Crockpot meatloaf is the moistest meatloaf you will make, because the gentle, steamy heat of the slow cooker keeps it from drying out. A simple mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg and onion is shaped into a loaf, cooked on a foil sling, and finished with a sweet and tangy glaze.
It is classic comfort food with no oven needed.
Why You Will Love This Crockpot Meatloaf
- Never dry. Moist slow cooker heat.
- Oven stays free. Bake a side at the same time.
- Easy to lift out. Thanks to the foil sling.
- Great leftovers. Meatloaf sandwiches are the best.
Ingredients for Crockpot Meatloaf
- Ground beef: 2 lb (900 g) of 85% lean. Leaner beef can be dry; fattier beef can be greasy.
- Panade: Breadcrumbs soaked in milk keep the meatloaf tender.
- Glaze: Ketchup, brown sugar and cider vinegar.
How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
Step 1: Make a sling
Fold a long piece of foil into a 3-inch-wide strip and lay it across the slow cooker, up both sides.
Step 2: Mix
Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes. Add the beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and parsley, and mix gently with your hands.
Step 3: Shape
Shape into an oval loaf and set it on the sling.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 5: Glaze
Mix the glaze and spread over the top. Cover and cook 30 minutes more, or lift out and broil 3 to 5 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Meatloaf
- Do not overmix. Overworked meat makes a dense, tough loaf.
- Grate the onion. It melts into the meatloaf and adds moisture.
- Use a thermometer. Pull it at 160°F.
- Drain the fat. Tilt the loaf on the sling and spoon off fat before glazing.
What to Serve with Crockpot Meatloaf
Serve with crockpot mashed potatoes or crockpot baked potatoes and green beans.
Easy Variations
- Turkey meatloaf. Use ground turkey and add 2 tbsp olive oil.
- BBQ glaze. Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup.
- Cheesy. Mix in 1 cup shredded cheddar.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Freeze slices up to 3 months.
Equipment I Used
- 6-quart oval slow cooker: the right size for this recipe. Fill it between half and two-thirds full for even cooking.
- Wooden cutting board with handle: for slicing and serving right at the table.
- Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons: for sauces and spice blends.
- Large airtight food storage container: for leftovers and freezer portions.
New to slow cooking? The Easy Slow Cooker Recipes guide is a beginner-friendly collection of easy crockpot breakfasts and dinners.
Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Fold a long piece of foil into a 3-inch-wide strip and lay it across the slow cooker, up both sides.
- Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes. Add the beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and parsley, and mix gently with your hands.
- Shape into an oval loaf and set it on the sling.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Mix the glaze and spread over the top. Cover and cook 30 minutes more, or lift out and broil 3 to 5 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Crockpot Meatloaf FAQ
Can you cook meatloaf in a crockpot?
Yes. It cooks in about 5 to 6 hours on LOW and stays very moist.
How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Use eggs and a breadcrumb panade, lift it with a foil sling, and rest it 10 minutes before slicing.
What temperature should meatloaf be?
160°F in the center for ground beef.
Can I put potatoes under meatloaf in the crockpot?
Yes. Put baby potatoes under the sling; they cook in the same time.
