Last updated on
Crockpot Meatloaf
Table of Contents
Classic comfort food, crockpot meatloaf is tender and flavorful, a main dish that the whole family will love. Cooking meatloaf in the crockpot makes it a quick and filling meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.
MORE RECIPES: Crockpot Crack Chicken | Crockpot Cocktail Links | Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
Crockpot Meatloaf
It doesn’t get much easier, or more delicious, than this savory meatloaf that takes just 15 minutes of prep time. Whether you make it on a weeknight or for Sunday dinner, the entire family will love coming home to this delicious dinner.
Crockpot meatloaf will soon become your favorite way to make meatloaf, because it always comes out tasting moist and delicious. Warm and hearty, this easy meatloaf recipe is made in the slow cooker and topped with a sweet and tangy glaze.
Serve your easy homemade meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or roasted vegetables. While the crockpot is cooking you could also whip up a batch of brownies to enjoy for dessert.
Crockpot Meatloaf Ingredients
- Ground beef - lean ground beef
- Onion - sweet yellow onion
- Bread crumbs - plain panko bread crumbs
- Bread crumbs - plain bread crumbs
- Ketchup
- Eggs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cream - heavy cream
- Italian seasoning
- Salt - kosher salt
- Pepper - black pepper
- Sugar - light brown sugar
- Onion powder
- Mustard - prepared mustard
Make your meatloaf even more flavorful by sauteeing the onions before mixing them in to the beef mixture. Sautéing will help to release the onion’s flavors. On the other hand, if you aren’t a fan of onions, you can also leave them out of the meatloaf entirely. Something else you can add to your meatloaf for extra flavor is some shredded cheese.
While mixing the raw mixture with your hands is messy, it’s also the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. You also want to make sure you don’t overmix, or your meatloaf will come out tough.
If you are looking for a shortcut, you could use a store-bought BBQ sauce in place of the homemade glaze. In addition to ground beef, you can also make your meatloaf with ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey. You could even do a mixture of two different types of ground meats.
How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
FIRST STEP: Line a 7-quart crockpot with aluminum foil, and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
SECOND STEP: Using a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, finely diced onion, the plain bread crumbs and the panko bread crumbs, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
THIRD STEP: To mix the meatloaf together, you can either use a large wooden spoon or your hands. If you are using your hands, please be sure to wear disposable gloves for safety. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
FOURTH STEP: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared crockpot. Carefully and tightly shape the meatloaf into an oblong shape.

FIFTH STEP: In a small mixing bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and stir until well combined. Using a basting brush, evenly spread the glaze on the top of the meatloaf.
SIXTH STEP: Set the crockpot to 4 hours on high. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How long does it take to cook crockpot meatloaf?
This meatloaf cooks for 4 hours on the high setting.
Can I make meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix and shape the meatloaf the night before and keep it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. In the morning, place the meatloaf in the slow cooker, set your timer and you are done. You can also freeze the meatloaf after it has been cooked. Cool the cooked meatloaf, wrap it in foil, and place it inside a freezer bag. The cooked meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can this meatloaf be cooked in the oven?
Yes, you can cook this meatloaf in the oven. Simply make and shape the meatloaf as directed above and place it in an oven-safe baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 60 to 70 minutes.
How to Store Crockpot Meatloaf
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
IN THE FREEZER: Cool the leftover meatloaf, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, and then in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving
Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- ½ medium sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup bread crumbs
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packet
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon prepared mustard
Instructions
- Line a 7-quart crockpot with aluminum foil, and lightly spray with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- Using a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, finely diced onion, the plain bread crumbs and the panko bread crumbs, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- To mix the meatloaf together, you can either use a large wooden spoon or your hands. If you are using your hands, please be sure to wear disposable gloves for safety. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared crockpot. Carefully and tightly shape the meatloaf into an oblong shape.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and stir until well combined. Using a basting brush, evenly spread the glaze on the top of the meatloaf.
- Set the crockpot to 4 hours on high. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Leave a Comment