Crockpot meatloaf is the ultimate hands-off dinner made easy. It is slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished with a brown sugar ketchup glaze.
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Why Cook Meatloaf in the Crockpot?
- Why Make It: The slow cooker keeps the loaf moist and tender while freeing up the oven for side dishes.
- Flavor: Classic savory meatloaf with a sweet-tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze.
- Recommended Tools: You’ll just need a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Serving Suggestions: I love serving this with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, or warm dinner rolls for a simple, comforting meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: Use ground beef with a bit of fat for the best flavor and moisture, as very lean beef can result in a firmer, drier loaf.
- Stuffing Mix: Stuffing mix is such an easy shortcut that brings seasoning, texture, and structure all in one step. Savory herb is especially flavorful, but chicken or traditional herb varieties work too.
- Milk: Milk helps soften the stuffing mix and keeps the meatloaf tender and moist. Two percent milk works just fine if that’s what you have on hand.
- Variations: Swapping part of the beef for ground pork creates a softer, richer loaf. If stuffing mix isn’t available, plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of poultry seasoning work well, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce adds deeper savory flavor.
How to Make Meatloaf in a Crockpot
- Make the glaze first. Mix the meatloaf ingredients.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a slow cooker.
- Spread glaze over the top and cook on low.
- Add more glaze and broil (full recipe below). Slice and serve with extra glaze.
Save It for Later
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat in slices in the microwave, in a covered skillet with a splash of water, or in the oven covered with foil.
Leftovers are great in sandwiches, bowls, or crumbled in pasta sauce.
More Comfort Food Favorties
Did you enjoy this Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion finely minced, divided
- 1 (6 ounce) box stuffing mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons ketchup glaze see below
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze
- 1½ cups ketchup
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, to make the glaze mix ketchup, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons minced onion, apple cider vinegar, and pepper, stirring or whisking to combine well. Set aside.
- Tear off a large strip of aluminum foil (heavy duty works well), and press it into the bottom and up two of the sides of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
- Add ground beef, minced onion, stuffing mix, milk, eggs, 2 tablespoons glaze, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined (being careful not to over mix).
- Shape into an oval-like shape and place into the foil lined crockpot. Top with ½ cup of the glaze, cover, and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
- When finished cooking, carefully lift out the meatloaf, using the foil overhang, and place on a baking sheet. Top with ⅔ cup of the glaze and broil until glaze is sticky and bubbly.
- Serve sliced, with remaining glaze sauce served on the side for drizzling.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Main Course
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Hi! I’m looking for more easy slow cooker dinner ideas like this meatloaf recipe. What are your favorite simple crockpot meals for busy weeknights? I’d love suggestions for recipes that are family-friendly and don’t require too much prep time. Thanks in advance!
Some of my favorites are Crockpot Chili, Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Peanut Noodles. You can see all my slow cooker recipes here!
This is outrageously good ! Had our grandson’s soccer tournament today so decided to try it , followed recipe exactly as stated , gobbled up by everyone 6 hours later! thank you for this easy delicious recipe!
Modified slightly. Reduced milk. Added chopped carrots and celery added small amount grated Parmesan Was delicious. Not too moist.
Moist but not very flavorful, even with the stuffing mix
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t love this recipe as much as we do. Thank you for trying it Verline.
This slow cooker meatloaf is one of the best meatloaves I have ever made or tasted! Husband & family also loved every bite & decided we need this every week. THANK YOU for this recipe!
JoAnn
Thank you for posting! I made this yesterday using your basic recipe but changed a bit, so I thought I’d comment for others to try.
I only used 1/2 cup milk but added a third egg. I also added 2 cloves garlic, 2 stalks celery and a can of sliced mushrooms, all diced small. It fit perfectly into a 9×9″ glass pan in my counter convection oven. Halfway through I tipped off some of the grease accumulating on the sides. I let it cool, then cut and froze half. You could halve the recipe if you add in some veg and it would fit nicely in a loaf pan.
I could only find a chicken Stove Top box – not much flavour, so next time I’ll try a different one.
Made as directed, except I swapped out the apple cider vinegar for balsamic and mixed in some red pepper flakes., then I put the loaf in my 6 qt. crockpot and cooked on Low for 6 hours. The last time I made a loaf in the oven, it splattered so much I was forced to clean it afterwards. And bachelors hate to clean! Two thumbs UP!
I’m definitely making this again. I had dental work and need soft food and remember how amazing this was. I had bbq sauce and used it instead of chili sauce. Well letting the flavors soak in and being soft are what I need, something that’s also really yummy, and this fits the bill. Can’t wait to do it again. Hubby loved it so he won’t mind.