Crockpot Meatloaf

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot meatloaf is a delicious and easy dish that can bring comfort to any meal. Cooking it in a crockpot allows the flavors to blend together beautifully while saving you time. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle. Plus, it can feed a crowd, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.

How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 pound lean ground pork
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (or 1 small finely diced onion)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup dried seasoned bread crumbs (about 80 grams)
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Add this mixture to the meat mixture and mix just until combined.
3. Create a foil sling for your meatloaf by folding a large piece of tin foil until you have a piece about 3 inches wide and long enough to sit on the bottom of the crockpot and reach up the sides. Place it in the crockpot and spray both the crockpot and foil with non-stick spray.
4. Shape your meatloaf mixture into an oval and place it on top of the foil sling in the crockpot.
5. For the glaze, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard. Spoon about 1/3 of the glaze on top of the meatloaf. Be careful not to touch the uncooked meat with the glaze.
6. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours.
7. Check the meatloaf’s temperature to ensure it has reached a minimum of 160 degrees F. If not, continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes.
8. Scrape off any excess fat from the sides of the meatloaf and brush on the remaining glaze. Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve Crockpot Meatloaf

Crockpot meatloaf is best served warm. You can slice it and serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or any of your favorite side dishes. A drizzle of the extra glaze over the meatloaf adds even more flavor.

How to Store Crockpot Meatloaf

If you have leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. You can also freeze slices of meatloaf in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Crockpot Meatloaf

• Make sure to mix the meatloaf ingredients gently to avoid tough meatloaf.
• Experiment with adding your favorite spices or ingredients, like chopped vegetables or different cheeses.
• For a crispy top, you can briefly broil the meatloaf after cooking in the crockpot.

Variation

You can substitute the ground beef and pork with other meats, like turkey or chicken, for a lighter version. Add chopped vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make meatloaf ahead of time and freeze it?

Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and freeze it. Shape it and wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

How do I know when meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 160 degrees F for safe consumption.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can cook the meatloaf on high for about 3-4 hours. Check the temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Crockpot Meatloaf

Crockpot meatloaf is a delicious dish that combines ground beef and pork with savory seasonings, all cooked slowly for a flavorful, comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 hours hrs

Total Time 5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meat Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef You can substitute with turkey or chicken.
• 1 pound lean ground pork For a lighter option, use turkey.
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese You can use other cheeses if preferred.
• 2 pieces eggs
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Add your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder Alternatively, use 1 small finely diced onion.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Binding and Glaze

• ¾ cup dried seasoned bread crumbs (about 80 grams)
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup ketchup
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground mustard

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs and milk. Add this mixture to the meat mixture and mix just until combined.
3. Create a foil sling for your meatloaf by folding a large piece of tin foil to form a piece about 3 inches wide and long enough to reach the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Spray both the crockpot and the foil with non-stick spray.
5. Shape your meatloaf mixture into an oval and place it on top of the foil sling in the crockpot.
6. For the glaze, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard. Spoon about 1/3 of the glaze on top of the meatloaf.

Cooking

1. Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on low for 5 hours.
2. Check the meatloaf's temperature to ensure it has reached a minimum of 160 degrees F. If not, continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes.
3. Scrape off any excess fat and brush on the remaining glaze.
4. Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite side dish. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For a crispy top, briefly broil the meatloaf after cooking.