Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Glazed meatloaf with mashed potatoes is a classic Midwest comfort meal that never goes out of style. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef and a generous brush of ketchup for that perfect, savory glaze.

What really sets this meatloaf apart is the addition of grated Parmesan cheese and crushed Ritz crackers, which add a delicious depth of flavor and a tender texture. It’s a recipe I return to time and again because it truly is one of the best meatloaves around.

Why You Will Love This Instant Pot Recipe

This Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for busy nights when I want a hearty, comforting dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With everything cooked in the Instant Pot, I can have a complete meal ready in just 35 minutes, which is a lifesaver on hectic days.

I love that this recipe delivers the classic flavors of traditional meatloaf with ease. The ground beef is perfectly seasoned, and the addition of Parmesan cheese and a ketchup glaze brings out that familiar, nostalgic taste we all crave from a homemade meatloaf. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the kind of comfort food that just feels right any night of the week.

The Instant Pot really shines here by keeping the meatloaf moist and tender. Pressure cooking seals in the flavors and juices, so each bite is full of rich taste and satisfying texture. Plus, with everything cooking in one pot, cleanup is minimal, which I always appreciate.

This recipe has that family-friendly appeal that makes it favorite in our household. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s always a hit. Once you try it, I think you’ll find this Instant Pot version to be a reliable and delicious option for meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Start by prepping the potatoes. I peel, wash, and cut them in half before placing them in the Instant Pot insert with 1½ cups of water. Next, I set a folded trivet on top of the potatoes, which creates a stable base for the meatloaf.

For the meatloaf, I mix ground beef with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, seasonings, Parmesan cheese, eggs, and ketchup in a large bowl until well combined. Then, I shape a tinfoil “pan” using aluminum foil to hold the meatloaf. Once shaped, I place the foil-wrapped meatloaf on the trivet and brush the top generously with ketchup for that classic glaze.

With everything ready, I set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for 35 minutes. Once done, I perform a quick-release to safely release the steam. Using a turkey baster, I carefully remove any excess liquid from the meatloaf foil packet to avoid spilling.

For the potatoes, I drain them and mash them up with a bit of butter, milk, and seasoning to make them creamy and flavorful. Finally, I slice up the meatloaf and serve it with the hot mashed potatoes. It’s a comforting, all-in-one meal with minimal cleanup and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Tasty Meatloaf Ingredients

• GROUND BEEF: The leaner the better as far as excess oil in the packet goes, however, as long as you have a turkey baster to remove the liquid once it cooks, it doesn’t matter if it’s lean or not.
• CRACKERS: Ritz crackers or plain breadcrumbs are best. My mom has been making old fashioned meatloaf with crushed Ritz crackers for decades and we love it!
• SEASONING: Classic seasoning and herbs like onion and garlic powder, salt, pepper, dried parsley, red pepper flakes elevate the taste.
• CHEESE: Grated parmesan cheese in the green can is perfect for this recipe. The cheese adds flavor and plenty of salt.
• EGGS: Add eggs to the meat mixture to bind and hold the ingredients together.
• KETCHUP: Ketchup is added to the meat mixture AND to the top to glaze the meatloaf. Looking to add more flavor, swap out 1/2 cup ketchup for 1/2 cup thousand island dressing to use in the meat mixture. Still use a generous amount of ketchup as a topping sauce for the meatloaf

How to Make a Foil Loaf “Pan” for the Pressure Cooker

To make meatloaf in the Instant Pot, you’ll need a suitable “pan” that fits in the pressure cooker. If you don’t have a small loaf pan on hand, you can easily create one with foil or try some of these other options.

Meatloaf Pan Options for an Electric Pressure Cooker

• Homemade Foil “Loaf Pan”: A quick and easy option, detailed below.
• Disposable Aluminum Mini Loaf Pans: These are perfect for one-time use and fit well in most pressure cookers.
• Metal Loaf Pans: If you have a metal pan that fits, it can work well in the Instant Pot.

Important Note: Avoid using glass or porcelain baking pans in the pressure cooker, as they may crack under high pressure.

DIY ALUMINUM FOIL LOAF PAN DIRECTIONS

1. Cut two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
2. Criss-cross the foil in the center so one is horizontal and one is vertical.
3. Dump the meat onto the foil in the center.
4. Shape it by pressing down and making it into a rectangle that will fit into the pressure cooker. TIP: I shape it, fold the sides up then lift it to the pot to make sure it will fit. If it’s too big, simply squeeze the foil and meat up so that it fits.
5. Fold the sides up just like you’d fold corners when wrapping a present.
6. Fold the steamer rack onto its self. With the potatoes in the bottom, place the folded rack so that the arms are overlapping in position and the nubs on the bottom are facing towards the potatoes. Again, I don’t use the rack in a normal position with the arms turned outwards for this recipe. Instead, the rack is collapsed so that the arms are declining into each other. Position the metal steamer rack onto the potatoes then place the meatloaf onto the collapsed rack to hold it. Do be sure the meatloaf or your pan allows air to flow around the edges.

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Tips & Questions

How much liquid should I add to the insert if I don’t make mashed potatoes with it? Pressure cooking only works when liquid is converted to steam. Therefore, you’ll still need to add water to your pressure cooker. Potatoes or no potatoes; use 1 1/2 cups water.

COOKING TIME ADJUSTMENT TIP: The thicker that the meatloaf is vs the wider that it is pressed into, the longer it can take to cook. If you’re halving the recipe and making a smaller portion, the time can reduce to about 25 minutes cook time.

Grandma’s recipe uses milk. Can I use it and where do I add it? Grandma’s or mom’s meatloaf recipe may feature milk as an ingredient. In fact, to add more moisture to your meatloaf and to prevent it from falling apart, soak cracker crumbs in 1/2 cup milk for a few minutes. Drain the milk out and add the moist crumbs to the bowl.

Can I make a smaller portion of meatloaf with this recipe? Have a smaller Instant Pot and not sure if this is too much to fit it all in or are you looking to make a smaller amount of meatloaf? Simply hover over the “servings” and move the dial up or down with your mouse to adjust servings (aka leftovers) or how much ground beef you’d like to use.

Do you have any recommendations for Turkey Meatloaf? One of my fellow bloggers has a turkey meatloaf recipe that is truly out of this world. It is a mix of ground turkey, feta, spinach, and mushroom. It is so moist and delicious. Check out her Turkey Meatloaf!

If you like this meatloaf recipe, try these Sticky Garlic Sesame Meatballs or Dr. Pepper Meatballs that use the same classic seasoning blend. For other classic dinner recipes made easy with the pressure cooker, try this Instant Pot Beef Spaghetti, Instant Pot Taco Bowls, or Instant Pot Crack Chicken recipe. Pair meatloaf with a side of these Crack Brussels Sprouts, or Ranch Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Cornbread.