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This meatloaf recipe in a crockpot is comfort food at it's finest! It is easy to prep and the slow cooker ensures a moist loaf every-single-time.
Meatloaf Recipe In A Crockpot
Have you ever made a meatloaf like this? We tried out this recipe for crockpot meatloaf a few years ago. When I shared it over on Facebook I was surprised at how many people asked for the recipe! With the weather starting to get a wee bit cooler, I thought this would be a good one to share if you're looking for a yummy but easy meal to whip up this weekend 🙂
This meatloaf recipe is SO incredibly easy, and if you already have a favorite meatloaf recipe, you could easily substitute it for this one. Just cook in your crock pot following these directions. I was tickled that it actually worked!
I am not a girl who typically likes meatloaf, but this is one mighty-fine. My husband loves the stuff and it was a treat for him, so if you have a meat-loaf-lovin'-man at home you'll make him very happy.
And I never think pictures of meatloaf look all that appetizing . . . but I promise, this one is good. 😉
🍴Menu Planning Note: You can also find this recipe in our Slow Cooker Menu Planning Made Easy Set!
What are the benefits of cooking meatloaf in the crockpot?
I've found that cooking a meatloaf in the crockpot makes the loaf more tender and moist. Plus, you can cook it all day and have dinner mostly done when you get home. Even though meatloaf is quick to make up it does have to bake over an hour in the oven. I don't always have that much time in the evenings.
If you're feeding a crowd, a crock pot can hold a really big meatloaf. You can line your crock with aluminum foil and fit in a pretty substantial loaf.
How long does it take to cook meatloaf in the crockpot?
It depends on how big your loaf is, but for a 1 1/2 – 2 pound meatloaf 5-6 hours on LOW heat is about all it will take. We don't recommend cooking on high because it will dry out your meatloaf.
If you have an instant read meat thermometer, check for doneness by cooking until meatloaf is at 160ºF.
How to make crock pot meatloaf:
The steps to mixing the meatloaf are the same whether you choose to bake in the oven or slow cook.
- Mix the ground beef with eggs, milk, bread crumbs, minced onion and salt. Don't over-mix here!
- Put your meatloaf in a loaf pan and sit inside the crock, or line your crock with aluminum foil and shape mixture into a loaf. That's it!
- Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours. After it's cooked through, mix together some ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon over the cooked meatloaf.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook another 15 minutes. Let the meatloaf stand 10-15 minutes before slicing.
How long do you cook meatloaf in the slow cooker?
Again, when you're cooking a meatloaf in the slow cooker, we recommend to cook on low for 5 – 6 hours. Cooking on high could make your meatloaf dry out and also increases the risk of burning on the bottom. Be sure to check the meat is cooked through before serving and let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes before you dig in!
How do I keep the bottom of my meatloaf from burning?
Meatloaf can burn on the bottom if it's cooked at too high of a temperature. The recommend temperature to bake meatloaf is 350ºF. If using a slow cooker be sure to always cook on the LOW setting.
Some people swear that placing a piece of bread on the bottom of the pan will also prevent a burnt bottom. This will also absorb some of the grease so it could possibly dry the meatloaf out. That one is up for debate!
Why did my meatloaf turn out tough?
There are a few reasons you can end up with a dry meatloaf.
1. Not using meat with a high enough fat content.
I know, I know, gross! But for this recipe you really don't want to use super lean ground beef. Go for the 85/15 or 80/20 blends.
2. Over-mixing.
Don't mix too much! If you over mix your ingredients it can really make for a tough and dry meatloaf. You'll be mixing the meatloaf a bit more before shaping it to bake so just mix until combined to start with. Also try to keep it loose (don't compress the meat too much or it will need to cook longer).
3. You didn't rest the meatloaf.
Just like a good steak, it’s best to let the meatloaf rest before cutting into it. It allows the juices to even out throughout the loaf. Let your meatloaf rest 5-15 minutes before slicing and you'll get a great textured loaf.
Can I freeze this meatloaf recipe to make later in the crockpot?
Meatloaf is actually the perfect freezer food. In fact, I usually make at least 2 meatloaves when I make one. I mean if I'm going to get my hands down in that oh-so-icky meat I might as well just do it once! Ha! 🙂
Crockpot Meatloaf
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅔ cup bread crumbs
- 2 tsps dried minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tsps brown sugar
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Combine first six ingredients in large bowl; shape into loaf.
- If you have a large slow cooker, put loaf in loaf pan and then place in slow cooker. You can cook this directly in a small slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low 5-6 hours.
- Mix together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire; spoon over meatloaf after it has cooked. Cover and cook an additional 15 minutes, or until heated.
- Let stand 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. (Be sure to let it stand, otherwise it will fall apart very easily.)
Nutrition
Looking for more yummy meals? This recipe is from week eight of our slow cooker menu plans. Not only will you get access to 12 weeks of delicious meals, but you'll also get lifetime membership in our private Facebook group.
These are the BEST MENU PLANS on the planet (and, the only menu plan that ship all the grocery lists, menu plans and recipe cards right out to you ~ no downloading or hunting down recipes on your phone at dinnertime ever again!) I know you're going to love these!
Made this crock pot meat loaf with aluminum foil in crock pot last night. Nervous about that part but came out great and was delicious. Thank you!!
Yayy ~ so glad to hear that Mary! 🙂 Happy you enjoyed it!
I make this same recipe I have for years it’s the only recipe I’ll eat for meatloaf. I love it and so does my husband. I do cook mine in the oven however. This is the only meatloaf recipe I’ve ever seen that is exactly like mine.
I love that Sue – thanks for sharing!
OK, with all of these great dishes, I may just leave the crock pot out on the counter top!!
Mine stays out at least two or three days a week during the winter Patricia! 🙂
OK, with all of these great dishes, I may just leave the crock pot out on the counter top!!
Hi I don't have a crock pot r slow cooker but I love meatloaf but I don't cook it bc it never turns out right. So if I cook it in the oven can I use these same ingrients & how long do I cook it.
Same ingredients but i add a few extras (see my post above). When i cook meatloaf in the oven I use a loaf pan. This keeps all the juices together so it stays moist. Just remember to put foil or cookie sheet underneath incase it bubbles over. I cook mine on 400 deg for 1 hour.
Sounds delicious Nicky – thank you for sharing!
YUM!! I followed recipe but did not use the loaf pan. Extras I added were: 1TBS parsley, 2 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2-4 oz cubed cheese ( I used Marble Jack). I also spread the sauce on top before cooking which enhanced the flavor of the loaf. Absolutely delish!!
So glad you liked it Nicky – thanks so much for taking the time to let me know! 🙂
This is so much like the meat loaf I make (use my mom's recipe). I never thought about cooking it in a slow cooker. Did you use a glass or metal pan? I have pyrex, not sure where my metal one is (I moved recently) lol.
I did use a metal pan Debra ~ not sure how the glass would do in the heat (although I guess they cook in the oven, right?) It might be worth trying out! You could use any recipe that you like for meat loaf and it should work fine … I was pretty surprised that it turned out well!
So, the loaf pan goes directly in the slow cooker as well while it cooks? Sorry to be dense! 🙂
Tried this tonight. I thought it was really good, and my husband went back for seconds so it must have been good 🙂 Loving your crock pot series 😀 !!
Glad you all enjoyed it!
Wow! I just made this for Sunday dinner and I will NEVER make meatloaf in the oven again. EVERYONE went back for seconds saying it was the best meatloaf they’ve ever had. Thank you for this wonderful recipe. I followed it exactly and didn’t change a thing.
Sue & Dee ~ I’m so glad you all liked it! I do see comments here on previous posts, so it’s always good to know your family enjoyed it. Thanks so much for letting me know! 🙂
I only have one pound of meat, how does this change the other ingredients? Would I only use one egg and cut down everything else?
Not sure if you’re still reading these comments but i tried this recipe yesterday (with a few minor adjustments to what I had in the house – LOL) and it was incredible! Never thought to make meatloaf in the crock pot – so nice not to heat up the oven and be home for the cooking process. I was a little skeptical about the milk (used almond milk) but it was perfect. Oh, and I doubled the recipe thinking I would freeze some – nope, by today all gone.
A friend was over last night and loved it. She did, however, suggest making enough topping to use as a sauce. Next time…
I use my crockpot at least 3x a week and make at least enough for 2 meals each time. It works out wonderfully since we both rarely get home in time to cook and it keeps us from eating junk.
You can make the meatloaf in any size crockpot with my tried and true secret….aluminum foil! If you cut a piece that’s the length of your stoneware plus a few inches and another piece the width of your stoneware plus a few inches. Fold it in half and then half again to make a thicker long strip. Place the strips to form a cross at the bottom of your stoneware, place the loaf on top of it. It keeps from having a second dish to wash 🙂
And if you’re ever in a pickle and didn’t take meat out, have no fear, you can always take frozen meat and about a cup of whatever sauce you’d like and throw that in the crockpot. Just throw some steamer veggies in the microwave when you get home and dinner is done. I’ve done this with bbq sauce, frank’s hot sauce, a1, and even marinades and oil based dressings.
Laurie, I have to tell you that I am so excited about this series! (I like to use my crock pot, but really don’t all that often and would like to more.) In fact, I am making one of my family’s favorite meals using the crock pot tomorrow for the super bowl – Italian beef sandwiches – which happens to be your recipe!! My husband and son just love them! So I can’t wait to see what else you have to share!! Thanks so much.
I’m pretty excited about it too! There are so many good recipes out there, and the crockpot just makes my life so much easier. (And those Italian Beef are still the best ever… perfect for the Super Bowl!) 🙂