Crockpot Meatloaf

This Crockpot Meatloaf is tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does the hard work, leaving you with a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time

• Slow-cooked for maximum tenderness and flavor

• Sweet and tangy glaze adds the perfect finishing touch

• Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping

• A family-friendly comfort food classic

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatloaf:

• Lean ground beef

• Sweet onion, diced

• Garlic clove, minced

• Egg

• Panko breadcrumbs

• Tomato paste

• Italian seasoning

• Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt

• Ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup

• Light brown sugar

• Balsamic vinegar

• Dijon mustard

directions

1. Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil and set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined.

3. Transfer the mixture into the slow cooker, shaping it into a loaf.

4. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

5. Spoon half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Cover and cook on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6–7 hours, until the meatloaf reaches 160°F.

6. Lift the meatloaf out using the foil and transfer to a baking sheet. Broil for 3–4 minutes until the glaze caramelizes.

7. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 7 hours 30 minutes

• Total time: 7 hours 40 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze.

• Cheesy Center: Stuff the middle with mozzarella or cheddar cheese before cooking.

• Veggie Boost: Mix in finely grated carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

• Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the loaf, cover, and refrigerate overnight before cooking.

Do I need to use foil in the slow cooker?

Foil makes it easier to lift the meatloaf out, but you can cook directly in the insert.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work as substitutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but use a large slow cooker and increase cooking time slightly.

How do I know the meatloaf is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer—160°F is the safe internal temperature for ground beef.

Can I skip the broiling step?

Yes, but broiling helps caramelize the glaze and adds extra flavor.

What sides go best with meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

What type of beef works best?

Lean ground beef (around 85–90% lean) gives the best balance of flavor and tenderness.

Can I use a different glaze?

Absolutely—try barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even marinara for a twist.

Conclusion

Crockpot Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food made easier with the slow cooker. Juicy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, it’s a hearty dinner that will please the whole family. With minimal prep and flexible variations, this recipe is a keeper for weeknights and gatherings alike.

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