Learn how to use egg bite molds to make mini meatloaf bites in your Instant Pot. We use half ground beef and half ground pork sausage to make a delicious, tender meatloaf bite. The bites are topped with ketchup with smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
What do you think when you hear the words "meatloaf"?
Do you have warm, comforting thoughts or did you just lose your appetite?
Meatloaf is one of those foods that we tend to have a strong opinion about. There are lots of bad meatloafs out there, that strike fear in anyone that eats them.
Luckily this meatloaf is not one of those.
No huge chunks of still raw onions - that is my meatloaf pet peeve.
No dry meatloaf you need to drink a gallon of water just so you don't risk needing the Heimlich maneuver performed on you.
This meatloaf won't just fall apart when you look at.
Did I mention that it's made in the Instant Pot using silicone egg bite molds?
How to Instant Pot Meat Loaf
The first decision that has to be made when you have decided your going to make meatloaf in the Instant Pot is how am I going to cook it? You don't just put the meat in the bottom fo the pot and cook it!
Most of the pans that we traditionally use for meatloaf don't fit in the Instant Pot.
I have seen people use a spring form pan, which isn't a bad idea. My vessel of choice is my silicone egg bite molds. Not only am I giving them another use besides just egg bites, I get to make cute, mini meatloaf.
You can read all about the egg bite molds that I use in my post on What Tools to Use with Your Instant Pot.
What's in Our Meatloaf?
Instead of using just beef, I love using a combination of ground chuck and ground pork sausage. You can use any ground sausage you like Italian or even go spicy with some Chorizo.
I have not tried this recipe yet using leaner ground beef. Since it's cooked faster in the instant Pot I think it would be less likely to dry out than if it was cooked in the oven. As I said I haven't tested that theory yet.
For every pound of meat I use I add 1 whole egg. The egg helps bind the meat together, adds moisture, and adds depth of flavor.
For sweetness and the addition of a veggie, add 1 large carrot, shredded fine. You can do this with a box grater.
For moisture retention and tenderness, breadcrumbs are added. I have also done this using Matzo meal with excellent results. Or you could use finely smashed up crackers. ½ cup per 1 pound of meat.
Don't Overwork the Meat
When you are mixing all the ingredients together, I like to combine them all at once. Then working with my hands I mix everything well enough and as fast as I can. Try not to overwork the meat - doing so will make your meatloaf bites tougher. Don't work try to be a perfectionist.
To incorporate the salt and pepper evenly. I add them in 3 part installments. I suggest doing it to your particular tastes - which means I just eyeballed!
How to Use the Egg Bite Molds
Spray the egg bite molds with some non-stick spray. It will make it easier to remove them when they are done. Fill the egg bite molds all the way to the top and cover with the lid.
My setup inside the Instant Pot is the trivet on the very bottom. Then I have a sling that makes it easier to remove the molds when done without burning yourself. I also use it when cooking a whole chicken - it's so worth it. The official Instant Pot sling works well and is of high quality.
If you don't have a sling, position the trivet on its legs so that it rises the molds out of the water. You don't want them touching the water at all. Speaking of water...
How Much Water Do You Need
When we are cooking in the Instant Pot, we are going to need water. Really in essence we are making steamed meatloaf.
I go with 1 cup of water. Too much water and your mold will be touching the water. Too little water and you may end up with a burn error. 1 cup seems to be that sweet spot.
How Long Does It Take?
I decided on 35 minutes, the first time I was experimenting with the recipe and liked how they came out, so I am sticking to it.
Make sure when you remove them you give them enough time to cook before attempting to remove them. You will notice that they do shrink up some and you may see some fat in the water. That's normal.
Spicing Up the Ketchup
Ketchup is an easy topping for meatloaf that is classic and comforting. I can't just put ketchup on and call it a day. Oh no.
We got to add something to it. Just two things though. Some splashes of Worcestershire sauce and Smoked Paprika. The Smoked Paprika from Burlap & Barrel is by far the best I ever had with a wonderful smoky flavor and a sweetness from the pepper. It's truly remarkable - and they didn't even pay me to say that!
I just brush the ketchup on when ready to serve the meatloaf bites. It's easy to do with a silicone pastry brush.
Other Dishes to Make in Your Instant Pot
Instant Pot Meatloaf Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 pound ground pork sausage
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or Matzo meal
- 2 eggs
- 1 carrot finely shredded
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- non stick spray
- 2 cups ketchup
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 10 drops Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl combine using your hands ground beef, ground sausage, breadcrumbs or Matzo meal, shredded carrot, salt, pepper, and eggs. Using a fold motion combine all the ingredients together until combined. Try not to overwork the meat, just enough to mix the ingredients.
- Spray the egg bite mold with non stick spray.
- Completely fill 2 egg bite molds with the meat. You may some leftover meat.
- Place the trivet in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water. If you have a sling add that next. Make sure the egg bite molds are not touching the bottom of the pan.
- Set to high pressure for 35 minutes. Set the pot to sealing.
- Release the pressure when complete or allow for natural release.
- Carefully remove the molds from the Instant Pot. Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing the bites.
- To remove, place a plate upside down over top of the mold. Turn the plate over. Lift the mold up, the bites should slide right out.
To make the ketchup
- In a small mixing bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Brush the ketchup onto each bite.
Notes
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My only suggestions would be to add some liquid to the pot before adding the trivet. I Tried it withlut adding liquid and kept getting a burn notice. Added water and it seems to be okay now.
Yes there should be 1 cup of water. I had it in the body of the post, but I missed that step in the recipe card. Thanks for commenting so I could notice the omission and add it to the recipe.