Looking for a comfort food classic made easy? This recipe delivers a tender, moist, and flavorful meatloaf with way less effort than the oven version.

Table of Contents

Simply mix up the ingredients, shape into a loaf, and let the crockpot work its magic. No need to hover over a hot oven or fret over drying out. The moist heat and gentle simmer makes this slow cooker meatloaf impossible to mess up.

Best of all, cleanup is a breeze. With just the crockery insert to wash, this recipe is great for busy weeknights. And the hands-off cooking gives you time to make tasty sides like mashed potatoes and green beans to serve with your slow cooker meatloaf.

So ditch the loaf pan and get ready for easy, mouthwatering meatloaf. This slow cooker meatloaf recipe will become your new go-to for a homestyle family dinner or Sunday supper. Even better, you’ll have leftovers of this slow cooker meatloaf for amazing meatloaf sandwiches.

How to Make Meatloaf in the Crock Pot

Using a slow cooker to make meatloaf allows the ingredients to cook low and slow, ensuring a more tender texture. The meatloaf gently simmers in its own juices, locking in moisture. Cleanup is easy too – just one crockery insert to wash after making this recipe.

Here are some tips for crockpot meatloaf success:

Use an oval or round slow cooker – this allows you to shape the meat into a lovely loaf-shaped slow cooker meat loaf.
Spray the crock with nonstick spray before adding the meatloaf mixture.
Make sure to mix the ingredients very well before shaping the slow cooker meatloaf.
Resist opening the lid during cooking – this lets steam escape from the slow cooker meatloaf.
Allow the cooked slow cooker meatloaf to rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Store leftover slow cooker meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

The keys to delicious crockpot meatloaf are allowing enough time for the flavors to meld and keeping the lid on for even cooking. Low, moist heat prevents the meatloaf from drying out. Just a few simple tips will ensure your slow cooker meat loaf turns out tender and juicy every time.

Looking for the perfect side dishes? Try mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables with your homemade slow cooker meat loaf. And don’t forget the leftover meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Meatloaf

The ingredients for crockpot meatloaf are simple and classic. Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy slow cooker beefsteak recipe:

Ground beef – Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best texture and fat content.
Onion – Finely dice 1 small onion. The onion provides moisture and flavor.
Eggs – Eggs help bind the meatloaf mixture together. Use 2 large eggs.
Bread crumbs – Dry bread crumbs absorb excess moisture and prevent a soggy meatloaf texture.
Ketchup – Tomato ketchup or barbecue sauce gives great tangy sweetness and helps glaze the slow cooker meat loaf.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor and another layer of moisture to the meat.
Seasonings – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, etc customize the flavor.
Broth or water – Just a few tablespoons adds moisture to the slow cooker environment.

Mixing the ground beef with the onion, eggs, bread crumbs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings forms the base of the meatloaf. Shape this mixture into a loaf directly in the slow cooker crock.

Top with additional ketchup or barbecue sauce and let the slow cooker meatball gently cook until tender and juicy. That’s all it takes for delicious homemade slow cooker meatloaf!

Also Read
Crock Pot Low Carb Lasagna | Keto Taco Salad Pro
Tasty Keto Ground Beef Recipes & Meal Ideas

Step by Step Directions Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

Making crockpot meatloaf is simple with these easy step-by-step instructions:

In a large bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, 1 small diced onion, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp each salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Spray the slow cooker crock with nonstick cooking spray. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf about 2 inches smaller than the diameter of your slow cooker.
In a small bowl, stir together 1/4 cup ketchup and 1 Tbsp brown sugar. Spread this sauce over the top and sides of the meatloaf.
Cook on Low heat for 5-6 hours, until the internal temperature of the slow cooker meat loaf reaches 160°F. Do not open the lid during cooking.
Turn off the slow cooker and allow the meatloaf to rest about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps hold the slow cooker meat loaf together for neater slices.
Serve meatloaf topped with any accumulated pan juices. Store any leftovers of the slow cooker meat loaf in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – Easy Weeknight Dinner

That’s all it takes! Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. At dinnertime, you’ll have a juicy, homemade slow cooker meat loaf just waiting to be devoured.

For an even easier meal, pair your crockpot meatloaf with instant mashed potatoes and a microwaved vegetable.

What to Top My Meatloaf With?

When it comes to meatball toppings, the possibilities are endless! Get creative with your favorite flavors to top this slow cooker meatloaf.

For classic appeal, brush the cooked meatloaf with ketchup or your favorite barbecue sauce. The tangy sweetness enhances the beefy flavor of the slow cooker meatloaf.

For something decadent, melt butter and brown sugar together and drizzle over the meatloaf. The molten glaze is irresistible on the slow cooker meatloaf.

Spicy mustard and sautéed mushrooms lend a gourmet flair to this homemade slow cooker meatloaf. Ranch dressing or bleu cheese crumbles also pair nicely with meatloaf straight from the crockpot.

Ultimately, the toppings are up to you. Play around and have fun customizing each slow cooker beefsteak you make unique.

What to Serve with Meatloaf

Meatloaf makes a hearty and comforting entree, so pair it with sides that complete the homestyle meal.

Mashed potatoes – Creamy potatoes are the perfect counterpart to sliced slow cooker meatloaf.
Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus lend color and nutrition alongside the slow cooker meatball.
Buttered egg noodles – Soft noodles soak up the tasty meatloaf gravy.
Dinner rolls – Warm bread is ideal for mopping up extra sauce from the slow cooker meat loaf.
Green salad – Crisp lettuce, tomato, and onion cut the richness.

Macaroni and cheese, roasted broccoli, and glazed carrots also make excellent pairings with homemade slow cooker meat loaf. For weeknight ease, use frozen veggies.

Aim for a balance of flavors and textures on the plate. Slow cooker meatball served with a starch and vegetable or salad makes a satisfying, balanced meal.

Leftover Meatloaf Recipes

Leftover crockpot meatloaf is a great ingredient for easy meals. Here are some delicious ways to use up leftover slow cooker beefsteak:

Meatloaf sandwiches – Slice meatloaf and place on toasted bread with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.
Meatloaf omelet – Dice and add to an omelet along with veggies and cheese.
Meatloaf salad – Toss diced beefsteak into a salad for extra protein.
Meatloaf casserole – Combine with cheese, veggies, and pasta or rice.
Beef soup – Simmer diced meatloaf in tomato or vegetable soup.

Get creative and try meatloaf in tacos, nachos, pizza, stuffed peppers, or fried rice. The possibilities are endless for giving leftovers of this slow cooker meatloaf new life!

Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Forget about dry, bland meatloaf. This slow cooker recipe delivers a moist and flavorful meatloaf with minimal effort.

The crockpot allows the meatloaf to cook gently surrounded by steam, making it impossible to overbake this homemade. No need to hover and fret over achieving the perfect doneness.

Just mix up a simple blend of ground beef, onions, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasonings. Shape into a loaf, top with ketchup, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

At serving time, you’ll have fall-apart tender meatloaf bathed in rich pan juices. The hands-off convenience is great for busy weeknights or easy Sunday suppers when you want homemade slow cooker meatloaf on the table.

Even better, you’ll have leftovers of this recipe for sandwiches, salads, omelets and more. This recipe makes enough for planned repeats.

Equipment Needed:

Slow cooker (4-6 quart size)
Large mixing bowl
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon for mixing
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

That’s the beauty of slow cooker recipes like this one – you likely have everything you need already in your kitchen! A basic 4-6 quart oval or round slow cooker is perfect for meatloaf. Use a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and rubber spatula or wooden spoon for mixing. Measuring cups and spoons help get the seasonings just right. Aluminum foil can cover any leftovers of the slow cooker meatloaf.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 small onion, finely diced
2 eggs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup ketchup, divided
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon each salt, pepper, garlic powder
1-2 tablespoons chicken or beef broth

This simple ingredient list yields a flavorful meatloaf from the slow cooker. Ground beef provides the base and onion gives nice moisture and flavor. Eggs and breadcrumbs bind it together. Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings add oomph. A touch of broth prevents dryness in this easy slow cooker meatloaf recipe. Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best texture and fat content.

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well blended. Add broth if mixture seems dry.
Shape meat mixture into a loaf on a piece of plastic wrap. Transfer to slow cooker sprayed with nonstick spray.
In a small bowl, mix together remaining 2 tablespoons ketchup and brown sugar. Spread over top of meatloaf.
Cover and cook on Low heat for 5-6 hours until meatloaf is cooked through.
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve meatloaf with accumulated juices.

Be sure to mix the ingredients thoroughly before shaping the meatloaf. Cooking time may vary based on size and shape. Allow meatloaf to rest before slicing for the best results. Top each slice of the slow cooker meatball with some of the delicious juices.

Recipe Notes:

Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
For spicier flavor, add 1 teaspoon chili powder or hot sauce.
Shaping into an oval loaf helps the meatloaf cook evenly.
Letting meatloaf rest before slicing allows juices to absorb back in.
Leftover meatloaf keeps refrigerated for 3-4 days.
Get creative with additions like diced peppers, shredded cheese, or herbs. Slice leftovers for easy meatloaf sandwiches. Store leftovers of this homemade slow cooker meat loaf in an airtight container in the fridge. Freeze extras in individual slices to enjoy later.

Conclusion

Forget the fuss of conventional meatloaf. This slow cooker recipe produces a moist, tender meatloaf with minimal effort.

The simple preparation is perfect for busy weeknights when you want homemade slow cooker meatball on the table. Just assemble the ingredients, shape into a loaf, and let the crockpot work its magic. The results are fork-tender meatloaf bathed in rich gravy.

Serve sliced slow cooker meatball alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or buttered noodles for a hearty, comforting meal. Leftovers make incredible sandwiches too.

For an easy family dinner with time-tested flavors, make this crockpot meatloaf. The hands-off cooking and built-in leftovers of this homemade slow cooker meatloaf are bonuses you’ll love.