This Simple Crock Pot Meatloaf is pure, old-fashioned comfort food made completely hands-off in the slow cooker! It comes out incredibly moist and tender every single time, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze that your whole family is going to love. Serve it over mashed potatoes with a side of vegetables and dinner is done!
The Best Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Meatloaf is one of those meals that I grew up on and still make on a regular basis. There is just something so satisfying about a big, hearty slice of meatloaf with a pile of mashed potatoes. But let me tell you — the crock pot version is a total game changer. You just throw it all together, set it, and forget it. No babysitting the oven, no dry, overcooked edges. Just fall-apart tender, juicy meatloaf every single time.
This is one of those recipes that is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to stand over the stove. I always have the ingredients on hand and it comes together so quickly. I’ve been making some version of this for years and it is always a huge hit with my family!
“I made this last week and my husband said it was the best meatloaf he has ever had. The slow cooker makes it so unbelievably moist! This is officially in our dinner rotation now. Thank you so much for sharing!”
— Sandra
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, absolutely! Ground turkey or ground pork work well in this recipe. Keep in mind that ground turkey is leaner so your meatloaf may be a touch less juicy — but it will still be delicious. You can also do a half and half mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor!
Do I need to use a loaf pan inside the crock pot?
You don’t have to, but I do recommend it if you have one that fits. It helps the meatloaf keep its shape and makes it much easier to lift out when it is done cooking. If you don’t have one, you can simply form the meat into a loaf shape and place it directly into the slow cooker. Just be careful when removing it since the meat will be very tender.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix everything together the night before, form the loaf, cover it and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just place it into the slow cooker and cook per the directions. This is a great way to get a head start on dinner!
Can I cook this on high?
I don’t recommend cooking on high for this recipe. Cooking it low and slow is really going to give you that incredibly moist, tender texture. Cooking on high can sometimes cause the edges to dry out before the center is fully cooked through.
Can I use a round crock pot instead of oval?
I find this recipe works better in an oval slow cooker. It gives the meatloaf enough room to sit properly and cook more evenly. A round cooker can work in a pinch but you may need to adjust the shape of your loaf a bit.
How do I store leftover Crock Pot Meatloaf?
Allow the meatloaf to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It reheats really well in the microwave! Leftover slices also make amazing meatloaf sandwiches the next day — just saying!
Can this be frozen?
Yes! This meatloaf freezes really well. Allow it to cool fully, then wrap individual slices tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Ingredients Needed: (See Recipe Card Below for the Full Recipe)
- ground beef — I like to use an 85/15 ground beef here. That little bit of fat keeps the meatloaf nice and juicy and gives you so much more flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works fine as well.
- breadcrumbs — plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs both work great. The breadcrumbs are what help bind everything together and keep the texture perfect.
- egg — this is your binder! Make sure it is at room temperature if you have the time — it just mixes in better.
- milk — this is the secret to a moist, tender meatloaf. Do not skip it! Whole milk works best but whatever you have on hand is fine.
- onion — I grate the onion directly into the meat mixture so it really incorporates into every bite without leaving big chunks. If you don’t like onion, you can substitute with a teaspoon of onion powder.
- garlic — freshly minced or jarred garlic both work here, whichever is easiest for you.
- Worcestershire sauce — this adds a wonderful depth of savory flavor. Do not leave this out — it makes a big difference!
- ketchup, brown sugar and mustard — these three ingredients come together to make the most delicious sweet and tangy glaze that goes right on top. It’s so good!
- salt and pepper — season generously! Keep tasting the mixture until it is seasoned just the way you like it.
How to Make Simple Crock Pot Meatloaf
Line the bottom of a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang on each side to use as handles to lift the meatloaf out when done. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Mix just until everything is combined — try not to overwork the meat or it can come out tough and dense.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into the center of the slow cooker on top of the foil. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar and mustard until smooth. Spoon about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and reserve the other half for later.
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer. About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, spoon the remaining glaze over the top and re-cover to finish cooking. This gives you that gorgeous, sticky glaze on top!
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, use the foil handles to carefully lift it out of the slow cooker. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing so all those juices can settle back in. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables!
Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Don’t skip the foil sling. This is the most important tip! Meatloaf cooked in a slow cooker is incredibly tender and will fall apart if you try to lift it out without the foil handles. It makes serving it so much easier and keeps it in one piece.
- Do not overmix the meat. Just like making a burger, you only want to mix the ingredients until they are just combined. Overmixing activates the proteins in the meat and can make your meatloaf tough and rubbery.
- Grate your onion. Rather than chopping it, grate the onion on a box grater directly into the bowl. This way you get all of that great onion flavor worked into every single bite without any big chunks.
- Use a meat thermometer. The most reliable way to know your meatloaf is done is to check the internal temperature. You are looking for 160°F in the thickest part of the loaf. This is especially important when cooking in the crock pot since cooking times can vary.
- Apply the glaze in two stages. Putting half the glaze on at the beginning and the other half in the last 30 minutes gives you the most amazing layered, caramelized flavor on top. It’s so worth the extra step!
What to Serve with Crock Pot Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite side dish to serve with this — whether you make them from scratch, from a box or from the microwave, I’m not judging! The gravy and glaze from the meatloaf are just incredible spooned right over the top of a pile of creamy mashed potatoes. You can also serve this over egg noodles or rice if you prefer.
For vegetables, I love some steamed or roasted broccoli, some Maple Glazed Carrots, or some Italian Green Beans on the side. Add some Garlic Bread and you have yourself a complete, hearty, wholesome meal the whole family will be asking for again and again!
Simple Crock Pot Meatloaf
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 5-6 quart oval slow cooker with a sheet of aluminum foil, leaving several inches of overhang on both long sides to use as handles. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, grated onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix just until everything is combined — do not overmix.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the prepared slow cooker and shape it into a loaf approximately 9 inches long and 5 inches wide.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. Spoon half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining glaze.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
- About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Cover and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes.
- Once cooked through, use the foil handles to carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes and your favorite vegetables.
this sounds great my grandma had different topping 1-16oz can tomato sauce 1-12oz can evaporated milk garlic and cajun season to taste when it start to brown add 1/2cup bread crumbs
Can this meatloaf recipe be made in a regular oven,if you don’t have a crock pot?
The recipe says it’s a simple Crock-Pot meatloaf , where is the crock pot at?
That’s what I’m screaming!!
exactly what I was thinking
This has nothing to do with a crock pot, or slow cooker.
I thought the same thing. If it is not slow cooker -then it’s wait until Fall.
These are best recipes I love them and my family ❤ them also thanks you so very much ❤
These are the best recipes I love them and my family ❤ them also thanks you so very much ❤
I was looking forward to trying this but, there is no mention of a crock pot anywhere in the instructions.
WHAT GIVES WITH CALLING THE WHOLE THING CROCK POT RECIPES. ! ! ! !
If it is for a crockpot /slow cooker why are we baking it in an oven???
Makes no sense ,
I am trying this tonight.
Where are the directions for the crock pot?
My oven is broke and I need the directions for the crock pot!
My oven is broke and this recipe said crockpot meatloaf, but it isn’t. Directions are for a standard oven.
Crock Pot? Is that what you call your oven?
Good grief people! How hard is it to put the meatloaf in a crockpot instead of the oven? Use your brains and stop bitching. Your ignorance is showing!
No need to be nasty. Cooking this in a crock pot means adjusting the temp and time, and the author should clarify that. This is an error on her part.
I was looking for the crock pot version of the meatloaf but all I could find was oven at 350
Usually a crock pot has 3 heat dials. Hi, low and warm. Usually, you cook most of the dish on high and then turn down, unless you are going to cook it a lot longer on low. then turn to warm and serve.
Put it in crock pot and cook till done. Easy
i thought this was suspose to be a slow cooker recipe but it says to bake.
I used to be able to find good advice from your blog articles.