Meatloaf with Tomato Sauce (Instant Pot)

Make this incredibly Juicy Umami Instant Pot Meatloaf soaked in flavourful tomato sauce. Easy satisfying meal bursting with smoky cheesy flavours.

1½ lb lean ground beef (680 g)
6 strips bacon, minced (roughly 80 g)
1 medium onion, roughly chopped
6 cloves garlic, roughly minced
2 extra large eggs, beaten
1½ tsp. dried oregano
1½ tsp. fennel seed, ground
¾ tsp. Worcestershire sauce
¾ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. black pepper, freshly cracked
¾ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup milk
2 oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (55 g)
1.2 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (35 g)

Tomato Sauce:
2 cups chicken stock (500 mL)
1½ cup tomato sauce (398 mL)
2/3 cup tomato paste (156 mL)
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. dried oregano

Mix Meatloaf:
Combine all the meatloaf ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Add the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients, and mix well with your hands. Do not overmix.

Test Seasoning:
Test the seasoning by cooking a small portion of the meat mixture on a skillet over medium-high heat. Taste and add more seasoning if necessary.

Shape Meatloaf:
Gently pack the meat mixture to form a meatloaf. Make sure the meatloaf can fit into your pressure cooker (Reference: Our meatloaf's thickest part was almost 4" thick).

Form Foil Sling:
Fold a piece of aluminum foil into a long strip to form a sling. Make sure it is wide enough to hold the whole meatloaf. This will help you transport the meatloaf easily.

Make Easy Tomato Sauce:
Combine all the tomato sauce ingredients together in the pressure cooker. Mix well until the tomato paste dissolves into the tomato sauce mixture.

Pressure Cook Meatloaf:
Place a steamer rack in Instant Pot pressure cooker. Place the aluminum foil sling on the rack and carefully place the meatloaf on top of it. Pressure cook at High Pressure for 16 minutes, then Full Natural Release.

Preheat Oven:
While the meatloaf and tomato sauce are cooking, preheat oven to 450°F.

Set Aside Meatloaf:
Remove the meatloaf by carrying the foil sling. Confirm the meatloaf's internal temperature is at least 160°F with a food thermometer and set aside.

Apply Sauce and Finish in Oven:
Heat up the pressure cooker over medium-low heat. (Instant Pot: press Sauté, then Adjust button to Sauté More Function) Bring the tomato sauce to a simmer and reduce until desired consistency (roughly 5-8 minutes). Brush the thickened tomato sauce over the whole meatloaf with a silicone basting brush. Place the meatloaf in the oven on the top rack for 10-15 minutes.

Serve Instant Pot Meatloaf:
Serve the Instant Pot Meatloaf immediately.

Tip for Serving Sauce:
If you want to serve your favourite pasta or side dish with the easy tomato sauce, make sure to season the tomato sauce with kosher salt and black pepper, freshly ground first.

Makes 4-6 servings.