Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe
This Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Made with ground beef, moist vegetables, and seasoned with classic spices, it cooks slowly to develop rich flavors and a tender texture. The final touch of a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze makes it an irresistible family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup diced red or green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 25 saltine crackers, crushed
- 2 lbs. 7% – 10% fat ground beef
Glaze
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, diced onion, bell pepper, ⅓ cup ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add crushed saltine crackers next and mix everything together thoroughly using clean hands.
- Add Ground Beef: Gently mix in the ground beef until the mixture just comes together, being careful not to overwork it to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and Cook: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring it holds its shape. If the mixture seems too wet, add more crushed saltines. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours without lifting the lid.
- Remove Fat: After cooking, carefully scoop out and discard excess fat from the slow cooker.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and optional Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Apply Glaze and Finish Cooking: Spoon the sauce evenly over the meatloaf in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to heat the glaze and meld flavors.
- Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the meatloaf, slice, and serve warm with your desired sides.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during the initial cooking period to maintain temperature and moisture.
- If the meatloaf mixture feels too loose or wet when shaping, add more crushed saltines to help bind it.
- The Worcestershire sauce in the glaze is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- For best results, use ground beef with 7-10% fat to keep the meatloaf moist but not greasy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, easy meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef meatloaf
Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/slow-cooker-meatloaf-recipe/
