This 21 Day Fix Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes dinner is truly a one pot miracle thanks to the Instant Pot! Cook your meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes all together in the same pot in under a half-hour of cook time! This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with.
Confession #127 – Despite me always telling people not to worry about the Instant Pot 
blowing up, tonight – for a hot minute – I worried just a little.
I mean, I had that sucker packed right up the max line.
But, as usual, my Instant Pot didn’t let me down. And thank goodness…because the thought of cleaning meatloaf, carrots, and mashed potatoes off of my ceiling for the next ten years just isn’t appealing.
Seriously, though, this dinner is just another reason to love the Instant Pot …the fact that you can cook mashed potatoes and carrots along with a meatloaf in one pot in just over 30 minutes is pretty darn amazing.
It’s all about the layering process. First, I started with quartered potatoes seasoned with salt and a few cloves of garlic. Instead of using water, I added 1 cup of broth to give a little more flavor.
Next, I placed the trivet on top of the potatoes and layered it with some foil, making a nice comfy home for the carrots to cook in.
I added a couple of pats of vegan butter, covered them with foil and then I prepared my meatloaf.
I used my Momma’s recipe for this again – it’s just so delicious and easy…and it’s what we all expect when we say we are having meatloaf. I mixed our usual blend of breadcrumb, Locatelli cheese, garlic, onion and seasonings into the meat and then I shaped it into a round loaf so it would fit nicely on top of everything else in the pot.
Perfection!
After topping the loaf with sauce, I closed and locked the lid, set the Instant Pot for 25** minutes, and said a little prayer to my grandma to look out for our dinner.
Before I knew it, 25** minutes was up and I really and truly had a Sunday meal ready for the family. Another Instant Pot miracle!
Because I love the way the sauce bakes on top of our traditional recipe, I carefully removed the meatloaf and put it under the broiler for a few minutes. This is totally optional, but yummy.
The carrots were cooked perfectly, so no need to do anything there.
And – oh – the potatoes. Can I just say, the Instant Pot makes the most amazing mashed potatoes. Like legitimate awesomeness. The pot is at the perfect temperature, so all you need is to drain them a bit (reserve the liquid for mashing) and use your handy potato masher
to make the most incredibly smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. I added a little vegan butter and the broth from cooking into mine, and I didn’t miss the dairy at all. But feel free to add some milk or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
That’s all you’ve gotta do! One pot to clean and one freaking fabulous and healthy meal! Way to go, my friend!
Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean grass fed ground beef
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs we use gluten free
- 1/4 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cloves garlic whole
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded pecorino romano plus more for topping (Locatelli brand is the best)
- 1 teaspoon dry parsley or 1 T freshly chopped parsley
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 3 cups quartered and peeled golden potatoes
- 3 cups baby carrots
- 3 tablespoons butter, vegan butter, or ghee
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Place quartered potatoes, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1 tsp salt on the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of broth and then place trivet on top of potatoes.
- Lay a piece of foil down on trivet and place carrots in one flat layer on top of foil. Add 1 T of butter and cover with another piece of foil.
- Mix meat with breadcrumbs, onion, minced garlic, 2 T sauce, 1 egg, cheese and parsley. Shape into a circular loaf. Place loaf on top of carrot layer. Pour remaining sauce on top of meatloaf and place lid on IP. Lock and turn to manual, high pressure for 30** minutes.
- After cook time is through, quick release and open the pot once the IP releases all steam and unlocks. Carefully remove meatloaf from the top layer of foil and broil for 3-5 minutes, if desired.
- Remove carrots from pot. Then carefully drain potatoes, reserving broth.
- Using potato masher, mash potatoes, adding in broth and remaining 2 T butter in slowly. For extra creaminess, add in a splash of milk or Greek yogurt. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Pooja says
I want to try and make this but my son doesn’t like any tomato based sauce ( including ketchup ). Any suggestions for what else I can use instead of the tomato sauce?
Thanks
Nancylynn says
How does he feel about BBQ sauce? It would be a little different but it could work! Or you could just omit it all together. I’d suggest trying to still put the small amount in the meatloaf if he will tolerate it, but you can definitely skip it on top!
Pooja says
No, he doesn’t like BBQ sauce ( or any sauce for that matter 🙁), unless it’s a cheese sauce lol! If I can skip putting it on top, I will try that. Thanks so much for your help!
Nancylynn says
You’re welcome!
Mckenzie Wilson says
I LOVE MEATLOAF!! Do you have the nutritional info for this recipe? For a serving size?
Thanks!
Nancylynn says
We are working to include this information soon! ❤️
Theresa says
Delicious! I had been waiting awhile to make this recipe because I was nervous about the all-in-one aspect. I’m so glad I tried it! My daughter wasn’t looking forward to meatloaf, but decided she liked it and meatloaf gets “a bad rap” for no reason. 🙂
Patricia says
Any idea how many calories per serving of this dinner?
Nancylynn says
Thank you for the comment and rating! I don’t calculate calories on the site, but other readers love the ease of using MyFitnessPal for this type of information.
Chandy says
It’s in the IP as I write this. So excited to try this one. Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are one of my favorite comfort foods. I have made several of your recipes, and I haven’t found one I didn’t like. 😊
Katie says
Hello! how would you modify this if I was not making the potatoes with it? We are doing 80 day obsession and won’t have any yellow containers left for dinner 🙂
Nancylynn says
Hi! You can just leave them out. Still put a cup of broth or water in the bottom, but skip the potatoes, garlic and salt on the first layer. Everything else should stay the same!
Carol says
Would you need to add extra time if you were to use round cake pans instead of aluminum foil? I just checked and I have a couple that will fit in my 8qt air crisp.
Nancylynn says
That’s a good question…I think the timing would still be the same, but you will have to try and then test afterwards. I’ll be curious to hear!
Alyssa says
I apologize if I missed this somewhere in the recipe and/or previous comments but what size instant pot do you use? 6 or 8 qt? Just curious cause I have the 6 qt.
Nancylynn says
I have a 3 qt, 6 qt, and 8 qt (obsessed much? lol!) but all of my recipes are written for 6 qt
Nikki Demny says
Made this last night and followed everything to a T. The potatoes stuck some to the bottom (no biggie) however; when I mashed them using the broth they didn’t taste good to me or my hubby. Next time I’ll just mash them using butter and milk. Also, the carrots were not done at all. The meatloaf itself was ok but not very flavorful so next time I’ll add more seasonings. Overall I think it turned out pretty good as this was my first IP meal.
Nancylynn says
Sorry to hear this didn’t work perfectly for you!
Sharon A Cox says
I hate that it didn’t turn out well for you. I make this all the time because it’s so easy and tasty. I’ve never had a single problem. Makes me wonder what the difference is…maybe altitude or something.
Jessica says
This was amazing. So simple to throw together a full dinner! I’m doing 21 day fix and this felt like a cheat meal! Just what I needed.
Thanks for another great recipe!
Nancylynn says
I’m thrilled to hear it, Jessica!
Polona says
Made tiday, it was perfect! I didnt have bread crumbs, so I used almond flour, it is a great substitute.
Nancylynn says
That is great to know, Polona, thank you!
Jill says
I loved how the potatoes turned out in this recipe. Could I just do the potatoes but with more potatoes. But I’m new to the InstantPot and 21 day fix. Any suggestions for cook time and what setting and what portion of potatoes to broth and garlic. And did you just mash the garlic cloves with the potatoes? Also how to count it for 21 day fix, would it just be 1 yellow container be worth 1 yellow? Sorry for all the questions. Newby here!
Jill says
Should the tomato sauce be counted as a purple?
Nancylynn says
Hi! It’s a no sugar added sauce, so I count it as a green!
Rachel says
I made this last night and it turned out great. I am using an 8 quart IP so I used 2 cups of chicken broth (but I don’t think it really needed it in the end but didn’t want the potatoes to stick) and I used 2lbs of meatloaf. I cooked it for 35 min and was perfect. Everything was the right consistency. Thank you so much for this recipe. I thought I was going to have to buy the stackers to cook a meal like this in the IP!
Nancylynn says
Hi Rachel! I am so sorry that I missed your earlier question, but you did amazing here! I am so glad everything workout out and that you enjoyed the meal. So proud!
Rachel says
I’m using a 8 quart pot and 2 lbs of beef. Whst do I need to do different from this recipe if anything? Longer cook time, if so how much time?
Nicole says
Just put this in my 6qt and used my delay start for 15 min to get a quick family walk in before dinner on this unseasonably warm Feb day! Can’t wait- we all love it!
Alexis says
This one was fun to do. I felt like a little girl cooking in my play kitchen but for real…LOL.
I followed the directions exactly and everything turned out perfectly; nothing over/under cooked…just perfect! Everyone loved it and I found my fiancé eating on the leftovers later that evening.
I do have a question, could something be added to the carrots to make them a little sweet? Something to stay 21 Day Fix approved that will work in the instant pot?
Nancylynn says
Alexis, you always have the best comments! I am so happy you enjoyed this one, too, and even the cooking part! To make your carrots sweeter, I would just add some honey or pure maple syrup after cooking! Just a teaspoon or two should work!
Leslie says
This is SO delicious & easy to make. I feel like an Instant Pot pro now. This was my first time layering food in my pot.
My Husband and 9 year old Son loved it! I was told this is the only meatloaf I should make from now on ☺️
I love that it is healthy and fits with my container counts. Thank you!
Nancylynn says
Oh my goodness – how did I miss this? You made my whole day, Leslie! Thank you for trusting me and trying this out!
Terri says
Great idea! I would love to try replacing the potatoes with cauliflower
Nancylynn says
Yes! Go for it!
Susan Knox says
Thiss was very good. I used 2 lbs. of beef so I cooked it for 35 minutes. I just made the meatloaf since I had leftover roasted potatoes and I made some creamed spinach.
When I formed the meatloaf I made it into a circle around a ramekin. This helped so that any of the fat juices were in the middle of the loaf.
Carol Anne says
I want to make this, but with 3 teenage boys I fear it won’t be enough. I usually use at least 2 obs of meat, sometimes 3 pounds. Would it work to just cook it longer?
Nancylynn says
Yes – just add a couple of minutes more! What size Instant Pot do you have?
Jessica Stern says
This was so easy and amazing! Thanks
Nancylynn says
AWESOME!!!! <3
Sharon A Cox says
What other veggies could you use in place of the carrots without changing cooking times?
Nancylynn says
That’s a tough one…most veggies will not hold up to such a long cook time. Perhaps turnips or parsnips?
Isa S. says
My meatloaf was not cooked all the way through and I only used 1 pound not 1.5 pounds of meat. I have the 6 qt duo. Anyone know why it didn’t work right? Super bummed, hungry and still waiting to eat…
Shelly Gahagan says
? I just made this for the first time. Hands down the best meatloaf ever. I did add my own spices but I prepared it as noted in the recipe and I broiled it as suggested. The texture of the meatloaf is incredible. The potatoes cooked perfectly and were delicious. I added a tsp of crushed rosemary to the chicken broth and wow!!! Thank you so much for this recipe. This will be in the meal rotation weekly. It’s really that good. My husband made himself sick because he could not stop ? eating.
Nancylynn says
Well this just made my morning!! Hope your husband recovered, lol – I have totally been there! <3
Teresa D says
Do you think this would work the same if my meatloaf is in an aluminum pan?
Nancylynn says
Yes!
RemingtonH says
OK I made this last night, per this recipe. Only changes were no garlic cloves with the potatoes, and I added a tablespoon of worsteshire sauce the the meatloaf.
I was really delicious, super easy, and a success (2nd or 3rd time using the Instant Pot since we just got it recently.
Next time I make it, I’ll probably omit the extra salt added to the potatoes and broth, it simply didn’t need it.
Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Nancylynn says
YAY!! This is FANTASTIC!!
Melody says
By for your response!! It turned out awesome!!! Hubby let me have 2 pieces .. he ate the rest!!!
Nancylynn says
LOL! He sounds like my hubby! I’m so glad, Melody!
Melody Tinker says
Giving this a try … using the IP-LUX, set on manual for 25 min …. but *NOTE* I have NO high pressure setting ….. will let you know
Nancylynn says
That should be fine – your only has high 🙂
Barbara Guyer says
We made this for dinner the other night and it was wonderful !! I am not a meatloaf lover, but I am now !
Nancylynn says
That is wonderful, Barbara!!
Sara Deveau says
I tried this tonight and had high hopes! I followed your directions, but my IP never reached pressure and overheated and I got an error message. When I carefully took the layers out, all of the broth was gone from the bottom and the potatoes were starting to burn. Any suggestions for next time?
p.s. All of your other recipes have turned out great!
Nancylynn says
I wish I knew for sure, but I honestly think this has to do with having a good seal…if the water was gone, that means it escaped somehow.
Barbara Guyer says
I can’t see if you mention the size pot. Would it work in a 6qt. Pot ? Just learning – thank you.
Nancylynn says
Yes! That’s what I used for this 🙂
Amanda says
We have tried at least 4 of your recipes over the past month…including this one. I was skeptical that all three layers would turn out, but this was delicious!
So far, all of your recipes have been keepers. 🙂 I love that I can stick with 21DF meal planning, but my husband and kids LOVE your meals too. Healthy, delicious, and Instant Pot…win, win, win!!
Nancylynn says
Comments like this are the BEST! Thank you, Amanda! <3
mamadama says
It is cooking now… in order to ensure meat is cooked through, i put a metal condiment cup in the middle of the meatloaf. Hopefully, that will make sure meatloaf is cooked through. I love my IP, because the whole dinner is cooking. Last night was bbq baby back ribs, finished under broiler, and corn on the cob. Yum.
Dan the man says
I’m not sure why but my meatloaf came out still pretty red inside. I’m new to the instant pot, so may be user error. Any tips?
Nancylynn says
Oh no! I really am not sure why this happens to some people – I have heard it a couple of times and can’t figure it out! How much meat did you use for your meatloaf? And are you using a 6 quart or an 8 quart?
mamadama says
I built the meatloaf around a metal condiment cup. Cooked beautifully, all the way through.
Nancylynn says
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
Meredith says
I see that you said it is 6 servings. So did you just divide it all up for 6 portions?
Also, for 80 Day Obsession, if I omit the cheese and less butter will that make this 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 red, and 1 tsp?
Nancylynn says
Exactly!!! <3
David Gordon Goshorn says
I’m definitely going to try this!
One variation I am going to try is mix and shape the meatloaf first, then brown the meatloaf in the instant pot first (to give it a good searing), remove it, then start with step 1.
That could remove the desire for the optional broil step.
Nancylynn says
Ooh – let us know how this comes out!
Steph says
I made this tonight. Followed the recipe exactly. I even weighed the ground beef. Carrots and potatoes were perfect, but the meatloaf was not cooked through. I had to finish baking it in the oven. What did I do wrong?
Nancylynn says
Hey – I am not sure. What size pot do you have?
Steph says
I have a 6 qt Duo. Thanks!
Nancylynn says
Ok, then I am really not sure? Did you use 1 1/2 pounds of meat?
Kaylee Manning says
I did the same and it came out not fully cooked. I’m so disappointed! I’m not sure how to get it to fully cook at this point, either. It looks like I’m going to be sautéing sausage to have instead of meatloaf. ?
Nancylynn says
I’m sorry – what did you do? How long did you cook it for? If it’s not fully cooked, you can put it back in the pot, no?
Louanne Camp says
Would this work with Sweet Potatoes
Nancylynn says
It sure would!
Terra says
Tried this last night… I’m not much of a cook but trying to be better about it and using the Instant Pot is helpful. Husband and I both LOVED this. Came out absolutely perfect! Thank you!
Nancylynn says
That’s great, Terra!!!!
Marcia says
Has anyone tried using ground turkey instead of beef? My daughter will be staying with me for a week and she doesn’t eat red meat.
Christy B says
Yes, I made it with 93% lean ground turkey – it was delicious! I don’t have an IP so cooked in my crockpot for 3 hours on high.
Brittany L says
I love it! Thanks for the tips! I wanted to share one back with you from my cold-pack canning experiences … no matter how tightly full I pack fresh produce in a clean jar, even small or well-packed items like cherries, okra, or beans stood long-ways, I still end up needing 50% syrup or brine for each jar, which means it was still 50% air even after packing it full to the brim! And I’m good at packing tightly! Can you still overfill a pressure cooker? Certainly! But there’s a lot more air hiding in the spaces in your layers than it looks like when it’s not full of liquid. ?
Nancylynn says
Very true! Thank you, Brittany!
Renee says
How many servings does this make?
Nancylynn says
Six
Susie says
Made this tonight. It was delicious and so much fun to make! Thanks for the recipe!
Nancylynn says
That’s awesome! I love when cooking is fun!
Wendy says
I made this, and the carrots and meatloaf turned out great. Unfortunately the potatoes stuck to the bottom of the pot and seemed under cooked. My pot did not reach high pressure. When I went to release the pressure, it was already unlocked and no pressure came out.
Nancylynn says
Ok – my first question is what size IP do you have?
alycia says
can I make this in a regular crockpot? if so how long to cook?
Nancylynn says
I’m honestly not sure! I have oven directions here: https://confessionsofafitfoodie.com/2016/11/mommas-meatloaf-21-day-fix/
alycia says
Can I make this in a regular crockpot? if so for how long
Nancylynn says
I have not tested it, so I’m not sure…but I do have an oven version on the blog! https://confessionsofafitfoodie.com/2016/11/mommas-meatloaf-21-day-fix/
Christy B says
Made this in the crockpot today! Used foil to make a ‘bowl’ for the carrots. Cooked on high for 3 hours – it was terrific!
Nancylynn says
This is AMAZING! Thank you for letting us all know! Did you mash the potatoes right in the pot?
Christy B says
I did! I left all the broth/drippings in the pan and used my immersion blender so they were super creamy. They were a little orange in color, so that freaked my kids out a little (maybe from the carrots?) but they were delicious! I also misread the recipe and used ground turkey – it was sooo good! 🙂
Nancylynn says
That is awesome! Thank you again for the great review and directions for other readers!
Colette says
How long does this typically take to come tonprrssure? Also, if I needed to double the recipe, would I need to cook longer or add more water? Newbie here, sorry if these are elementary questions!
Rocio Rubalcava says
My brother and I just made this for dinner and it was a big hit! I wish I could post a pic to show you. Everything was moist. We also put it into the broiler as you recommended. Since I like spicy, I’m thinking of adding spicy tomato sauce next time. Thank you for saving dinner tonight. I think my husband was happy to have a home cooked meal. This recipe was so easy. It didn’t feel like some big chore to me.
Kristi says
Can I do just the meatloaf? Any changes to that need to be made?
Nancylynn says
Yes! Just place it in foil on the trivet so it doesn’t touch the water at the bottom!
Lauren w says
I never thought to address cheese to meatloaf, I love pecerino in meatballs so this makes sense going to try this out soon!
Nancylynn says
Yes! It’s the way my nanny always made it! Pretty much like a big meatball :).
teresa johnson says
I’m looking forward to d to trying this. I am new go 21 Day Fix. Maybe I missed it but how many people does this feed? 2? I’m still getting the hang of the whole plan. Thanks for your help.
Nancylynn says
I hope you love it! This should give you 6 servings 🙂
Teresa says
Thank you! Making it tonight!
Nancylynn says
You are SO welcome! Enjoy!
Pat says
Did you do a container count? I must b blind because I looked twice and didn’t see it.
Nancylynn says
I have no idea where it went! But it’s updated now – thank you! It’s 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, 2 tsp, 1/4 blue!
Peggy Bekeny says
I made this recipe. The meatloaf, carrots, and potatoes were so flavorful each layer in the IP tasted so good, next time I would use more broth on the potatoes. I can’t believe a whole dinner in one pot. You are a genius, Nancylynn. I know the next IP recipe I will make I will check your website first. Quite savory and delicious.
Nancylynn says
Peggy!!! Thank you for another wonderful comment – means so much that these dinners are working out for you!! Nothing makes me happier!! <3 <3 <3
Grace Friedrich says
Meatloaf being a family favorite comfort food – I can’t wait to try this recipe! Sounds delicious!!!
Nancylynn says
Let me know if you do!!!! <3
Trish says
I made this tonight and we LOVED it! I didn’t mash the potatoes, but it is the best
One pot meal I have ever made!!!
Thank you Nancylynn! I’m a forever fan!!!
Nancylynn says
You made my day, Trish! Thank you for your comment!
Patricia Selvaggio Kiesling says
Looking forward to trying this Nancylynn!! xoxoxo
Nancylynn says
Yay!!!! Let me know if you do!! xoxoxoxo