Crockpot Meatloaf

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Description

Crockpot Meatloaf is a classic comfort-food dinner made with tender ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, milk, and simple seasonings. The meatloaf cooks slowly in the crockpot, allowing it to stay moist and flavorful while the ketchup topping creates a delicious, slightly sweet glaze. It is an easy set-it-and-forget-it meal that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes and green beans.

Full Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 6 hours 25 minutes on LOW
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup ketchup, divided
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. Mix gently: Use clean hands or a spoon to gently combine everything until evenly mixed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
  3. Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a compact loaf that will fit comfortably inside your crockpot.
  4. Add to the crockpot: Lightly grease the crockpot and carefully place the meatloaf inside.
  5. Add the topping: Spread the remaining ¼ cup ketchup evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  6. Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Rest before slicing: Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
  8. Serve: Slice and serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Ground beef with some fat, such as 80/20, helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
  • Do not overmix the ingredients.
  • The meatloaf may release some liquid while cooking; this is normal.
  • For easier removal, you can line the crockpot with a sling made from heavy-duty foil or parchment paper.
  • Always check the internal temperature in the center of the meatloaf.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Meatloaf

  • Better flavor: Sauté the chopped onion for a few minutes before adding it to the meat mixture.
  • Moist texture: The milk and eggs help keep the meatloaf tender.
  • More glaze: Add a little extra ketchup during the final 20–30 minutes if you prefer a thicker topping.
  • Easy slicing: Let the cooked meatloaf rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
  • Leftovers: Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this meatloaf with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Steamed or roasted green beans
  • Corn
  • Roasted carrots
  • Peas
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Dinner rolls

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving, based on 6 servings:

  • Calories: ~430 kcal
  • Protein: ~30 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~25 g
  • Fat: ~24 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~9 g
  • Fiber: ~1–2 g
  • Sugar: ~7 g
  • Sodium: ~850 mg

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary depending on the ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and other brands used.

Benefits

  • Protein-rich: Ground beef and eggs provide a good amount of protein.
  • Easy preparation: Most of the work is done before the meatloaf goes into the crockpot.
  • Balanced meal: Pairing it with vegetables and a wholesome side creates a satisfying dinner.
  • Family-friendly: The mild seasoning and ketchup glaze make it appealing to both adults and children.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for quick meals.

Recipe Q&A

Can I make Crockpot Meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare and shape the meatloaf ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be substituted, although the finished meatloaf will be leaner and may have a slightly different texture.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
It may have been sliced before resting, or the mixture may not have had enough binding ingredients. The breadcrumbs and eggs help hold the loaf together, while resting after cooking makes slicing easier.

Can I cook it on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 3–4 hours, but always verify that the center reaches 160°F (71°C).

How long should meatloaf rest before slicing?
Allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Can I freeze leftover meatloaf?
Yes. Once cooled, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.

What goes well with Crockpot Meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes and green beans are classic choices, but roasted vegetables, corn, peas, or dinner rolls also work wonderfully.

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