Instant Pot Turkey Meatloaf

My family loves my meatloaf! I’ve used the same recipe my mom made years ago and make it at least once a month, usually more. Ever since I got my electric pressure cooker I have making almost all of my meals in it so last weekend I tried this Instant Pot turkey meatloaf and it came out great!  Smothered in some barbecue sauce it was a hit and worked great for leftovers too! Definitely one of our favorite healthy Instant Pot recipes!

Everyone agreed it tasted just like my oven version but took just a fraction of time to cook. Yes we typically make this old fashioned dish with ground beef but if you too are looking for a healthier alternative, this is it!!

In the past I had cooked Instant Pot Frozen Ground Turkey to make spaghetti. For this you need it defrosted or a fresh pound as you see here below. That way you can mix with some egg, breadcrumbs and other seasonings and form into a loaf to steam!

Ground Turkey Meatloaf Ingredients

You are going to want to start out with a pound of lean Ground Turkey like you see here is a lighter color than it’s beef counterpart. You could use ground chicken like we did with our Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf if you would rather.

1. Bread crumbs, we like Italian so it adds to the seasonings
2. Egg will bind everything together nicely
3. Ranch dressing mix (powdered found in a packet at the store when you’re grabbing your ground turkey)
4. Onion (can use dehydrated minced if you don’t have fresh)
5. Worcestershire sauce gives it a pop of yum
6. Barbecue sauce (to top, or ketchup if you prefer)
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Cup of water on the bottom will allow the loaf to steam

Equipment Needed

You’ll want a large bowl or small bowl will be needed to mix everything together. I use a 6″ springform pan, cover it with foil, and set it on a trivet to cook. This is a handy pan to have as I’ve cooked dinners such as this one, as well as cakes in it too.  I don’t think I’m any different when I say I am a busy mom who doesn’t have a lot of time to cook.

If you’re looking for some comfort food, but focusing on lean sources of protein, this Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey is a great choice! Found at your local grocery store it is raised free range on a certified organic vegetarian diet, and always free of added hormones and steroids.  It’s the only California-grown, organic, fresh ground turkey.

How to Make Turkey Meatloaf in a Pressure Cooker

You are going to want to Put all ingredients in a bowl (EXCEPT bbq sauce) and mix together. I use my hands typically to make sure it is all incorporated together but that is up to you.

• Spray springform pan with a bit of non stick spray so it slides out when done.
• Put your meatloaf inside and gently press so it is the same thickness across the pan.
• Cover the top with aluminum foil so it won’t get wet
• Put 2 cups of water inside your Instant Pot
• Place a trivet in the center of the pot
• Lower your pan down with on to your trivet.
• Put your lid on and close, close steam valve too.
• Set to high pressure for 20 minutes if using a 6″ pan
• Instead of a quick release, do a slow release of steam
• Remove the meatloaf and spread sauce or gravy over the top and serve.

Cooking Tips

Note: When I say slow pressure release below I mean that I move the valve ever so slightly so it comes out slowly.

Can you add potatoes?

Just 30 minutes later and it’s done!! Now if you want to make this with taters you have two choices. You can make in stackable pans like we did our pressure cooker meatloaf and potatoes together! Another choice is to make our pressure cooker mashed potatoes in another pot and sesrve together.

Generally I serve everyone and pour some on top of their piece. The reason I do it that way is for leftovers. I try to use all of the food I make and not let any go to waste. I have made many things with my leftover meatloaf and this one is no exception.

Of course you are free to use our recipe and cook it in a loaf pan in the oven at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes or until it reaches the desired “doneness” you like, but here we will explain how to make it faster. I have 3 busy children and both of us work full time so any time I can create a healthy dinner in about 25 minutes I’m game. Here’s our meat mixture prepared and ready for a short cook time.

If you’re wondering why I just don’t put it in my oven I do sometimes. However in the summertime when it is 110 degrees outside I am NOT turning on my oven for anything. That is when using a pressure cooker or making smoked meatloaf is key.

Leftover meatloaf recipes

Spaghetti (cut up leftovers into small pieces and throw it in to add meat into your sauce) – like our Instant Pot spaghetti If you have a Foodi you can make this Ninja Foodi meatloaf in that too.

• Lasagna (add meat to sauce) – or our pressure cooker lasagana casserole
• Omelettes (add chopped up leftover meatloaf inside your egg with cheese for a heartier breakfast)
• Sandwiches (slice leftovers inside rolls for a meatloaf sandwich with ketchup on top)