Name: Slow Cooked Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 lean); 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup Whole Milk; 2 large Eggs; 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced); 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 0.5 cup Ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper; 2 tbsp Brown Sugar; 1 tbsp Yellow Mustard

"This slow-cooked meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture that traditional ovens often miss. Bathed in a rich, tangy glaze and cooked to perfection, it’s a hassle-free meal that brings the family together."

1 Ingredients

Qty	Item
2 lbs 907 g	Ground Beef (80/20 lean)
1 cup 100 g	Breadcrumbs
0.5 cup 120 ml	Whole Milk
2 large 2 pieces	Eggs
1 medium 150 g	Yellow Onion (finely diced)
3 cloves 9 g	Garlic (minced)
0.5 cup 120 ml	Ketchup
2 tbsp 30 ml	Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp 5 g	Salt
0.5 tsp 2 g	Black Pepper
2 tbsp 25 g	Brown Sugar
1 tbsp 15 ml	Yellow Mustard

2 Instructions

Step 1. Line your slow cooker with parchment paper or a foil sling for easy removal and cleanup.

Step 2. In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes to create a panade; this ensures a moist loaf.

Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and the soaked breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4. Gently mix the ingredients by hand until just combined—do not overwork the meat.

Step 5. Shape the mixture into a compact loaf that fits comfortably in the center of your slow cooker.

Step 6. In a small dish, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard to create the glaze.

Step 7. Spread about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 8. Cover and cook on the Low setting for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours.

Step 9. Brush the remaining glaze onto the meatloaf during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Step 10. Carefully lift the meatloaf out using the parchment sling and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

·
Use 80/20 ground beef; leaner meat can result in a dry meatloaf when slow-cooked for long periods.
·
Avoid over-mixing the meat, as this compresses the fibers and makes the meatloaf tough.
·
For a caramelized finish, place the cooked meatloaf under a broiler for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the slow cooker.
·
Adding finely grated carrots or bell peppers is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables and moisture.

? Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, but since turkey is leaner, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mix to keep it moist.

Do I need to add water to the slow cooker?

No, do not add liquid. The meat and vegetables will release enough moisture to steam the loaf perfectly.

How do I check if the meatloaf is done?

The most accurate way is using a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Can I cook potatoes in the slow cooker at the same time?

Absolutely! Wrap small potatoes in foil and place them around the meatloaf for a complete meal.

Visual Guide

→ Keep Cooking

See All Slow Cooker

Next Recipe

Sheet Pan Sausage And Veggies

This vibrant sheet pan dinner combines juicy Italian sausages with a rainbow of caramelized vegetables for a meal that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs, it offers a high-protein, low-mess solution for busy weeknights.

Cook This