This Slow Cooker Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and easy to make! Just mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, and your favorite spices, then let the slow cooker do the magic.
Who doesn’t love a warm, home-cooked meal that fills the house with tasty smells? I love making mine ahead of time and enjoying leftovers, which taste even better the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for its balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re seeking a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too! Just keep in mind it may taste lighter.
Bread Crumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs give great texture. You can swap them out for crushed crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. I sometimes use panko for an extra crunchy topping!
Milk: Regular milk is great, but you can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Just remember it adds moisture, so keep some liquid in!
Ketchup: It adds sweetness and tang. If you’re avoiding sugar, some tomato paste with a bit of vinegar can work. Personally, I love mixing a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick!
How Can You Ensure Your Meatloaf is Tender and Juicy?
Mixing the meatloaf is a crucial step. When adding ingredients, take care not to overmix, as it can lead to a tough meatloaf. Hand-mixing is best for achieving that classic texture.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk to create a moist base.
- Use a gentle folding action to combine all ingredients. This keeps the loaf tender!
- Let it sit out of the slow cooker for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture.
Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried parsley)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup ketchup (plus additional for topping)
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Meatloaf requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high) in your slow cooker. It’s a perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal that will fill your home with wonderful aromas!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the milk and softened up. It’s like giving them a delicious bath!
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the ground beef, eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, oregano, and 1/2 cup of ketchup into the breadcrumb mixture. Now the fun part: using your clean hands, gently mix everything together until well combined. Remember, don’t overmix—just enough to blend!
3. Shape the Loaf:
Shape your mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. Make sure it’s all packed together nicely so it won’t fall apart during cooking.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create a tasty glaze. Spread this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf—this gives it that classic sweet-tangy finish!
5. Cook the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf into the slow cooker. Cover it up, set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, and let it cook away. It’s best to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s done cooking, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Slice it up and serve warm with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes or vegetables. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra parsley on top for an added touch!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful meatloaf with that classic tangy-sweet glaze, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker! Happy eating!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner meatloaf. Just keep in mind that it may be a bit lighter in flavor, so consider adding extra spices or herbs to enhance the taste.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you’re out of breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with crushed crackers, oatmeal, or even cooked rice. Just ensure the moisture ratio stays balanced, so your meatloaf doesn’t become too dry or too wet.
How Can I Prevent My Meatloaf from Falling Apart?
To keep your meatloaf intact, make sure you mix the ingredients just enough to combine them. Overmixing can lead to a crumbly texture. Also, using binding agents like eggs and breadcrumbs helps hold everything together.
Can I Cook This Meatloaf in an Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), shape the meatloaf, place it in a baking dish, and bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You’ll still have that delicious glaze on top!
