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.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
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 Favorites
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
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
i like to eat a good meat lof how ever im not good at making it and cooking books and cook books have to meney was to make it i like a simple way that i can always make in my crock pot bening single is no fun but im used to it thanks pleas send moor crock pot meat lof ways to make it
Hi Jimmy, we have a whole section dedicated to delicious crock pot meals! Check it out for some great ideas!
Have you tried making this as a freezer meal? I’m guessing that you could mix it up, form it in a ball, and freeze it. I think I would not put the glaze on it until the morning I put it in the crock pot.
I have not tried freezing it, but I’d defrost the meat completely in the fridge before popping into the crock pot (and not cook from frozen). Glazing at the time of cooking would work best.
Made this up last night with italian sweet sausage and beff with 1 bag of stuffing. Turned it on when i went to work. Came hi e to a wonderful smelling house. Meatliaf is absolutely delicious. Will definitely be making it over and over. Thanks so much for the recipes
So glad you loved is Shelgab! There really isn’t anything better than coming some to a delicious smelling house, in my opinion anyway!
Can I cook on high for 3 hours, instead of the low and slow for 6?
While I have only made it this way S, you should be able to do that.
Can I use the slow cooker liners for the meatloaf recipe??? I love them and they make 4 an easy cleanup. Thank you
I’ve only used foil, but think the liners would work Cynthia. Let us know if you try the meatloaf using the liners!
Awesome
Thanks Marie!
Getting ready to make….is there any liquid in the crockpot?
There is no additional liquid required. Enjoy AW!
Didnt like it at all. Tasted like Stuffing loaf…12oz of stuffing mix is too much
Sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy this meatloaf Margaret. Thank you for trying it. You may like to try my Best Meatloaf Recipe.
Awesome and super easy recipe! I used ground elk instead and it was delicious! Thanks for this great recipe. My kids loved it and it will no doubt become a family favorite!
I’m so happy to hear that your family loved the meatloaf so much Amber!
I enjoy great recipes, thank you.
Thanks Tracey!
Thanks so much for sharing!! This recipe is absolutely delicious!! I added 2 more items:
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
Trust me, everyone will love this!!
So glad you loved it Cindy, sounds delicious!
WAY too much stuffing mix. I recommend using half of what the recipe says. 1 box (6 oz) is plenty.
Your version sounds delicious too, thank you for sharing Melissa!
Is it re@ally 12 oz of bread crumbs? Seems like an awful lot! I have one 12 oz bag and I’m looking at the 2 pounds meat and I’m skeptical….,
I’m making this soon for dinner ( noon) today.
The recipe is correct as written. (This is using stuffing mix, not regular bread crumbs).
Could I make the recipe as is but divide it into two smaller loaves in the crockpot? Is there something that can be used other than foil in the crock pot? I don’t like cooking with foil. Maybe parchment paper? I do have crock pot liners.
While I haven’t tried dividing the loaves into two, meatloaf does freeze and reheat well. If you try two loaves, let us know how it works out for you! I’ve only used foil, but think parchment would work Deborah.
No foil necessary
Can I just transfer the ceramic croc to the oven?
Most ceramic inserts can go into the oven up to 400°F. I wouldn’t suggest broiling in the insert.
Having read that’s a big no-no, I followed your directions. Only had one box of stuffing mix, but was amazing!
Can I make this with half turkey half beef?
I have only tried this meatloaf as written, but if you use half turkey let me know how it turns out!
All the recipes look so good I want to try them all .
Thank you Lynn! So glad you found Spend With Pennies!
Can I make a half recipe? It’s just my husband and myself?
While I haven’t tried halving this recipe, meatloaf does freeze and reheat well. If you try halving it, let us know how it works out for you!
This sounds really tasty. Anxious to try it. What brand of stuffing mix did you use?
I use any brand that is on sale Lynn :)
Could I use parchment instead of foil? Don’t cook with aluminum.
I haven’t tried it with parchment paper but I think it would work Brenda.
It would work great with parchment paper just don’t have the oven over 400 degrees.
I use parchment paper for all of my baking because it is easy clean-up!!!