Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe

A deliciously moist and tender Crock Pot Meatloaf with a classic tangy three-ingredient tomato glaze. This delicious meatloaf always gets rave reviews from friends and family.

Course main meal beef

Cuisine American

Keyword easy crock pot meatloaf, how to make meatloaf in a crock pot, slow cooker meatloaf

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings servings

Calories 403kcal

Author Beth Pierce

Ingredients

Glaze

¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

Meatloaf

2 lbs. ground beef
1 sweet onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
⅔ cup breadcrumbs
1 cup whole milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon marjoram or oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Stir together the ketchup, barbecue sauce, and honey; set aside.
Using your hands gently mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, parsley, crushed red pepper, marjoram, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Place a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil in the bottom of your crock pot. Add the meatloaf mixture and shape it into a loaf. Brush on a layer of the glaze. Cover the crock pot and turn to low.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Baste it several times with the sauce. Once fully cooked carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crock pot using the aluminum foil. Place it on a baking sheet and very carefully using the foil drain off the excess moisture and fat.
If desired place under the broiler for a few minutes to seal the glaze and lightly brown the top.

Notes

Store the glaze covered in the refrigerator when not in use.
Avoid tasting the glaze after brushing on the meatloaf to avoid any cross-contamination with raw meat.
Do not use lean ground beef for meatloaf. I always use 80/20 which is 80% lean and 20% fat. Fat gives it flavor and makes it tender and moist.
You can substitute ground turkey or ground pork for the ground beef.
Always mix and form meatloaf with a gentle hand.
I recommend using the low setting on your crock pot for a more tender slow cooked loaf.
Use a meat thermometer to read when the meatloaf has reached 160 degrees. Do not overcook.
Broilers are very unpredictable, especially in older ovens. Stay close by and monitor the progress.
Let the meatloaf cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting it into slices.
Store leftover meatloaf in a zipper seal bag or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals at reduced power until warm.

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