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You know, some meals just feel like coming home. For me, that’s often a classic meatloaf. It’s warm, comforting, and a favorite for many families.

I get a lot of questions about how to make the best meatloaf, or how to switch it up. So, I put together this handy guide with four different meatloaf recipes. You’re sure to find a new way to enjoy this simple, hearty dish!

Jump to Recipe:

• 1. Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe
• 2. Keto Meatloaf Recipe
• 3. Meatloaf Sliders Recipe
• 4. Muffin Tin Meatloaf Recipe

Instant Pot Meatloaf Recipe

Making meatloaf in your Instant Pot is a game-changer for weeknights. It cooks up so much faster than in the oven and still comes out perfectly tender and full of flavor.

Key Ingredients & Tips for Instant Pot Meatloaf

• Meat Choice: Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for the best moisture and flavor. Leaner beef can dry out more easily.
• Binder Basics: Breadcrumbs and an egg are important to help your meatloaf hold its shape while cooking under pressure.
• The Glaze: Don’t skip the ketchup-based glaze; it adds a nice finish and a touch of sweetness that really complements the meat.

What You Need for Instant Pot Meatloaf

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for glaze
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth or water

⏱️ Time: 45 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 Servings

How to Make Instant Pot Meatloaf

Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Do not overmix, as this can make your meatloaf tough.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare for Cooking

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place a trivet in the bottom of your Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of beef broth or water. Carefully place the meatloaf on the trivet.

Step 3: Pressure Cook the Meatloaf

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set the vent to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release any remaining pressure.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot. Spread extra ketchup or your favorite glaze over the top. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

📝 Final Note

Letting your Instant Pot meatloaf rest after cooking helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender when you cut into it.

Keto Meatloaf Recipe

If you’re watching your carbs, this Keto Meatloaf recipe is perfect for you. It keeps all the classic comfort of meatloaf without the added sugars or starches.

Key Ingredients & Tips for Keto Meatloaf

• Low-Carb Binders: Instead of breadcrumbs, almond flour or crushed pork rinds work wonderfully to bind the meat mixture without adding carbs.
• Sugar-Free Glaze: Use a sugar-free ketchup or make your own glaze with tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a keto-friendly sweetener.
• Fat Content Matters: Stick with 80/20 or even 70/30 ground beef to ensure your keto meatloaf stays juicy and doesn’t dry out during baking.

What You Need for Keto Meatloaf

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or fattier)
• 1/2 cup almond flour or crushed pork rinds
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup, plus more for glaze
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (check for sugar-free if strict keto)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

⏱️ Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 Servings

How to Make Keto Meatloaf

Step 1: Prep and Mix Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour (or pork rinds), egg, onion, garlic, almond milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar-free ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Meatloaf

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet. Spread extra sugar-free ketchup over the top for a glaze. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 3: Rest and Serve Your Keto Meal

Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together better and keeps it moist. Serve warm with your favorite low-carb sides.

📝 Final Note

Always check the labels of your ingredients, especially for ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, to make sure they are truly sugar-free and keto-friendly.

Meatloaf Sliders Recipe

Meatloaf Sliders are such a fun way to enjoy meatloaf, especially for parties or a casual dinner. They’re portion-controlled and easy to eat, making them a crowd-pleaser for sure.

Key Ingredients & Tips for Meatloaf Sliders

• Small Portions: Form your meatloaf mixture into small, thin patties that will fit perfectly on slider buns. This ensures even cooking and easy assembly.
• Flavorful Toppings: A slice of cheese, a pickle, and a dollop of extra ketchup or a zesty sauce can elevate your sliders.
• Slider Bun Choice: Brioche slider buns add a nice touch of sweetness and richness, but any small dinner roll will work well.

What You Need for Meatloaf Sliders

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for topping
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 slider buns
• 12 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
• Pickle slices, for serving

⏱️ Time: 1 Hour🍽️ Yields: 12 Sliders

How to Make Meatloaf Sliders

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined.

Step 2: Form and Bake Patties

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and form them into small, thin patties, similar in size to your slider buns. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. For a glazed top, spread a little extra ketchup on each patty halfway through baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Sliders

If using cheese, place a slice on each hot meatloaf patty right after removing from the oven and let it melt for a minute. Toast your slider buns if you like. Place a meatloaf patty on each bun, add a pickle slice, and any other toppings you enjoy.

📝 Final Note

For an even richer flavor, brush the slider buns with melted butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder before toasting them.

Muffin Tin Meatloaf Recipe

Muffin Tin Meatloaf is a brilliant way to make individual portions. These mini meatloaves cook quickly, are easy to serve, and make cleanup a breeze.

Key Ingredients & Tips for Muffin Tin Meatloaf

• Grease Your Tin: Make sure to lightly grease your muffin tin cups or use paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
• Even Filling: Fill each muffin cup evenly to help all the mini meatloaves cook at the same rate and come out consistently.
• Glaze Timing: Add the ketchup glaze towards the end of the baking time. This lets it get sticky and delicious without burning.

What You Need for Muffin Tin Meatloaf

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp ketchup, plus more for glaze
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Muffin tin

⏱️ Time: 45 Minutes🍽️ Yields: 12 Mini Loaves

How to Make Muffin Tin Meatloaf

Step 1: Get Ready and Mix

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, milk, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Fill the Muffin Tin

Divide the meatloaf mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups. You can use a scoop to make sure they are similar in size.

Step 3: Bake and Glaze

Bake for 20-25 minutes. At the 15-minute mark, take the tin out of the oven and spread a small amount of extra ketchup over the top of each mini meatloaf. Put them back in the oven to finish baking.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once the mini meatloaves are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F or 71°C), remove the tin from the oven. Let them cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing them and serving.

📝 Final Note

These mini meatloaves are excellent for meal prep! Cook a batch and keep them in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.