Name: Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1 egg; 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 4-5 russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup milk

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There is something deeply comforting about a plate of instant pot meatloaf and mashed potatoes, and the fact that you can make both together in a single pot makes it even better. This is the kind of homestyle dinner that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, with thick slices of tender, glazed meatloaf resting beside a generous scoop of buttery mashed potatoes. Best of all, the electric pressure cooker does the heavy lifting, steaming everything to juicy perfection while you handle the rest of your evening.

Cost About $1.90 per serving — roughly $11.45 for all 6 servings, based on national average U.S. grocery prices. More budget friendly meals →

If meatloaf and mashed potatoes have always felt like a weekend-only project, this one-pot method is about to change your mind. By stacking the potatoes on the bottom and setting the seasoned meat loaf on a trivet above them, you get two classic comfort foods finished at the same time, with almost no extra dishes to wash. It is the busy-night dinner your family will ask for again and again, and it comes together faster than you might expect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The biggest reason to love this recipe is efficiency. Cooking the meatloaf and the potatoes together means you are making a main dish and a side dish in a single appliance, with one pot to clean instead of three. On a hectic weeknight, that kind of shortcut is worth its weight in gold, and it never comes at the expense of flavor or texture.

You will also love how forgiving and family-friendly this dinner is. The sealed, steamy environment of the pressure cooker keeps the meatloaf remarkably moist, so you avoid the dry, crumbly slices that plague oven versions. The potatoes soak up the savory broth beneath the meat and mash into something wonderfully creamy without any fuss.

Finally, this recipe is endlessly adaptable. You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken, use gluten-free bread crumbs, stir cheese into the potatoes, or tweak the glaze to your taste. It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, which makes it a smart choice for anyone who loves planned leftovers.

Ingredients

For the meatloaf itself, you will need one pound of ground beef, ideally an 85/15 lean-to-fat blend for juicy results, though ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version. Bind it together with one egg and half a cup of bread crumbs, then season with one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, salt and pepper to taste, and two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley. These simple pantry staples are all it takes to build a flavorful, tender loaf.

The mashed potatoes come from four to five russet potatoes, peeled and diced into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate. They steam over one cup of chicken broth, which infuses them with savory flavor from below. Once cooked, you will finish them with two tablespoons of butter and a quarter cup of milk, mashing until creamy and seasoning to taste.

For the signature glaze, whisk together two tablespoons of ketchup, one teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and an optional tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This sweet-and-tangy topping is what gives classic meatloaf its irresistible finish, and it takes just seconds to stir together while the loaf cooks.

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing the potatoes. Peel your four to five russet potatoes and slice them into even chunks, then place them directly in the bottom of the Instant Pot along with one cup of chicken broth. The broth creates the steam that pressure-cooks everything and seasons the potatoes as they soften.

Next, make the meatloaf mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the pound of ground beef or turkey with the egg, half a cup of bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the finished loaf dense and tough.

Shape the mixture into a compact loaf on a sheet of aluminum foil, folding up the edges slightly to form a small tray that will catch the juices. Set a trivet over the potatoes in the pot, then carefully lower the foil-wrapped meatloaf onto the trivet so it sits above the broth rather than in it.

Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual High Pressure for 25 minutes. When the timer finishes, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining steam. While it cooks, stir together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to make the glaze.

For a crispier, caramelized top, you can transfer the cooked meatloaf to a baking sheet, spread the glaze over it, and broil for two to three minutes until glossy and bubbling. Finally, remove the trivet and mash the potatoes right in the pot, stirring in the butter, milk, and seasoning until smooth and creamy. Let the meatloaf rest for five minutes, then slice and serve.

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Tips for the Best Instant Pot Meatloaf

The single most important tip is to resist overmixing the meat. Combine the ingredients just until they hold together, because kneading the mixture develops the proteins and results in a firmer, drier loaf. A gentle hand keeps every slice moist and tender, which is exactly what you want from a pressure-cooked meatloaf.

Give the loaf a five-minute rest before slicing so the juices redistribute and the slices hold their shape. If you love an extra-smooth side, run a hand mixer through the potatoes for a whipped, restaurant-style texture, or fold in shredded cheddar while they are still hot. For inspiration on nailing that perfect creamy consistency, take a look at our guide to the ultimate creamy mashed potatoes.

If you find yourself hooked on hands-off pressure cooker dinners, this recipe pairs perfectly with other one-pot classics. Our comforting Instant Pot pot roast recipe is another cozy option that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, making it an easy addition to your weeknight rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a trivet?
Yes. If you do not have a trivet, you can fashion one out of crumpled aluminum foil, or you can rest the foil-wrapped meatloaf directly on top of the potatoes. Just be careful when lifting it out so it stays intact.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a low oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk to the potatoes to revive their creaminess.

Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely. Slice the cooled meatloaf, place the pieces in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months. For the best texture, reheat the slices in the oven rather than the microwave so the glaze firms back up.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter loaf that works beautifully in this recipe. Because leaner meats have less fat, consider adding an extra splash of broth or a drizzle of olive oil to the mixture to keep it moist.

What can I serve alongside this meal?
The meatloaf and mashed potatoes are a complete dinner on their own, but a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables rounds it out nicely. For a keto-friendly twist, swap the russet potatoes for mashed cauliflower.

This Instant Pot meatloaf and mashed potatoes is proof that comfort food does not have to mean a sink full of dishes. If you are looking for more ways to keep dinner cozy and wholesome, browse these healthy eating ideas for everyday inspiration. When you make this recipe, be sure to snap a photo and tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram so we can celebrate your cozy one-pot dinner with you.

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