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This easy crockpot meatloaf recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight meal. Just mix, shape and let your slow cooker do the work. Turns out tender and juicy every time!
Can You Really Cook Meatloaf in a Crockpot?
Yes, you can! Not only can you cook a meatloaf in your slow cooker, but you will definitely want to use this cooking method from now on! Slow cooking helps lock in the juices and flavor. And, you will never have to worry about eating dry meatloaf again!
Plus, if you love eating this classic comfort food year round like my family does, you won’t have to worry about heating up your house in the summer. This slow cooker meatloaf recipe has been a game changer for us! Serve with mashed potatoes and carrots, green beans or peas for an easy dinner your family will love.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s what you need for crock pot meatloaf. Full amounts are in the printable recipe card below.
- Ground beef — Avoid very lean ground beef. An 80/20 blend works best.
- Eggs — to help bind the loaf together
- Oats — I use quick oats in place of breadcrumbs, but old fashioned oats will work.
- Ketchup — for the meatloaf mixture and for the easy glaze
- Worcestershire sauce — gives a classic umami flavor
- Spices — garlic powder, dried onion flakes, sea salt, black pepper
- Brown sugar — to sweeten the glaze
How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
First, you’ll whisk the eggs slightly in a large bowl. Then, add the meat and mix everything together. We always use our hands for this! Shape the loaf, and place in a foil pouch. Add the glaze, and cook!
Recipe Tips
Using aluminum foil makes it easier to lift the loaf out of the slow cooker and makes clean up easier.
You can add more glaze before serving. Leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes or so, and the glaze will firm up.
Don’t over work the meat when mixing everything. This will help prevent the loaf from becoming too tough.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing, so the loaf won’t fall apart.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat slices in your microwave or make a delicious sandwich!
More Meatloaves to Love
You can use your favorite recipe for this method. Some of our favorite meatloaf recipes include my mom’s recipe, my grandma’s recipe or this Italian version, this easy stuffing variation, this tomato sauce topped version and this cheesy BBQ version. You can even make mini loaves or cook meatloaf in your smoker!
Crockpot Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 crock pot
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup oats
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Whisk eggs in a large mixing bowl
- Add the ground beef and remaining ingredients, and gently mix with your hands until just blended
- Place the meat mixture onto a large piece of aluminum foil, and form into a loaf
- Add the glaze ingredients to a small bowl, and mix together until blended
- Spread glaze on top of the meatloaf, and place meatloaf in the bottom of the slow cooker
- Cover with lid, and cook for 3 hours on low or 6 hours on high or until internal temperature is at least 160℉, according to an instant read thermometer
- Lift meatloaf out of slow cooker, place on serving platter, and allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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