Crockpot meatloaf is a comforting and hearty dish that makes for the perfect family meal. With its savory flavors and tender texture, it’s a classic favorite that many enjoy. What makes this recipe even better is that it cooks slowly in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and making it incredibly easy to prepare.
Why Make This Recipe
Making meatloaf in a crockpot is a great choice for busy days. It requires minimal hands-on time and lets you focus on other tasks while it cooks. You can throw all the ingredients together, set it, and forget it! Plus, this recipe yields a moist, flavorful meatloaf that’s hard to resist. It’s also a simple way to feed a crowd or have leftovers for the week.
How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (no leaner than 85%)
- 1/2 onion, (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, (chopped)
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Directions
- Line the inside of a crockpot with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the meat mixture into a large oval with your hands and place it on top of the foil in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Brush half of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf. Save the other half for later.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Make sure the beef is cooked throughout and reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Once cooking is done, top the meatloaf with the remaining glaze mixture.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve with the leftover glaze sauce on the side for drizzling.
How to Serve Crockpot Meatloaf
Crockpot meatloaf is best served warm and sliced. Pair it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a salad for a complete meal. Drizzle the remaining glaze on top for an added burst of flavor. Everyone will enjoy this comfort food classic!
How to Store Crockpot Meatloaf
To store leftover meatloaf, let it cool completely. Then, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can freeze leftover slices for up to 3 months. Simply let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
- Choose ground beef that is no leaner than 85% for the best flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different herbs or spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Line the crockpot with foil for easy cleanup!
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding in additional ingredients like chopped bell peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. For a sweeter glaze, try adding more brown sugar or a dash of honey to the topping mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of meatloaf.
2. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can mix in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Can I cook this meatloaf on high and will it be just as good?
Yes, cooking on high for 3 hours works well too! Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating.
Crockpot meatloaf is not only easy to make, but it’s also a delicious meal that everyone in the family will love. Enjoy the simplicity of this recipe and the comforting flavors it brings to your table!
Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (no leaner than 85%)
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup ketchup For glazing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar For glazing
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar For glazing
Instructions
Preparation
- Line the inside of a crockpot with foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the meat mixture into a large oval and place it on top of the foil in the crockpot.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, balsamic vinegar, and brown sugar. Brush half of this mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Serving
- Once cooked, top the meatloaf with the remaining glaze mixture, slice, and serve warm with the leftover glaze sauce on the side.
