Description
This Crockpot Meatloaf recipe offers a tender and flavorful comfort food classic, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. Enhanced with a tangy and sweet ketchup-based glaze, it’s a hands-off meal that yields moist and delicious meatloaf slices, perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
Glaze
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare Crockpot: Line the Crockpot with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, garlic powder, and eggs thoroughly until evenly mixed.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape ensuring it is compact and even for uniform cooking.
- Place in Crockpot: Transfer the formed meatloaf to the prepared Crockpot, placing it gently to maintain its shape.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low heat for approximately 3 hours, allowing the meatloaf to cook evenly and become tender.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the meatloaf is cooking, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small dish until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze: Remove the lid from the Crockpot and spread the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, adding a sweet and tangy finish.
- Optional Broil for Finish: For a caramelized crust, carefully transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet and broil in the oven for 4-5 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly browned.
Notes
- Line the Crockpot with foil and spray with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier.
- You can substitute ground beef with a mixture of beef and pork for added flavor.
- The optional broiling step enhances the glaze’s texture and appearance but is not necessary.
- Ensure the meatloaf is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
- If your Crockpot runs hot, check the meatloaf at 2.5 hours to avoid overcooking.
