Crockpot Meatloaf
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs
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Total Time
6 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
363 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crockpot Meatloaf
Description
The meatloaf is prepared by combining 80-85% lean ground beef with finely diced onion, minced garlic, seasonings like Italian herbs, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and optionally shredded cheddar cheese. This mixture forms a moist, flavorful base.
Shape the meat mixture into an oval to fit your crockpot, using an aluminum foil lining to ease removal and reduce grease contact. The meatloaf cooks covered on low for about six hours or high for three hours until reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Slow cooking infuses flavor and keeps the loaf tender.
Meanwhile, a glaze combining ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and mustard is mixed to top the meatloaf. After crockpot cooking, the loaf is transferred to a baking sheet, brushed with the glaze, and broiled briefly until sticky and bubbly, adding a caramelized finish.
The meatloaf rests before slicing, allowing juices to redistribute. Variations include using a loaf pan for easier cleanup or soaking bread in the serving dish to absorb excess grease. Leftovers can be reheated with added moisture to keep them tender. Milk can be substituted with non-dairy options if needed.
Ingredients
Beef mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80 to 85 lean)
- 1 small onion finely diced
- teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ground
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 egg large
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese optional, shredded
Meatloaf Glaze:
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
Make the beef mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine all the beef mixture ingredients thoroughly.
- Then, shape it into an oval that will fit into the crockpot.
- Press a large strip of aluminum foil into the bottom and up to two sides of a slow cooker, making an aluminum overhang. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook:
- Next, place the shaped meat in the pot onto the aluminum insert. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- The meat is done cooking when an instant thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 160 degrees F.
Glaze:
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients together.
Broil:
- When finished cooking, carefully lift out the meatloaf, using the foil overhang, and place it on a baking sheet.
- Using a kitchen brush, top the meat with about 1/2 cup of the glaze, then place it under the broil for a few more minutes till sticky and bubbly.
Serve:
- After cooking, place it on a cooling rack and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve sliced and warm with the remaining glaze.
Notes
- Lining the crockpot with aluminum foil helps remove the meatloaf and reduce fat contact.
- Using a loaf pan inside the crockpot can keep grease separate and simplify handling.
- Incorporating milk adds juiciness; substitute with nut milk if dairy-free.
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
- Avoid overmixing the meat to prevent toughness.
- If short on time, store-bought barbecue sauce or ketchup can replace the glaze.
- Using 80/20 ground beef provides better flavor and texture than leaner blends for meatloaf.
- Proper ratios of binding agents like eggs and bread crumbs keep the meatloaf intact.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 363 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 363kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 122mg | 41% |
| Sodium | 546mg | 23% |
| Potassium | 443mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 260IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2.1mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 78mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2.7mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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