Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that will impress your family without keeping you in the kitchen for hours? Look no further! This easy pressure cooker meatloaf is not only a classic American comfort food but also a game-changer for busy nights. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of under an hour, you can whip up a flavorful, juicy meatloaf that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, the pressure cooker ensures that every bite is tender and packed with flavor. Ready to elevate your dinner routine? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that will fit inside your pressure cooker. Ensure the loaf is not too dense to allow even cooking.
- Prepare your pressure cooker by adding 1 cup of water to the bottom and placing a trivet or steamer basket inside to elevate the meatloaf.
- Carefully place the shaped meatloaf on the trivet, making sure it's not touching the sides of the cooker.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and set to high pressure. Cook for 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of your meatloaf.
- While cooking, preheat your oven's broiler and prepare the ketchup topping.
- Once cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf and transfer to an oven-safe dish.
- Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf and place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the topping.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice into 1-inch thick portions and serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of ground beef and pork if you like. This adds richness to your meatloaf.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense meatloaf.
- Shape Matters: Ensure your meatloaf is compact but not too dense. A loaf that’s too tight can cook unevenly, while a too-loose loaf may fall apart.
- Add Moisture: If you want to boost the flavor, consider adding grated cheese or finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture.
- Use a Trivet: Elevating the meatloaf with a trivet or steamer basket in the pressure cooker allows for even cooking and prevents it from sitting in water.
- Broil for Perfection: After cooking, broil the ketchup-topped meatloaf for a few minutes to achieve a beautiful caramelized glaze that adds a delicious finish.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, making every bite succulent.
- Pair It Right: Serve your meatloaf with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
