Instant Pot Meat Loaf

Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + standing Cook: 45 min. + releasing

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Dec. 01, 2023
I used to make this pressure-cooker meat loaf a lot when my kids were growing up and I was working. It's easy to make and a family favorite. You can make several loaves ahead and freeze them for busy weeks. Thaw a loaf in the refrigerator overnight and then it's ready to cook. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Instant Pot Meat Loaf Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 cup soft bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup 2% milk
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
  • 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 pound bulk pork sausage
  • 1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the first 7 ingredients. Add beef and pork; mix lightly but thoroughly. On a 12x8 piece of foil, shape into a 8x5-in. loaf. Bring foil up around sides of loaf, but do not cover top of loaf.
  2. Place trivet insert and 1 cup water in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. Place foil-wrapped loaf on trivet. Lock lid; close pressure-release valve. Adjust to pressure-cook on high for 45 minutes.
  3. Let pressure release naturally for 10 minutes; quick-release any remaining pressure. A thermometer inserted in meat loaf should read at least 160°. Remove meat loaf from pressure cooker and top with barbecue sauce. Let stand 10 minutes before removing from foil and slicing.

Instant Pot Meat Loaf Tips

What can I serve with Instant Pot meat loaf?

Meat loaf is a classic dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. Accompany yours with some of our favorite sides for meatloaf.

Why is my Instant Pot meat loaf tough?

Because this recipe cooks the ground beef quickly, it’s best to work with a higher fat blend of beef. This will keep your meat loaf from drying out. Ask your butcher for a 60/40 or 70/30 blend (this is the ratio of lean meat to fat). Since the ground beef is the star of the recipe, it's best not to skimp on the quality.

How can you tell when Instant Pot meat loaf is done cooking?

Your meat loaf is done when a thermometer inserted in the center reads at least 160°F. (Here's why you should have an instant read thermometer in your kitchen.) Let the loaf rest before cutting. It may still look slightly pink, but that’s OK as long as the temperature has reached 160°F.

Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Tester

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 315 calories, 21g fat (7g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.