Crockpot Meatloaf
User Reviews
5.0
63 reviews
Excellent
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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
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My Crockpot Meatloaf is a juicy and flavorful dinner that can be easily made in the slow cooker. It is classic comfort food made with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a sweet and tangy glaze. This is one of my favorite foolproof recipes because it always turns out great and takes just a few minutes to prep. I simply mix everything together, shape the meatloaf, and let the slow cooker do the rest.
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Ingredients
Beef mixture:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80 to 85 lean)
- 1 small onion finely diced
- teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
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
- One thing I always ran into when making meatloaf in the crockpot was all that grease collecting at the bottom with nowhere to go. I used to line it with foil to keep the meatloaf from sitting in the grease, but even that was tricky to remove. Then I remembered an old trick I used when baking meatloaf, where I would lay thick, dried-out bread at the bottom to soak up the fat. I tried it in the crockpot, and while it worked, the bread turned to mush, which was fine since I was not planning to eat it anyway.
- Later, I found a better way by placing the bread in the serving dish under the meatloaf once it was cooked, letting the juices go back into the meatloaf while the bread soaked up the fat. Sometimes I even save the bread to make rich breadcrumbs or toast. I have also used a loaf pan inside the crockpot when it fits, which keeps the grease away from the meatloaf completely.
- I usually like lean meat, but for meatloaf I always use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. I use foil, bread, or a loaf pan to help drain the extra grease.
- I use milk instead of water to make the meatloaf juicier. If I need a dairy-free option, I swap in nut milk or whatever I have on hand.
- When I am in a rush, I skip making the glaze and just use store-bought barbecue sauce or ketchup. It still tastes great and saves time.
- I try not to overmix the meat mixture. Too much handling makes the meatloaf tough and chewy.
- When I reheat leftovers, I always add a little moisture like broth or water to keep the meatloaf from drying out.
- I make sure to measure carefully and use enough binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs. This keeps the meatloaf from falling apart.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
363kcal
(18%)
Carbohydrates
13g
(4%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
24g
(37%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Cholesterol
122mg
(41%)
Sodium
546mg
(23%)
Potassium
443mg
(13%)
Fiber
0g
(0%)
Sugar
11g
(22%)
Vitamin A
260IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
2.1mg
(2%)
Calcium
78mg
(8%)
Iron
2.7mg
(15%)
Nutrition 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.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
63 reviews
Excellent
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