Name: Home-Style Meatloaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: ½ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 3 large eggs; 1 cup old-fashioned oats; ½ cup peeled and finely diced yellow onion; ¼ cup seeded and finely diced red bell pepper; ½ cup tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons tamari; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup water

Jump to Recipe

Country Style Instant Pot Meatloaf – is a southern weeknight staple! A combination of moist ground pork and beef make up the base of this old-fashioned meatloaf. It’s full of savory spices, onions, and peppers. Eggs and oats are used to bind it all together! It’s then topped with tangy dijon mustard mixed with a brown sugar and ketchup glaze – it’s a meatloaf recipe you’re sure to never forget!

This recipe for Home-Style Meatloaf has all of the classic flavors of traditional meatloaf, is gluten-free, and is made in an Instant Pot.

Slice of meatloaf that was made in an Instant Pot on a plate.

When I think of comfort food, old-fashioned southern-style meatloaf is at the top of my list! Actually, it’s at the top of a lot of people’s lists. Did you know that meatloaf ranks among the top 100 classic comfort foods in America? It’s great for an easy and filling family weeknight meal as well as special occasions.

Why You Should Make This Country Style Old-Fashioned Meatloaf (Instant Pot!) Recipe

It’s a wholesome, easy, and filling meal that your whole family will love.
The meatloaf is incredibly tender and moist with a sweet, tangy glaze that everyone will be talking about!
It pairs well with classic comfort foods (like mashed potatoes – yum!)
It’s an irresistible combination of flavors!

What You Need to Make This Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe:

Glaze

½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

Meatloaf

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
3 large eggs
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup peeled and finely diced yellow onion
¼ cup seeded and finely diced red bell pepper
½ cup tomato sauce
2 teaspoons tamari
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup water

Ground beef, ground pork, chopped bell peppers, seasoning, and eggs.

Equipment Needed:

Oven safe glass pan (or aluminum foil if you don’t have a pan)
Small bowl
Large bowl
Basting brush
Instant Pot
Steaming Rack (that pairs with Instant Pot)

How To Make Meatloaf in the Instant Pot

First things first, you’ll want to prepare your pan. This meatloaf can be cooked in an oven-safe glass pan (if the pan is safe for the oven, it’s safe for the Instant Pot). If you don’t have a glass pan, like me, you can make do by forming an Instant Pot-safe bowl out of foil. Make sure that the seams are sealed so that it doesn’t leak any juices. For easier cleanup, spray the inside of your pan with cooking spray.

Step 1: Start making the glaze by combining the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Set the glaze to the side.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine all meatloaf ingredients (except the water) with your hands. Form the mixture into a ball, flattening the top, then place the meatloaf into a 7-cup glass dish (or the foil bowl as I mentioned above). Brush the top of meatloaf with ½ of glaze mixture.

Step 3: Add water to the Instant Pot. Insert a steam rack and then place the glass dish on top of the steam rack. Lock the Instant Pot lid.

Step 4: Press the Meat button and cook for the default of 35 minutes. When the timer beeps, release pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Quick-release any additional pressure until the float valve drops and then unlock the lid.

Step 5: Remove the meatloaf from the pot and let cool at room temperature for 10 minutes. Gently tilt the glass bowl over the sink and pour out any liquid. Brush on the remaining glaze. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm.

Brushing the top of a meatloaf with a ketchup mixture.

Storing Your Old Fashioned Southern Meatloaf

If you happen to have any leftovers of this yummy meatloaf, they can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to freeze your cooked meatloaf, let it cool first, then make sure that it is in an air-tight container. If you want to portion it out, divide it up prior to freezing. Let it thaw completely before reheating.

Substitutions & Variations

If you want to make this meatloaf gluten-free, switch the oats with gluten-free bread crumbs.

What To Pair With Your Southern Style Meatloaf

This meatloaf pairs perfectly with potatoes – mashed, baked, roasted, au gratin, whichever style is your favorite!
Wanting to make this a true southern-style comfort meal? Add a side of cornbread or hush puppies.
If you want to pair veggies with your meatloaf, corn, or green beans, make a perfect side dish.

Just about any dessert will pair well with this Instant Pot meatloaf, but my favorite is definitely banana pudding – yum!

Country Style Instant Pot Meatloaf FAQ’s

Do I need to cook the onions prior to putting them into the meatloaf mixture?

If your onions are cut small enough, they can be placed directly into the meatloaf mixture and will cook through in the oven. If you prefer them to be softer (or you want larger pieces), you can always saute them first.

What is the best type of beef to use for this recipe?

I’ve found that a leaner beef will work better in this meatloaf recipe. The leaner the beef, the less greasy the meatloaf.

Can I use a different kind of pepper?

Of course! While red peppers are my favorite in this meatloaf, you could also try a different pepper, like a green bell pepper.

Be sure to come back and let me know how your Instant Pot Country Style Meatloaf turned out!

This homeThis home-style meatloaf is just one of many delicious gluten-free recipes that you will find in Michelle Fagone’s The “I Love My Instant Pot®” Gluten-Free Recipe Book: From Zucchini Nut Bread to Fish Taco Lettuce Wraps, 175 Easy and Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes (“I Love My” Series).

The "I Love My Instant Pot®" Gluten-Free Recipe Book

Did you catch that – 175 recipes that are gluten-free. And delicious. If you find yourself responsible for cooking for someone with a gluten allergy or intolerance, this book is a life-saver. If you are in the mood for chicken, then you should try Michelle’s recipe for Chicken Fajita Bowls (pictured below).

Got beef? Here are two other meatloaf recipes that you might enjoy:

Brown Sugar Glazed Meatloaf – The topping on this meatloaf is what sets it apart. It’s perfect for those who have a bit of a sweet tooth (like me!).
Boarding House Meatloaf – This may or may not be the same recipe as what is served at Miss Mary Bobo’s restaurant in Tennessee. Regardless, it’s a delicious meatloaf and pairs well with mashed potatoes and green beans.