Crockpot Meatloaf

This crockpot meatloaf comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. Just mix, shape, and let it slow cook.

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This crockpot meatloaf turns out juicy, flavorful, and packed with comfort. Toss the ingredients together, then let the slow cooker do the work. It’s perfect for busy nights, weekend dinners, or when you just want something hearty. Add mashed potatoes and green beans for the best meatloaf dinner ever.

This recipe is easy to make at home, and you can follow the simple guide below without stress. We include step-by-step photos and directions so you never miss a step. Be sure to check out the pro tips, tricks, and most frequently asked questions with answers included.

This recipe for slow cooker meatloaf takes just fifteen minutes to prep and comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinner, or any time you want an easy comfort food meal.

The slow cooker keeps the meatloaf moist and adds rich taste in every bite. Pair it with mashed potatoes or mac and cheese for a classic, crowd-pleasing dinner.

What you'll need to make this crockpot meatloaf recipe:

For The Meatloaf

• 2 pounds of lean ground beef
• ½ medium sweet yellow onion, (1 cup) finely diced
• ¼ cup of plain bread crumbs
• ½ cup of plain panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup of ketchup
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper

For the Glaze

• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon prepared mustard

Substitute ground beef: You can use other ground meats instead of ground beef. Try ground pork, ground chicken, or ground turkey. Or, you could even do a mixture of two different ground meats.

Onions: If you are not a fan of onions, you can leave them out of the meatloaf.

Simplify the glaze: If you are short on time, you could use a store-bought BBQ sauce in place of the homemade glaze.

Add cheese: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture for a cheesy meatloaf.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos to make this crockpot meatloaf easy from start to finish. Check out the tips and tricks below for the best results every time. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Using a large bowl, add the ground beef, finely diced onion, plain bread crumbs and the panko bread crumbs, ketchup, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper.

SECOND 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.

THIRD STEP: Line a 7-quart crockpot with aluminum foil and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared crockpot. Carefully and tightly shape the meatloaf into an oblong shape.

FOURTH STEP: In a small bowl, combine the glaze ingredients and stir until well combined.

FIFTH STEP: Using a basting brush, evenly spread the glaze on the top of the meatloaf.

SIXTH STEP: Set the crockpot to 4 hours on high. Set the crockpot to 4 hours on high. Using an instant read meat thermometer, ensure the internal temperature is at least 160°F.

This crockpot meatloaf works great for all kinds of meals and special occasions. You can serve it year-round, and even picky eaters love it.

• Family dinner night: This recipe makes dinner simple and stress-free after a busy day. Kids love the flavor, and cleanup stays easy. Serve it with mashed potatoes, smothered green beans, or tuna macaroni salad.
• Potlucks and gatherings: Bring this slow cooker meatloaf to potlucks or church dinners for a crowd-pleasing dish. Everyone goes back for seconds. Pair it with Parmesan noodles, baked beans, or creamy coleslaw.
• Cold weather comfort food: This warm and hearty recipe feels just right during fall and winter. It’s cozy, filling, and smells amazing. Add fried potatoes, air fryer onions, or skillet green beans to complete the meal.

Crockpot meatloaf has earned its spot as a reader favorite because it brings comfort, ease, and home-cooked flavor to the table. You only need fifteen minutes to prep it—just mix, shape, and set it in the slow cooker. From there, the crockpot takes over, giving you time to clean, relax, or whip up dessert while dinner cooks.

This meatloaf hits all the marks. It’s kid-approved, crowd-friendly, and packed with old-school goodness in every juicy slice. It’s hearty enough for weeknights, simple enough for beginners, and works in any season. No oven needed, no stress added—just real dinner made easy.

Do I need to cook anything before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you don’t need to pre-cook anything for this easy crockpot meatloaf. Just mix, shape, and place it right in the slow cooker.

How do I keep my crockpot meatloaf from falling apart?
To keep crockpot meatloaf from falling apart, mix the meat with egg and breadcrumbs until it holds its shape.

Can I double this crockpot meatloaf recipe?
Yes, you can double crockpot meatloaf, but shape it into two loaves so it cooks evenly in the slow cooker.

Do I need to use foil in the bottom of the slow cooker?
Yes, lining the slow cooker with foil helps lift the meatloaf out and makes cleanup quicker.

Should I drain the grease from the crockpot?
No, you don’t need to drain grease during cooking. Use foil or parchment to keep the loaf lifted from the bottom.

How do I know when crockpot meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check your crockpot meatloaf. It’s done when the center reaches 160°F.

What’s the best way to serve crockpot meatloaf at dinner?
Let the meatloaf rest for ten minutes after cooking. This helps the slices hold together when you cut and serve. Slice the meatloaf thick and serve it warm with extra glaze spooned on top for added flavor. Kids love crockpot meatloaf because it’s tender, easy to chew, and packed with simple, familiar flavors.

How should I serve crockpot meatloaf at a potluck?
Cut the meatloaf into thick slices, place them in a warm slow cooker insert, and bring extra glaze on the side.

Can I serve crockpot meatloaf for a special occasion?
Yes, crockpot meatloaf works well for holidays or gatherings when you want easy comfort food without using the oven.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crockpot meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Can I freeze crockpot meatloaf?
Let the meatloaf cool, then wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. Place it in a sealed freezer bag for up to three months.

Is meatloaf good for meal prep?
Mix and shape the meatloaf the night before, then refrigerate for up to twelve hours. In the morning, place it in the slow cooker and start cooking.

Crockpot Meatloaf

This crockpot meatloaf comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. Just mix, shape, and let it slow cook.

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5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Beef, Dinner, Easy Dinner Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 274 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Meatloaf

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 cup sweet yellow onion (finely diced)
• ¼ cup plain bread crumbs
• ½ cup plain panko 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 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon prepared mustard

DIRECTIONS

 

• 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.

Notes

• Sautee the onion before mixing it into the beef mixture. Sauteeing will release the onion’s flavors, making your meatloaf even more flavorful.
• While messy, mixing the raw meatloaf mixture with your hands is the best way to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
• Don’t overmix, or your meatloaf will come out tough.

Nutrition

Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 773mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 4mg

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