Meatloaf Magic: Instant Pot Style

how to cook meatliaf in an instat pot

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can now be made in an instant pot. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be adapted to your preference. The instant pot method reduces cooking time and delivers a tender and juicy meatloaf. The ingredients are simple and can be mixed in one bowl. The meatloaf is then placed in the instant pot to cook, with the option of adding potatoes at the same time. The instant pot method is a modern twist on a traditional dish, allowing for easy clean-up and mess-free pressure cooking.

Characteristics Values
Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 25-35 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
Meat Ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination
Meat fat content Leaner is better
Seasonings Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, ketchup, egg
Bread Panko breadcrumbs or oatmeal
Vegetables Potatoes, carrots, celery, onion
Other ingredients Chicken broth, milk, vinegar, mustard, brown sugar
Equipment Instant Pot, oven, wire rack/trivet, aluminum foil, bowl, thermometer
Cooking method Pressure cooking, baking, broiling
Cooking time in Instant Pot 25-30 minutes on high pressure
Cooking time in oven 45-50 minutes at 375°F
Internal temperature 160°F
Resting time 10 minutes

cycookery

Prepare the instant pot

To prepare the instant pot, you will need to first gather your ingredients. For the meatloaf itself, you can use ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or a combination of these. You will also need breadcrumbs, eggs, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup.

Once you have your ingredients, combine them in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything together gently until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat.

Next, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. The size and shape of the loaf will depend on the size and shape of your instant pot. You may want to form the meatloaf on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the edges to create a secure nest for the meat to rest in. This will catch any grease that may escape during cooking and prevent it from spilling onto any other food in the pot, such as potatoes.

Now, prepare your instant pot by spraying the bottom with nonstick cooking spray or wiping it with a bit of butter. If you plan to cook potatoes or other vegetables in the pot along with the meatloaf, add them now. You can also add a liquid such as chicken broth, water, or vegetable broth, and some salt if desired. Place a wire rack or trivet on top of the potatoes or vegetables, and put the meatloaf on top.

Finally, secure the lid on the instant pot and close the pressure release valve. Make sure the vent/steam release is closed and set to sealing. Your instant pot is now ready to begin cooking your meatloaf!

cycookery

Mix the ingredients

To mix the ingredients for a meatloaf to be cooked in an instant pot, start by preparing a large bowl. Combine the ingredients for the meatloaf in the bowl, using your hands to mix everything until it is fully combined. Avoid overmixing, as this will result in a dense meatloaf.

The ingredients you will need include ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, and seasonings. For the seasonings, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, and Worcestershire sauce. You can also add some chopped and cooked green bell pepper or onion to the mixture. If you want a zesty kick, add some Dijon mustard or ketchup to the beef mixture.

If you are using onions, it is recommended to cook them first before adding them to the mixture. Mince the onions as finely as possible, as large chunks of onion can prevent the loaf from holding together well. You can also soak the breadcrumbs in milk to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Once all the ingredients are combined, you are ready to shape the meat mixture into a loaf.

cycookery

Shape the meatloaf

Shaping a meatloaf is a simple process. First, combine all the ingredients for the meatloaf in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until they are just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a rubbery meatloaf. Next, transfer the meat mixture to a foil-lined surface. Shape the mixture into a loaf that will fit into your instant pot. The ideal size is around 9x4 or 9x5 inches, but this may vary depending on your instant pot.

You can shape the meatloaf by hand, pressing it together and shaping it into a loaf. Make sure to press it in gently so that it holds its shape. Alternatively, you can use a loaf pan. Pack the meat mixture into the loaf pan to mould it into the desired shape. If you use a loaf pan, you can turn the meatloaf out onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, which allows the fat to drain away and creates more surface area for browning.

Once you have shaped the meatloaf, wrap the foil around the edges to create a secure nest for the meatloaf to rest in. Make sure the edges are high enough to prevent grease from spilling out during cooking. Now your meatloaf is ready to be placed in the instant pot and cooked!

cycookery

Cook the meatloaf

To cook the meatloaf, first, shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit into your Instant Pot. You can also make mini loaves. Place the loaf on a large piece of aluminum foil and fold up the edges to create a secure nest for the meatloaf to rest in.

Next, add water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. You will need at least one cup of water, but if you are using an 8-quart pot, use 1.5 cups of water. You can also add potatoes, chicken broth, and salt at this stage if you want to cook them with the meatloaf. Place a wire rack or trivet on top of the potatoes.

Now, place the aluminum foil with the meatloaf on top of the rack. If you are making mini loaves, you can place them directly on the trivet. Secure the lid on the pot and close the pressure release valve. Set the pot to manual mode and cook on high pressure for 25-30 minutes.

Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the lid and take out the meatloaf. If desired, you can finish the meatloaf under the broiler in the oven for a few minutes to caramelize the sugars in the ketchup and give it a delicious flavor.

Greasing Pans: Shortening Method

You may want to see also

cycookery

Glaze and serve

Once your meatloaf is cooked, carefully remove it from the instant pot. If you've cooked potatoes at the same time, you can also take them out now.

While the meatloaf is still hot, spread your glaze over the top. A classic meatloaf glaze is made with ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, but you can also add white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also make a mustard glaze by mixing mustard, ketchup, and brown sugar. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Place the glazed meatloaf under the broiler in the oven for about 5 minutes. This will help the glaze caramelize and give your meatloaf a glossy, sticky, and appetizing finish. It will also help prevent the outer part of the meatloaf from drying out.

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it cool on the countertop for about 5 minutes. Then, use two forks to lift the meatloaf from the pan and place it on a serving dish. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will make it much easier to slice and ensure that it stays moist.

Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently asked questions

It takes 25-30 minutes to cook meatloaf in an instant pot on high pressure.

The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

You will need lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, seasoned salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and chicken broth.

First, mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into a loaf and wrap it in aluminum foil. Place the rack into the instant pot, add chicken broth, and put the meatloaf on the rack. Secure the lid and cook for 25-30 minutes.

Mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, honey-roasted carrots, and garlic Parmesan potatoes are great sides to serve with instant pot meatloaf.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment