Recipe
Applesauce Meatloaf Recipe for the Instant Pot
Published: April 1, 2024
This applesauce meatloaf I whipped up in my Instant Pot is a game-changer. Moist, flavorful, and super easy to make. Trust me, it's the comfort food you didn't know you needed!
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Here's my twist, a knock-your-socks-off meatloaf, not quite your grandma's recipe. I'm thinking outside the box, blending ground beef with applesauce for an unexpected burst of tangy sweetness. Picture this, a loaf cooked perfectly in the instant pot, juicy, flavorful, with a hint of apple swirling around. Sounds intriguing, right? Hold that thought, let's dive straight into this culinary exploration!
Ingredients for Applesauce Meatloaf
- Ground beef: Provides protein and flavor, essential for a hearty meatloaf that holds its shape and is juicy when cooked.
- Applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, keeping the meatloaf tender and flavorful without the need for additional fats.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the ingredients together, absorbing excess moisture and ensuring a firm texture for the meatloaf.
- Onion: Enhances the savory flavor profile, adding depth and aroma to the meatloaf for a well-rounded taste.
- Garlic: Infuses a pungent and aromatic flavor, elevating the overall taste of the meatloaf with its rich essence.
- Thyme: Brings earthy and herby notes, complementing the other flavors in the meatloaf for a well-balanced taste profile.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of bitterness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the meatloaf with its herbal notes.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent, holding the meatloaf together and providing structure for a cohesive and well-formed dish.
Did you know that adding applesauce to meatloaf not only adds moisture but also imparts a subtle sweetness that complements the savory flavors? It's a simple twist that can elevate your meatloaf game!
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
- Instant Pot: Speeds up cooking process by pressure cooking the meatloaf to perfection in a fraction of the time.
- Trivet: Elevates the meatloaf above the water in the Instant Pot, allowing it to cook evenly.
Common Questions About Making Applesauce Meatloaf in the Instant Pot
Serves: 6 people
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup applesauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, applesauce, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and eggs until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a trivet in the Instant Pot.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.
- Once done, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Read more: Instant Pot Italian Meatloaf Recipe
Nutritional value:
Per Serving in Calories: 380 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 25 g | Total Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Cholesterol: 135 mg | Sodium: 570 mg | Dietary Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Calcium: 40 mg | Potassium: 420 mg | Iron: 3 mg | Vitamin A: 60 µg | Vitamin C: 5 mg
Prep Ahead and Storage Tips
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture as instructed and shape into a loaf.
- Cover the loaf tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Freezing Instructions
- Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
