Ingredients
- Meatloaf:
- 2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced sweet onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- Meatloaf Sauce:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Line your slow cooker with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well-blended—do not over mix.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meatloaf mixture into the slow cooker, shaping it into an oval loaf (or round if using a round slow cooker).
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
- Cook the Meatloaf: Spoon half of the glaze over the meatloaf, coating it evenly. Cover and cook on High for 3-4 hours or on Low for 6-7 hours. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F.
- Broil the Meatloaf: Once cooked, use the foil to lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet. Transfer to the oven and broil on High for 3-4 minutes until the glaze begins to caramelize.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze.
Notes
- Slow Cooker Tip: You can use a round or oval slow cooker for this recipe. Just shape the meatloaf accordingly to fit your slow cooker size.
- For Extra Flavor: Add chopped herbs like parsley or thyme into the meatloaf mixture for added flavor.
- Freezer-Friendly: The meatloaf can be made ahead and frozen before or after cooking for an easy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: undefined
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: undefined
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
