Juicy Pressure Cooker Meatloaf
Make this juicy pressure cooker meatloaf soaked in homemade umami tomato sauce. Mouthful of smoky & cheesy meatloaf is satisfying, thrifty & delicious!
Make this juicy pressure cooker meatloaf soaked in homemade umami tomato sauce. Mouthful of smoky & cheesy meatloaf is satisfying, thrifty & delicious!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (lean)
- 6 strips bacon (minced)
- 1 medium onion (roughly chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (roughly minced)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano (dired)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fennel seed (ground)
- 3/4 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 3 ounces cheese (a combination of freshly grated parmesan
- 2 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
- 13.5 ounces tomato sauce (1 can )
- 1 teaspoon basil (for tomato sauce)
- 2/3 cup tomato paste (for tomato sauce)
- 1 teaspoon oregano (dried for tomato sauce)
- Carbohydrate 30.9538300011463 g
- Cholesterol 244.537937027536 mg
- Fat 71.1619855008242 g
- Fiber 1.83575 g
- Protein 64.7895824475666 g
- Saturated Fat 27.150311913048 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -4 serving (663g)
- Sodium 1010.70576593514 mg
- Sugar 29.1180800011463 g
- Trans Fat 10.9000654638459 g
- Calories 1044 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine all the meatloaf ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients and mix well with your hands. Do not overmix. Make sure the eggs are beaten before adding them to the meatloaf mixture.
- Test the seasoning by cooking a small portion of the meat mixture on a skillet over medium-high heat. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.
- Gently pack the meat mixture together to form a meatloaf. Make sure the meatloaf can fit into your pressure cooker.
- Fold a piece of aluminum foil into a long strip to form a sling. Make sure it is wide enough to hold the whole meatloaf. This will help you easily transport the meatloaf.
- Combine all the tomato sauce ingredients together in the Instant Pot. Mix well until the tomato paste dissolves into the tomato sauce mixture.
- Place a steamer rack into the pressure cooker. Place the aluminum foil sling on the rack and carefully place the meatloaf on top of it.
- Lock the pressure cooker lid and cook on Manual at High Pressure for 16 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it fully Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.
- While the meatloaf and tomato sauce are cooking, preheat oven to 450°F.
- Remove the meatloaf by carrying the foil sling. Confirm the meatloaf’s internal temperature is at least 160°F with a food thermometer and set aside.
- Press Sauté and adjust button twice. Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer and reduce it until desired consistency (Roughly 5–8 minutes). Brush the thickened tomato sauce over the whole meatloaf with a silicone basting brush.
- Place the meatloaf in the oven on the top rack for 10–15 minutes.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Juicy Pressure Cooker Meatloaf
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, a simple, yet impressive, meal is a lifesaver. That’s where my trusty pressure cooker and this incredible meatloaf recipe come in. This isn't your grandma's meatloaf; it's a juicy, flavorful masterpiece that's ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a traditional one. The secret? The pressure cooker, of course! It locks in all the moisture and flavor, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth meatloaf that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its speed but also in its versatility. I often adapt it depending on what’s in my fridge. Sometimes I add extra vegetables like finely diced carrots or zucchini for an extra boost of nutrients. Other times, I experiment with different cheese combinations – a sharp cheddar, or even some crumbled feta, adds a delightful tang. The umami tomato sauce is the perfect complement to the rich meatloaf, offering a balance of sweetness and acidity. The whole family loves it, and it consistently receives rave reviews. It's a dish that truly feels like a home-cooked hug after a long day. This meatloaf is also fantastic for meal prepping; the leftovers are just as delicious cold, making it ideal for packed lunches or a quick weeknight snack.
Beyond its convenience, this meatloaf represents more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of comfort and family. The aroma filling my kitchen as it cooks always brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It reminds me of simpler times and the importance of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. This is the kind of dish that fosters conversation and connection around the dinner table, creating memories that last far beyond the last bite. It's a dish I genuinely look forward to making, and it’s one I’m so happy to share with you all.
Ingredients that Make This Meatloaf Shine:
The recipe uses simple ingredients, which makes it both affordable and accessible. I always try to use high-quality ground beef for the best flavor, and the bacon adds a wonderful smoky depth. The blend of herbs – oregano and fennel – perfectly complements the rich meat, and the panko breadcrumbs provide a lovely, crispy texture. And let's not forget the cheese! That added touch of cheesy goodness elevates this meatloaf to another level.
Tips for Success:
Don't overmix the meatloaf mixture! Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed. The aluminum foil sling is a game-changer for easy removal from the pressure cooker. Make sure your sling is wide enough to support the meatloaf to avoid it breaking apart during cooking.
I find that letting the meatloaf naturally release pressure in the Instant Pot results in the most tender and juicy meatloaf. And finally, that finishing touch in the oven adds a gorgeous golden-brown crust.
Beyond the Plate:
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight meal; it's a testament to the power of simple cooking. In the whirlwind of a busy life, finding time for yourself and your family is crucial. This meatloaf is a delicious way to slow down, savor the moment, and create lasting memories around the dinner table. So, embrace the simplicity, embrace the flavor, and enjoy every juicy bite!
