Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

Slow cooker meatloaf is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. This recipe yields a tender, flavorful meatloaf cooked gently to lock in moisture and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze. Set it in the slow cooker and come back to a delicious dinner ready to serve.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 lbs. 7% – 10% fat ground beef
• 1 cup ketchup (for glaze)
• 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 1 tsp. mustard
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, diced onion, bell pepper, ⅓ cup ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crush the saltine crackers and add them to the mixture. Use clean hands to mix everything together well.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the bowl and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Step 3: 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. If the mixture feels too wet, add more crushed saltines until it holds together well.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking, as this will affect the temperature and cooking time.
5. Step 5: Carefully scoop out any fat that has accumulated on top of the meatloaf and discard it.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Spoon this sauce evenly over the cooked meatloaf.
7. Step 7: Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW to heat the sauce through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half the milk with beef broth in the meat mixture.
• Try adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley for a flavor boost.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce simmer on the stove for a few minutes before spooning it over the meatloaf.
• Use turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a leaner or richer variation.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I cook meatloaf on high instead of low?

Cooking meatloaf on high is possible but may result in a drier texture. It’s best to cook on low for even, gentle cooking that keeps the meatloaf tender.

Do I need to flip the meatloaf during cooking?

No, flipping is not necessary. The slow cooker cooks evenly from all sides, so the meatloaf will cook well resting on the bottom.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

This Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe offers a hearty, comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and full of classic flavors. Combining ground beef with a mix of veggies, seasonings, and a tangy homemade ketchup glaze, this meatloaf cooks low and slow in your crockpot, ensuring tender, juicy results with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a traditional American favorite without heating up the oven.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 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 black pepper
• 25 saltine crackers, crushed
• 2 lbs ground beef (7% – 10% fat)

Glaze/Sauce

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, ⅓ cup ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the crushed saltine crackers and mix everything together thoroughly using clean hands. Next, add the ground beef and gently mix until all ingredients are just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
2. Shape and place in slow cooker: Lightly spray the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it carefully in the slow cooker. The mixture should hold its shape without falling apart; add more crushed saltines if it feels too wet.
3. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours. Do not lift the lid during the cooking time, as this can slow down the cooking process.
4. Remove excess fat: When cooking time is complete, carefully scoop out and discard any excess fat that has pooled on top of the meatloaf.
5. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Spoon this glaze evenly over the meatloaf in the slow cooker.
6. Heat the glaze: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to warm through the glaze and meld the flavors.
7. Serve: Once finished, carefully remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker, slice, and serve warm. Enjoy your tender, flavorful slow cooker meatloaf!

Notes

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
• If the meat mixture is too loose, add a few more crushed saltine crackers to bind it better.
• Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking, as it can extend cooking time.
• Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• For a lower fat option, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
• The glaze is customizable—try adding a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, ground beef meatloaf