cover the bottom of the pot |
| Steam release | Natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release |
| Sides | Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, honey-roasted carrots |
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$20.3
What You'll Learn
Cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes
Cooking meatloaf in an instant pot is a quick and easy way to prepare this classic comfort food. The instant pot significantly reduces cooking time, so you can have a delicious, juicy meatloaf on the table in no time.
To cook meatloaf in an instant pot, you'll want to set aside 25-30 minutes for high-pressure cooking. This cooking time assumes that you are preparing a standard-sized meatloaf, typically around one pound. If you are cooking a larger meatloaf, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it is cooked through.
During the cooking process, the instant pot will build up pressure, which is essential for even cooking. This pressure build-up will add a few extra minutes to your overall cooking time, so factor that into your preparation. Once the timer beeps, indicating the end of the cooking cycle, it is crucial to allow the pressure to release naturally. This natural release ensures that the meatloaf remains moist and juicy. Depending on your instant pot model, this natural release can take around 10 minutes.
After the natural release, you can carefully open the lid and check the doneness of your meatloaf. It should be cooked through, with a nice crust forming on the outside. However, it's always a good idea to double-check with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the centre of the meatloaf; it should register about 160°F, indicating that your meatloaf is perfectly cooked.
In summary, cooking meatloaf in an instant pot at high pressure for 25-30 minutes is an efficient and convenient method. By following this cooking time and allowing for natural pressure release, you can achieve a delicious, juicy meatloaf that your family and friends will surely enjoy.
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Use lean ground beef
To cook meatloaf in an instant pot, you can use lean ground beef with a fat content ranging from 73% to 97% lean. The leaner the beef, the better the results. For example, 93% or 97% lean ground beef will yield excellent results.
To prepare the meatloaf, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, eggs, seasonings, and other ingredients of your choice in a large bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly, preferably with your clean hands, until the mixture is evenly blended. You can add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, ketchup, and an egg for flavour. For texture, use panko breadcrumbs, which, when combined with ground beef and ketchup, create a soft, juicy, and hearty meatloaf.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf. You can place the meatloaf on a large piece of aluminium foil, folding the foil around the edges to create a makeshift loaf pan. Alternatively, you can use mini loaf pans that fit your instant pot, usually available at supermarkets or discount stores.
Place the rack insert into your instant pot, and add water or chicken broth to the pot. The liquid helps to create steam and ensure even cooking. Place the prepared meatloaf on the rack, ensuring it is secure. Close the lid of the instant pot, seal the vent, and set the timer for 25 to 30 minutes of cooking at high pressure.
After the cooking time, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before carefully removing the foil with the meatloaf. Transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board and discard the foil with any accumulated fat. You can then brush the top of the meatloaf with a glaze made from ketchup and brown sugar, garnished with parsley. Let the meatloaf stand for a few minutes before serving.
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Add potatoes
Adding potatoes to your instant pot meatloaf is a great way to make a complete meal with minimal effort. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Prepare the Potatoes
First, cut your potatoes into quarters or chunks. Baby potatoes or little potatoes can also be used and left whole. Place the potatoes at the bottom of your instant pot. You can also line the bottom of the pot with aluminum foil before adding the potatoes to catch any grease or juices that may drip from the meatloaf.
Add Liquid and Seasonings
Next, pour in some liquid. Water or chicken/broth or beef broth are good options. You can also add some butter or minced garlic to the potatoes for extra flavor.
Prepare the Rack
Place a wire rack or steamer rack on top of the potatoes. This will hold the meatloaf above the potatoes during cooking.
Cook the Meatloaf and Potatoes
Place the meatloaf on the rack and secure the lid on the instant pot. Make sure the pressure release valve is closed. Set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for around 25-30 minutes.
Release Pressure and Mash Potatoes
Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the meatloaf and rack from the pot. If you plan to broil the meatloaf, you can do so at this point. To make mashed potatoes, add milk, butter, sour cream, bouillon paste, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash the potatoes to your desired consistency, being careful not to over-mash to avoid a gluey texture.
By following these steps, you can easily incorporate potatoes into your instant pot meatloaf meal, creating a delicious and complete dish.
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Check temperature with an instant read thermometer
An instant-read thermometer is a useful tool to check the temperature of your meatloaf. It is designed to be used outside the oven, during cooking or towards the end, to confirm doneness. This tool is ideal for checking temperatures quickly and can be used for more than just checking the doneness of poultry, beef, and pork.
To use an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the right spot—about 0.5 inches deep for digital instant-read thermometers—making sure to not hit the bone or gristle. The USDA provides information on where to place the thermometer to ensure you reach a safe temperature.
For meatloaf, the instant-read thermometer should register about 160 degrees Fahrenheit at the center of the meatloaf. This indicates that the meatloaf is cooked properly and is safe to eat.
Using an instant-read thermometer is beneficial as it provides an accurate reading without the need to poke or cut into the meat. This helps to prevent overcooking and ensures that the meatloaf remains juicy and tender.
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Broil for 3-5 minutes
Broiling is the final step in cooking your meatloaf in an instant pot. After cooking your meatloaf in the instant pot, you will need to broil it in the oven for a few minutes. This step is necessary to give your meatloaf a nice finishing touch. Broiling the meatloaf will caramelize the sugars in the ketchup, bringing out a delicious flavor.
To broil your meatloaf, first, remove the meatloaf from the instant pot and pour out any drippings from the pan. Then, cover the top of the meatloaf with ketchup. Place the meatloaf pan under the broiler in the oven for about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly.
The broiling time may vary depending on your oven and the desired level of caramelization. If you prefer a more well-done and darker meatloaf, you can broil it for a little longer, up to 5 minutes. However, if you prefer a lighter color and don't want the topping to burn, 3 minutes should be sufficient.
Once the broiling is complete, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool on the countertop for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meatloaf stays juicy and tender.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 25 minutes to cook a one-pound meatloaf in an instant pot.
The instant pot should be set to high pressure.
It takes 10 minutes for the pressure to release naturally. You can also do a quick release after the cooking time is complete.
An instant-read thermometer should register about 160 degrees Fahrenheit at the center of the meatloaf.
It takes about 3-5 minutes to broil the meatloaf in the oven.
