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A juicy Crockpot meatloaf, cooked to perfection, sliced and ready to serve.

Ultimate Slow Cooker Meatloaf

This ultimate slow cooker meatloaf recipe delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful meatloaf with a delicious sweet and tangy glaze, all with minimal effort. It's a comforting classic that the whole family will love for an easy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 lean is ideal
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs panko or regular
  • 1/2 cup milk dairy or non-dairy
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper optional
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Slow cooker

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  2. Form the mixture into a compact loaf, approximately 8-9 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
Cooking in Slow Cooker
  1. Create a foil sling by crisscrossing two long, wide strips at the bottom of your slow cooker, then place the meatloaf on top. Alternatively, place the loaf directly into the slow cooker and pour 1/4 cup of water or beef broth around the sides.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Glazing and Finishing
  1. About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  2. Once cooked, spread the glaze generously over the top. Recover and cook for another 20-30 minutes to warm and set the glaze.
  3. Carefully remove the meatloaf using the foil sling if applicable. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes on a cutting board before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. The foil sling helps tremendously with easy removal from the slow cooker. Adjust cooking time based on your slow cooker; older models may vary. Always check the internal temperature for doneness.