If you have ever wanted a heartwarming, home-cooked meal that feels like a big cozy hug on a plate, then the Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish combines the savory goodness of a classic meatloaf with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes, all cooked conveniently in your Instant Pot. It’s an incredible one-pot dinner that delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something truly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here has a purpose and brings unique magic to the dish, making the Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe both flavorful and perfectly textured. From the ground beef that forms a juicy meatloaf to the fresh veggies that add brightness and tenderness, you’ll love how simple and essential these components come together.
- 2 pounds potatoes, cubed: The base for your creamy mashed potatoes, choosing starchy potatoes will give you smooth texture.
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut: Adds natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of color, cooked right alongside the potatoes.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and infusion of savory flavor to the veggies and keeps everything tender.
- 2 cloves garlic: Infuses a mellow garlicky scent and taste without overpowering the dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: The star protein, lean enough to stay moist but healthy.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the meatloaf mix.
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped: Offers a slight crunch and fresh flavor that balances the meat.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatloaf together and keeps it tender.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds herbal freshness and a touch of green.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and subtle smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Ground pepper, to taste: For a hint of spice and complexity.
- 1/4 cup ketchup (or your favorite meatloaf sauce): Brushed on top for a tangy, sweet glaze.
- 2-4 tablespoons sour cream: Folded into the mashed potatoes for extra creaminess and slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and silky texture to the potatoes.
- Salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg, to taste: Final seasoning to bring out the best in the mashed potatoes.
How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by layering the cubed potatoes and carrot sticks at the bottom of your Instant Pot’s inner pot. It’s key to place the carrots partially on top of the potatoes, but never to bury the carrots underneath—this keeps them from turning to mush. Pour in the chicken broth, then toss in the garlic cloves whole. This step sets up a flavorful, tender veggie base that will cook perfectly while your meatloaf steams above it.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a medium to large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion and celery, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly – I find using a hand mixer with dough hooks to be a game changer for blending ingredients evenly without overworking the meat. Once mixed, shape the mixture into a firm loaf that will hold its shape during pressure cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Meatloaf and Vegetables
Place a greased rack over your potatoes and carrots inside the Instant Pot—if you don’t have one, simply use a foil sling with some holes poked in it for steam circulation. Set the meatloaf on top of the rack and brush it generously with two tablespoons of ketchup or your favorite meatloaf glaze. Seal the lid, set your pressure valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. This method steams the veggies and perfectly cooks the meatloaf simultaneously.
Step 4: Finish and Mash
Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for five minutes, then manually release the remaining steam. Carefully remove the meatloaf and vegetables. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the remaining ketchup for that gorgeous glossy finish. Return the potatoes to the pot and mash them right there with sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg if you like a hint of warmth. This keeps cleanup minimal and results in warm, fluffy mashed potatoes bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to lend a pop of color and a fresh herbal lift, brightening both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Although this dinner is a full meal on its own, feel free to add a crisp green salad or steamed green beans if you want to introduce some crunch and leafy freshness to balance the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the meatloaf thick and layer it atop your mashed potatoes, then drizzle a swirl of any leftover meatloaf sauce for an elegant plating. Alternatively, tuck a few whole roasted garlic cloves or extra steamed carrots alongside for a rustic, farm-to-table feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes in airtight containers and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making lunch or dinner prep a breeze during the busy week.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the meatloaf and pack it separately from the mashed potatoes to preserve texture. Both freeze well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting meal whenever you want with minimal effort.
Reheating
For reheating, cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in and microwave on medium heat in short bursts. Alternatively, warm the meatloaf in an oven at 350°F until heated through, and reheat the mashed potatoes gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be swapped in for a leaner version. Just be sure to monitor the cooking time closely so the meatloaf stays juicy and doesn’t dry out.
Is it necessary to use a rack inside the Instant Pot?
Using a rack helps keep the meatloaf elevated from the veggies for even steaming and prevents it from getting soggy. If you don’t have a rack, a foil sling with holes works just as well.
Can I make this recipe without sour cream?
Yes, sour cream adds richness, but you can sub in plain Greek yogurt or even cream cheese, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
What if I want the carrots firmer or softer?
Cut your carrots into larger chunks for firmer texture or smaller sticks if you prefer them softer. The pressure cooking time remains the same because the potatoes help regulate moisture and cooking speed.
Can I double this recipe?
While you can double the ingredients, remember that the Instant Pot has maximum fill lines. It’s best to cook two batches separately to ensure even cooking and safety.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic comfort meal without fuss or long cooking times. It combines the best of hearty, homey flavors with the convenience of modern cooking, and I promise it will soon become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, satisfying flavors that make every bite feel like a hug from the inside out.
Print
Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes Dinner is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender meatloaf is cooked on a rack above perfectly steamed potatoes and carrots, which are then mashed right in the pot with butter and sour cream for a creamy side. The recipe uses simple ingredients and the Instant Pot to deliver a hearty, home-cooked dinner in about an hour total.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Broth
- 2 pounds potatoes, cubed
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks or chunks
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic
Meatloaf
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup ketchup or favorite meatloaf sauce
For Mashing Potatoes
- 2–4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
- Ground pepper, to taste
- Ground nutmeg, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Add veggies to instant pot: Place the cubed potatoes and carrot sticks at the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot. It’s fine if carrots are slightly on top of the potatoes but ensure potatoes are mostly under to avoid squishing. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and add the two garlic cloves for flavor infusion.
- Make the meatloaf: In a medium-large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, celery, breadcrumbs, egg, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer with dough hook attachments or by hand until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture firmly into a loaf shape.
- Cook: Grease a rack and place it over the potatoes and carrots inside the Instant Pot. Alternatively, create a foil sling with holes poked in it. Set the meatloaf on the rack and brush the top with 2 tablespoons of ketchup. Close the lid of the Instant Pot, seal the pressure valve, select ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure, and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Finish: After the cooking cycle ends, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes without opening the lid. Then manually release any remaining pressure according to your Instant Pot’s instructions. Carefully remove the meatloaf and vegetables. Brush the meatloaf with the remaining ketchup. Mash the steamed potatoes directly in the Instant Pot with sour cream, butter, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg until creamy and smooth. Serve sliced meatloaf alongside the mashed potatoes and tender carrots.
Notes
- Use a rack or perforated foil to keep the meatloaf elevated above the vegetables, allowing for even cooking and flavor separation.
- Adjust sour cream quantity to achieve desired mashed potato creaminess.
- Natural pressure release helps prevent meatloaf from falling apart due to sudden pressure changes.
- Optional nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the mashed potatoes but can be omitted if preferred.
- Leftover meatloaf reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
