Instant Pot Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes is a complete meal that’s prepped and cooked in minutes in your pressure cooker!
I’ve taken my Classic Meatloaf Recipe and Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes and combined the two for an irresistible supper made in a fraction of the time!
Instant Pot Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes combines two classic comfort foods into one super quick and easy meal. Get dinner on the table in a hurry with this easy recipe!
Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
You guys, I’m kind of freaking out about how much I’m in love with this recipe! If you haven’t taken the Instant Pot plunge, do it now. This machine is such a time saver in the kitchen. I whipped up this tender meatloaf, fluffy mashed potatoes and even steamed Brussels sprouts in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients for Instant Pot Meatloaf
The first thing you’ll want to do is whip up your super flavorful meatloaf.
I used some honey bbq sauce to give this meatloaf some extra zip and sweetness. It’s a game changer for sure. Even my pickiest eater asked for seconds of the meatloaf!!
Here’s a basic list of the ingredients you’ll need to make meatloaf in the instant pot. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
- Ground Beef – use a lean ground beef to avoid any excess fat
- Breadcrumbs – Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor
- Eggs – used to help bind the meatloaf
- Diced Onion – use onion powder if you don’t like the added texture
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Parsley
- Salt and Pepper
- BBQ Sauce – my secret ingredient to making extra flavorful meatloaf!
How To Make Multiple Things In The Instant Pot at the Same Time
The trick with this super easy recipe is to layer everything.
Start by layering your cut up (raw) potatoes and placing them on the bottom of your pressure cooker in an even layer.
I’m using Yukon Gold Potatoes here because you don’t have to peel the thin skins off, making prep time faster!
Most pressure cookers will come with a steamer rack that you can lay on top of the potatoes for a steady platform for your meatloaf.
Lay this rack on top of the potatoes, adjusting any potatoes that are sticking up and preventing an even surface.
Tips and Tricks For Pressure Cooker Meatloaf
Create a foil pocket that’s small enough to fit into your instant pot and place your shaped meatloaf inside.
- You don’t have to use foil, you could also use a small meatloaf pan that fits inside your pressure cooker.
- Keep in mind that there will be fat and juices that run off of the meatloaf and you want enough room around the meatloaf for it to catch and not run into the potatoes.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf and drain any fat and juices and then brush the top with the meatloaf glaze and finish in the oven.
What To Serve with Meatloaf?
I tried to add some Brussels Sprouts to the instant pot (pictured above), but because Brussels Sprouts take only a few minutes to cook in the pressure cooker, the texture that resulted from being in there too long was less than desirable.
My kids still ate them though!
I think if you’re going to try and cook some sort of vegetable alongside the meatloaf and mashed potatoes you’ll want a thick cut carrot.
Here are some more of our favorite vegetable side dishes to serve with meatloaf…
- Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
- Sweet and Spicy Green Beans
- Easy Creamed Spinach
- Sautéed Zucchini
Easy Meatloaf Glaze Recipe
Once the meatloaf is cooked, you’ll carefully pull it out (lifting the rack out makes this part easy).
Brush on the simple glaze (made of brown sugar, ketchup and a little yellow mustard) and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes till it is nice and bubbly and slightly caramelized.
Finishing Mashed Potatoes In The Instant Pot
Meanwhile, add a few simple ingredients to your perfectly cooked potatoes and mash them right in the instant pot!
- Taste and season the potatoes how you would like
- Serve alongside the perfectly cooked meatloaf and enjoy!
You guys, let’s talk about how many dishes we saved in this one meal! So genius!
Customize Your Meatloaf!
Ready to jazz up your classic meatloaf and make it your own? Get creative or try these tasty additions!
- Add a 1/3 cup of shredded parmesan cheese to the mix
- Chop up 1/2 cup of mushrooms and add to the meat mixture
- Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef
- Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped apples for a sweet surprise
Can I Double This Recipe?
I’ve been asked this question A LOT!
Since this recipe is originally tested in an 8 quart and also approved for a 6 quart, I’m going to say NO. I do not feel there will be enough room in the pot to accommodate the extra ingredients.
Can I Halve This Recipe?
Yes, you can halve this recipe! Here’s what you need to know…
- Use the scale feature in the recipe card to adjust the quantities needed in the meatloaf and potatoes.
- You will still need at least 1 cup of chicken broth in the potatoes to allow the instant pot to gain enough pressure.
- After the potatoes have cooked, strain off about half the liquid and continue with the recipe.
- The cook time should remain the same.
What Temperature Should Meatloaf Be?
The meatloaf should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F.
Keep in mind that you’ll finish the meatloaf under the broiler, where it will still increase in temperature, but only by about 5 to 10 degrees.
*If your meatloaf is not to at least 155 degrees F. after the initial 20 minutes in the pressure cooker (use an instant read thermometer to check), place the lid back on and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
Either way you dress it up, this Instant Pot Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes will seriously rock your world!
Instant Pot Meatloaf Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lb. ground beef, I used a lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup honey bbq sauce
For the Meatloaf Topping:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1/3 cup ketchup
For the potatoes:
- 3 lbs. yellow potatoes, washed and quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Start by laying the quartered potatoes in the bottom of your pressure cooker in an even layer. Pour the chicken broth over the top. Lay the rack that comes with your pressure cooker over the top so it lays flat.
- Combine the ingredients for the meatloaf (minus the topping) in a large bowl until fully combined. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place on a piece of tinfoil. Shape the tinfoil up and around the edges of the meatloaf, creating a pocket for it. Place the meatloaf on top of the rack in the pressure cooker and secure lid.
- Ensure that the steam release is closed and turn pressure cooker to Manual mode for 20 to 25 minutes*. Once finished cooking, use the quick release method to let the steam escape. Check meatloaf for internal temperature of 155 degrees F.
- Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the pressure cooker and place on a baking sheet. Mix the ingredients for the topping and brush all over the meatloaf. Place meatloaf under the broiler for just 3 to 4 minutes, until the top is bubbly and caramelized.
- Meanwhile add the remaining ingredients (half and half, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper) to the instant pot and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
- Serve the meatloaf in slices with the mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Some people are finding that 20 minutes is not enough time to fully cook their meatloaf. I use an 8 quart Instant Pot for this recipe and 20 minutes works great. If your meatloaf still hasn't reached 155 degrees F in the pressure cooker, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes at high pressure. Once it's cooked through finish with the topping and broil.
Nutrition
PIN THIS IMAGE TO SAVE THE RECIPE!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Lois
I haven’t made this yet and am still an instant pot newbie. What is the point of broiling for the last step? I’m only asking because in 40 years of cooking, my broiler experience is: not yet…..not yet……not yet…..smoke detectors are working and dinner is burned. Ha ha. I never, ever use the broiler. I also don’t want to preheat the oven.
Shawn
Broiling at the end isn’t mandatory, but it does help to give the meatloaf glaze a nice caramelized finish. If you don’t want to turn on the oven, you can either skip the glaze (but it’s so good, I wouldn’t) or you can try heating it up in a small saucepan on the stove until it’s nice and bubbly, then brushing it on the finished meatloaf.
Lois
Hi Shawn! Thanks for your suggestion. I decided to follow the recipe. I have a gas oven, and so there’s no preheating for the broiler. Turn it on and there’s the flame! I didn’t burn the house down, and the recipe is a keeper. I wanted to stick some carrots in, but there was no room in my instant pot, so I made microwave curry carrots, which were a yummy addition to the meal.
Kelly Harbert
Hi Shawn. I made this last night. The meatloaf seemed to fall apart but I used 2.25 lbs of beef so will probably add an extra egg next time. Also don’t think I used enough Potatoes they came out running so add some instant Potato flakes to thicken. Still really good that’s part of cooking is learning ❤
Marion
Have you ever made any for the freezer for easy suppers? Looking to stalk my freezer and in love this recipe just wondering if it would freeze cook well?
Overweight
Making it again, for who knows how many times it’s that easy. 35 minutes in my 8 qt. but meat is just barely frozen when I mix it up.
Wife seems to appreciate it.
Shawn
Love to hear it! I’m so glad you enjoy it!
Megan
I have made this recipe multiple times already. It’s a big hit at my house. I do have to cook it longer than 25 minutes. That could be just me using more meat.
PJB
Fantastic recipe. Mine also was not quite done after 25 minutes in instant pot, so I finished it in the oven for a bit. I also used a disposable aluminum pan instead of foil. Worked great. Lastly, my son is allergic to milk so I replaced cream with coconut milk and used vegan butter. Turned out great. Will be making again. Thanks for posting.
Shawn
I’m glad you were able to make the recipe work with the modifications, and so happy you enjoyed it!
Cris
This looks so good! Unfortunately I don’t have an InstantPot yet. Do you think this would work in a crockpot? Maybe 8 hrs on low??? (and still cooking the meatloaf in foil on top of the potatoes?) I just hate to miss out on this yummy recipe!
Roxanne Moley
Hi tried to make the recipe, looks so good! I new at Instant Pot, I put my meatloaf on the top part of the rack over the potatoes and I had steam coming from around my whole lid. Should I have put the meatloaf on the bottom part of the rack. I am afraid it would not fit with the potatoes at the bottom! Oh well, it’s in the oven now. I am sure it will taste good anyways! Thanks.
Carling
I followed directions exactly. Checked temp of meatloaf after 20 mins and it wasn’t done so I had to set it again for 5 minutes. So I hade to take more time to come to pressure. Before it got there though I got a burn notice! The whole bottom of my pot was scorched and the meatloaf still wasn’t done!! So it goes in the oven to finish and hopefully I can get my pot clean.
Shawn
You’ll need to make sure your liquid didn’t evaporate on the bottom if you restart a second time. This is why you got the burn notice.
Linda M Brown
Worked great. will do this again
Jordan
Cooking for my boyfriend can be hard because he usually tells me things are “decent.” So do you like it? Will you eat it again? This recipe got me a “this is delicious” and then a “this is better than my moms!” So thank you for that!
Question: I loved the mashed potatoes and want to make a double batch for Thanksgiving. Do I need to double the chicken broth or do I leave that at the current measurement?
Jennifer
Absolutely delicious. Husband and son couldn’t get enough. This is definitely on my “make again” list. Thank you for the yummy recipe!
Shawn
That’s fantastic! I’m so glad you enjoyed it Jennifer!
Christine Wojciechowski
Delicious! Did 25 minutes manual and a 10 minute natural release, then put under broiler. I only did 1 lb of potatos so I cut those ingredients down by 3rds. Only did 1 lb hamburger so cut those in half. I did add some sweet chili sauce to the meatloaf mixture. But I did make the full of the sauce. Did 1 Tbsp spicy brown mustard with 1 of the yellow mustard (because I ran out) and did add maybe 1/2 tsp white vinegar. 1st time doing 2 in one and I’ll definitely do it again. I have the 6 quart by the way. Thank you for this recipe. Like I said above, DELICIOUS!
Shawn
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Christine!
Carmen
Love, love, love this recipe. Made it several times last year. I have been craving meatloaf since the weather has gotten cooler, so I pulled up your recipe! My mouth is watering already. Will never make meatloaf in the oven again.
Shawn
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it Carmen!!
Darlene Gross
Made this tonight and it is absolutely delicious
Shawn
Fantastic! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Roseanna
Can you make this without the potatoes? What you just use 1 cup water for the liquid?
Shawn
You can definitely cook this without the potatoes. If using a 6 quart pot, use just 1 cup of water. If using 8 quart, use 1 1/2 cups.
Ariel Dengrove
This turned out amazing for me!! I have the 8 qt and cooked for 25 minutes and then let sit for 10 before venting. Broiler for 4 minutes and this meatloaf was on point!! Will be bookmarking this recipe forsure!
Shawn
Yay! So glad you enjoyed the recipe Ariel!
Rosemarie Fasel
My family loved this so much. I had to cook it 35 minutes to get the meat done, though. I think it was due to my instant pot.
Shawn
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe Rosemarie!
Mickey Zimmer
Can you cook the meatloaf in a sealed pot or should it be left uncovered in the instant pot?
Shawn
I’ve never tried it in a sealed pot, so I can’t be sure.
Kd
This is literally the BEST meatloaf and mashed potatoes recipe I have ever found. The potatoes are delicious and the meatloaf is juicy, tastes amazing and holds together well. I will never make this any other way now.
Shawn
Aww! That’s so awesome! Thanks for the great feedback!
Don T.
I have made this 3 times now and it’s been great each time. I even just made mashed potatoes one time.
Shawn
So wonderful to hear Don!
Sandi
I have used this recipe several times without the potatoes. I was never a fan of meatloaf but my husband is. We both love this recipe.
Shawn
That’s so great to hear Sandi! I’m glad you’re enjoying the recipe!
cocky1276
Love the meat loaf and Mashed potatoes generally skip the sprouts
Shawn
So glad you’re enjoying it!
CM
This recipe is delicious! Other than obviously doubling the recipe, what adjustments would you suggest for a four pound loaf?
Shawn
You’ll probably need to increase the cook time. I have an 8 quart IP and getting 2 lbs in there is pretty tight… I am not sure if 4 lbs would fit very well, but it might be worth a try?
Annie
The first time it turned out great! This time was an epic fail…hope it reaches the temp in the oven. Sadly, I tried 5 more min and now it’s in the oven at 350f. And the potatoes didn’t come out either. Grease from the meatloaf found it’s way in and they are mushy.
Anne
The first time it turned out great! This time was an epic fail…hope it reaches the temp in the oven. Sadly, I tried 5 more min and now it’s in the oven at 350f. And the potatoes didn’t come out either. Grease from the meatloaf found it’s way in and they are mushy.
Shawn
Sounds like your seal might not have been on tightly. I hate when that happens!
Kathie
Is the Carb count for the whole meatloaf or the serving. If it’s the serving what is the serving size?
Jennifer D Daley
Oh My Gosh!!!
Can I just say this deserves 5more stars on top of those 5!!
My family LOVES LOVES THIS MEAL and my husband and his father never liked meatloaf, they always refused to eat it since childhood.But when I made this recipe they smelled it cooking and were surprised it was Meatloaf!
There first bites were so awesome to watch I wish we had a camera,it was so funny!!
Thank you for such a GREAT RECIPE!!
God Bless and Stay Safe!
Bia Fontoura
I LOVE this recipe so much! Was wondering if I can prep and freeze before cooking? Or how should I go about freezing (just meatloaf, not potatoes). Trying to meal prep a few favorites before baby 3 arrives! Thanks!!
Nina
I’ve made this several times and each time it’s turned out great! It’s my 15 year old’s favorite meal. Thank you for this easy and wonderful recipe.
Jessica
So good! I used a few handfuls of oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs and cooked for 20 min. Squeezed on a little more bbq sauce + ketchup for the top and after broiling for a few minutes, it temped perfect. My husband, who does not care for meatloaf, complimented it a few times and our 3 littles finished every bite on their plates. Thanks for the winner!
Shawn
Fantastic! So glad your family enjoyed it Jessica!
Don
This was the best thing we have cooked so far in our instant pot. Everything came out perfectly. It was the first time I have ever cooked a meatloaf and we will use this again. Thank you
Shawn
That’s wonderful to hear Don! So glad you enjoyed it!
Jeff weet
I didn’t do the potatoes, so maybe that’s why I had the issue, but I out this in for 20 minutes, it clearly wasn’t done, so I put it back in for another 5 minutes, still raw in the middle. It’s now in the oven at 350. It looks really good, but the timing messed up our dinner
Shawn
Hey Jeff! Surprisingly, if you do not add all the ingredients into the IP, you actually have to cook it LONGER! It all has to do with the amount of pressure that builds up (hence, pressure cooking) inside. Next time try adding 10 more minutes if you’re skipping the potatoes. 😉
Melody
I have an 8qt pot and mine wasn’t done after 25 minutes. I DID put the potatoes in with mine. Mine is now in a 350 degree oven.
Shawn
I’m sorry your didn’t cook all the way through in the instant pot Melody. Do you remember what the temperature of the meatloaf was when you took it out?
Terri Ayotte
I found even 25 minutes wasn’t nearly enough time -raw in the middle now it’s in the oven for another 1/2 hour 🙁
Shawn
Oh bummer! I’m so sorry that timing didn’t work for you Terri.
Don
Mine didn’t look cooked but the temp was over 170. Putting it in the oven on broil browned it good.
Lorelei Milcoff
This recipe is delicious. OMG….I tried not to change a thing, but didn’t use all the potatoes required because I didn’t have enough. When I added the sour cream I realized that adding the half and half wasn’t going to work, so just did it with the sour cream. Still delicious. Thank you so much for this recipe.
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Lorelei! Love it!
Alena
I’ve made this a couple of times, with no issues! Me and my husband love it. The only thing I do differently is I did brown sugar and the leftover honey bbq sauce and a tiny bit of ketchup for the glaze (my husband hates ketchup). Turned out super good!
Shawn
Sounds like a great topping! Thanks for your comment Alena, so glad you enjoyed it!
James Meade
These directions don’t make any sense. Shows ingredient list for meatloaf and later says to add s&p, and garlic to the mashed potatoes. But it says combine all meatloaf ingredients together. (S&p, and garlic) but doesn’t say anything about putting them in the potatoes later… ??
Leigh
James Meade, just read all the way through the whole recipe. It gives list of ingredients for both meatloaf and potatoes but you don’t use all ingredients in the potatoes till after they’re cooked. Read in past the ingredients list n u will see how to put it all together. It’s really really good…. only trouble I had was no steam on quick release but it was done.
Deb
It says, after it has cooked it all.
Step#5 says
Meanwhile add the remaining ingredients (half and half, butter, sour cream, garlic powder, salt and pepper) to the instant pot and mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
Carri
Step 5 answers your question verbatim. Once the potato’s are cooked, you add the rest of the ingredients in (step 5) and mash. Serve along side Meatloaf.
Leigh
I followed your recipe exactly. This is first time to use my IP. Set in Manual for 25 min. Both meatloaf n potatoes cane out great BUT I think recipe called for quick release n no steam came out. But it was all cooked! What am I not understanding? When the cook time worked down to 0 min is when I tried QR.
Shawn
Could be that the seal wasn’t on just right and the steam escaped out the sides before it was done? I’m glad it worked out well for you though!
Cathy
25 minutes worked great. The potatoes were delicious. I made gravy on the side. The carrots were super cooked but yummy!!
Thank you!!
Katy
Perfection! 1lb of hamburger at 25 minutes. Finished off by broiling. Potatoes were fantastic too!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed it Katy!
Rebecca
To be honest I am not a fan of meatloaf. My father and brother definitely love meatloaf though. I decided to try your recipe and method instead of my mother’s to give her a break. Discovered tonight that I like meatloaf…your meatloaf, not my mother’s….lol. will be making it again. Turner out perfect
Shawn
That’s a great compliment! I’m so glad you enjoyed my meatloaf. Converting one person at a time. 😉 haha!
Claudia
Can I use the microwave instead of the broiler?
Shawn
I would not advise using the microwave instead of the broiler.
Mary Lou
I am excited to make this tonight for dinner. I have an appt mid afternoon and I would like to prepare everything before I go. I am just wondering what you think. I wouldn’t cook it until I get home.
Shawn
That should be just fine! Keep the beef in the fridge until ready to cook for food safety reasons.
Linda
I used 1 lb Bison meat. I was struggling with the alum foil, found a small enough rectangular glass casserole to fit on the rack in the IP. Everything came out done. BUT the meatloaf ended up with so much moisture which I poured back into the potatoes. I did brown the top of the meatloaf for a bit in the oven, but I was not that concerned about appearance. Next time I will cover the meat with a bit of foil to keep out the moisture.
Shawn
Hi Linda, I’m sorry you struggled with the foil. I use the foil because it gives room for the moisture to collect, then I drain that before finishing it under the broiler. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe though!
Jules
I cooked mine for 25 minutes and it was done! I used shredded zucchini instead of bread crumbs and ground flaxseed as well to help bind it. Thank you!
Shawn
Sounds like some great substitutions! Thanks for sharing Jules!