Look what has returned! The Instant Pot Diaries! And because this is the second edition, I took the singular diary and made it plural. Big day around here, folks. Big day.

If you read last week’s post, you know I tried spaghetti and meatballs for my very first meal. It was an experience. So much so, I used my Instant Pot again and again. I’m a crazy person!

I also promised I would report back on the meatloaf I planned to make, and I did make it. So here I am. BUT guess what! I also made ribs in my Instant Pot! Look out, world!

OK – That’s enough sentences with exclamation points. Let’s get down to business.

Instant Pot Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes

Recipe via I Wash You Dry

This was the meal I was most eager to try after the spaghetti and meatballs. I’d seen a lot of talk about making meatloaf and mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot and how easy it was, but I needed proof. I needed to make it myself.

So, how did it turn out? Here are my quick thoughts:

• The seasoning and BBQ sauce in this recipe are great. Next time I make it I’ll probably go for a spicier BBQ sauce versus sweet, but I liked the use of BBQ sauce in the actual meatloaf (I usually use ketchup).
• I would recommend 25 minutes on Manual in the Instant Pot, versus 20. I did 20, and it turned out fine but was still a little pink in the center. Nothing a few minutes in the oven couldn’t fix, but I’ll just leave it in the Instant Pot longer next time.
• Also, don’t skip the broiling part. That really makes the ketchup concoction on top come to life.
• The mashed potatoes were the best part. I’m never making mashed potatoes on the stove ever again. I literally chopped them up (skin and all), tossed them in the bottom of the pot and forgot about them. When the meatloaf went in the oven, I mashed them up with some butter, milk and sour cream, and voila. Best thing ever.

All in all, I’d give this meal a B+. It’d be higher had I let the meatloaf cook longer in the Instant Pot, but now I know for next time. We’re learning!

Also, do you like how I couldn’t wait to eat the top of my roll until the photo was taken? Whoops.

Instant Pot Baby Back Pork Ribs

Recipe via I Wash You Dry

Talk about the diet plate, right?

Anyway, this was a meal that wasn’t supposed to happen but I was so inspired by the meatloaf that I just went for it. A trip to the store for ribs and I was in business.

Here’s what I will say about cooking ribs in the Instant Pot: Do it. Do it. Do it.

I am in no way suggesting these are better than smoking them for hours, or whatever fancy tricks y’all have, but for a quick meal, these couldn’t have turned out better. The meat literally fell off the bone, and they were so tender. I am impressed.

Once the weather gets nicer, I think you could finish the ribs off on the grill versus in the oven. I plan to try that myself.

In the meantime, give this recipe an A+++.

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Well, I promised an Instant Pot update and I stuck by my word (hooray!). I’m trying to find other recipes worth trying, but I did buy more frozen meatballs in the meantime for spaghetti.

I really wasn’t sure what to make of the Instant Pot when I first got it, but I can genuinely say I’m happy with it now. Will it replace all cooking in my kitchen? Of course not, but it’s a fun way to try new recipes and also get dinner on the table fast when I need to.

I’ll keep you posted as I continue on this Instant Pot journey. I’m going to have to try a roast at some point. Maybe some soup? The options are endless!

Erin