When it comes to comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a classic meatloaf. It’s one of those dishes that takes you straight back to cozy nights at home, the scent of dinner wafting through the air, and the promise of a hearty, satisfying meal. But let’s be real—traditional meatloaf requires a bit of time in the oven, and sometimes, we just don’t have the energy to heat up the whole house. That’s where this Crockpot Meatloaf comes in! You can make this juicy, flavorful meatloaf without ever turning on your oven. Plus, the slow cooking process ensures every bite is perfectly moist, with a savory glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly recipe, healthy comfort food, or an easy weeknight dinner, this Crockpot Meatloaf will become a staple in your household. It’s effortless, customizable, and makes enough for leftovers, which is always a win in my book. So, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how you can make it the star of your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a big slice of meatloaf. But when you make it in the crockpot, the tenderness and juiciness reach a whole new level. This recipe is the definition of easy comfort food. You don’t have to worry about babysitting the oven or constantly checking for doneness. Just mix the ingredients, form the loaf, and let the slow cooker work its magic. Plus, the sweet and tangy glaze that you spread on top makes it extra special—everyone will be coming back for seconds!
One of the best parts of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it based on your tastes and dietary needs. Want to lighten it up? Swap in ground turkey or chicken! Need something gluten-free? Use oats instead of breadcrumbs. This high-protein meal can easily fit into any keto meal plan or low-carb eating plan depending on the sides you pair it with.
The convenience is unbeatable, and the best part? You can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for busy families or meal prepping for the week. Not to mention, this is a budget-friendly recipe that stretches your dollar while still delivering a satisfying meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What sets this Crockpot Meatloaf apart from other meatloaf recipes is the slow cooking method. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it ensures your meatloaf stays juicy and tender, unlike some oven-baked versions that can turn out dry. The flavors are also able to meld together beautifully, with the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, garlic, and herbs creating a savory, rich profile that infuses the meat throughout the cooking process.
Then, of course, there’s the glaze. A simple mix of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard creates a sweet-savory topping that’s a game-changer. You can spread half of it on the meatloaf at the beginning of the cooking process and then add the remaining glaze toward the end to get that sticky, caramelized finish.
This recipe is incredibly hands-off, which is one of the reasons it’s perfect for those who are short on time. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or life in general, this meatloaf takes just 10 minutes of prep, and the crockpot does all the heavy lifting. The result is a delicious, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this delicious Crockpot Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra moisture)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
For the glaze:
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making this Crockpot Meatloaf is as easy as 1-2-3! Here’s how you do it:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to avoid a dense loaf.
- Shape the Loaf: Once everything is well-mixed, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. You can line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper or foil for easy removal, or simply spray the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Half of this glaze will go on top of the meatloaf at the beginning of cooking, and the other half will be added later for that perfect sticky finish.
- Slow Cook: Place the shaped meatloaf in the slow cooker and spread half of the glaze over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add the Final Glaze: About 15–20 minutes before the cooking time is up, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf and let it finish cooking. This creates that gorgeous caramelized glaze that’s the hallmark of a perfect meatloaf.
- Rest and Serve: Once the meatloaf is done, let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the slices stay together.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: It’s important to mix the meat mixture just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense meatloaf.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your meatloaf is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 160°F (71°C).
- Avoid Lean Meat: While you can use lean ground beef, using a mix of ground beef and pork will keep the meatloaf extra juicy and flavorful.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to swap out the mustard for BBQ sauce if you prefer a smoky flavor. Or, add a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a little kick!
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the meatloaf rest after cooking. This helps lock in the juices and ensures it slices beautifully.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Just make sure to add some extra seasoning since these leaner meats can be a bit bland.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the breadcrumbs for oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those on a gluten-free meal plan.
- Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Add chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheese or cubes of mozzarella inside the meatloaf for a melty surprise.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, mix in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the meat mixture or glaze.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot Meatloaf pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that complement its savory, juicy flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: No meatloaf meal is complete without mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the hearty meatloaf.
- Green Beans: For a classic pairing, serve with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Mac and Cheese: If you’re looking to up the comfort factor, mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts make a delicious and healthy side dish.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: This meatloaf goes wonderfully with a cold glass of iced tea or a nice glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Sides: For a high-protein meal, consider serving with a side of quinoa or brown rice. If you’re keeping it low-carb, mashed cauliflower or roasted broccoli would be great options.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: This meatloaf freezes well, too. Just slice it and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Assemble Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert. Then, just pop it into the crockpot in the morning for an effortless dinner.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch, slice it up, and freeze individual portions for easy meal prep microwave lunches or a quick high-protein ready meal when you’re short on time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: Mixing the ingredients too much will result in a tough, dense meatloaf. Just mix until everything is combined and no more.
- Not Letting It Rest: It’s tempting to slice into that hot, juicy meatloaf immediately, but letting it rest for 5–10 minutes ensures that all the juices stay inside and the meatloaf slices nicely.
- Using Too Lean Meat: While lean ground beef works, using a fattier mix like beef and pork will give you a much more flavorful, juicy meatloaf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cook this on high?
Yes! Cooking on high for 3–4 hours works just as well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf the night before and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert overnight. Then just cook it the next day!
Can I use foil in the crockpot?
Absolutely! Lining the crockpot with foil makes removal super easy.
Can I add cheese to the meatloaf?
Yes! Add shredded cheese to the meat mixture or stuff the center with cheese cubes for a gooey surprise.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Meat Thermometer
- Small Mixing Bowl for the glaze
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! This Crockpot Meatloaf is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation—easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/3 cup ketchup (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for glaze)
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard. Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Spread the remaining glaze on top of the meatloaf about 15–20 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
