Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes is a delicious and convenient one-pot meal that combines two comfort food favorites into a single, easy-to-make dish. With the Instant Pot, you can prepare a flavorful, moist meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes simultaneously, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this hearty meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup ketchup, divided
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 eggs
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Potatoes:

• 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth or water
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Meatloaf:

1. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, dried breadcrumbs, 1/3 cup ketchup, finely chopped onion, eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Shape the Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit inside your Instant Pot. Place the meatloaf on a piece of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the loaf completely. Wrap the meatloaf in the foil, creating a secure packet.

Prepare the Potatoes:

3. Chop the Potatoes: Peel and chop the Yukon Gold potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
4. Add Potatoes to the Instant Pot: Place the chopped potatoes in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour the chicken broth or water over the potatoes.

Cook the Meatloaf and Potatoes:

5. Insert the Trivet: Place a trivet or steamer rack over the potatoes in the Instant Pot. Ensure the trivet legs are stable and the potatoes are not touching the meatloaf.
6. Add the Meatloaf: Place the wrapped meatloaf on the trivet. Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
7. Pressure Cook: Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Finish the Meatloaf:

8. Glaze the Meatloaf: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot and unwrap it from the foil. Spread the remaining 1/3 cup ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. For a caramelized glaze, place the meatloaf under the broiler in your oven for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

Mash the Potatoes:

9. Mash and Season the Potatoes: While the meatloaf is under the broiler, add the heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half), sour cream, and unsalted butter to the Instant Pot with the potatoes. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve:

10. Serve the Meal: Slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Cook’s Tips:

• Ground Beef: Use a blend of ground beef with some fat content (such as 80/20) for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
• Breadcrumbs: For added flavor, use seasoned breadcrumbs or add a mix of Italian herbs to plain breadcrumbs.
• Potato Variations: For a richer flavor, substitute Yukon Gold potatoes with red potatoes or russet potatoes.

Variations:

• BBQ Meatloaf: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy twist.
• Cheesy Mashed Potatoes: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mashed potatoes for a cheesy variation.

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Adjust seasoning to taste, as turkey may require additional herbs and spices for flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot? Yes, you can bake the meatloaf in the oven and cook the potatoes on the stovetop. Bake the meatloaf at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, and boil the potatoes until tender before mashing.
3. How do I store leftovers? Store leftover meatloaf and mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, delicious, and convenient meal that the whole family will love. By utilizing the Instant Pot, you can streamline the cooking process and enjoy perfectly cooked meatloaf and creamy mashed potatoes with minimal effort. Try this recipe for a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!