Slow Cooker Meat Loaf

Discover a beef recipe that transforms classic comfort food into a hassle-free meal. This Slow Cooker Meat Loaf delivers all the nostalgic flavors of traditional meat loaf without heating up your kitchen.

Imagine coming home to a tender, flavorful meat loaf that practically cooks itself. Moreover, this one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.

Get ready to experience comfort food that's both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare.

Slow Cooker Meat Loaf: A Tender Comfort Food Classic

This isn't just another meat loaf – it's a slow cooker miracle that turns ground beef into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort. The magic happens slowly, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

The beauty of Slow Cooker Meat Loaf lies in its simplicity. Additionally, easy meal prep has never tasted this good.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Slow Cooker Meat Loaf with these perfect pairings:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted seasonal vegetables
• Buttered green beans
• Fluffy dinner rolls
• Crisp garden salad

Pro Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Meat Loaf:

Meat Mixing Mastery: Mix the ingredients gently to keep the meat loaf tender. Overmixing can make it tough and dense.

Foil Trick: Line the crockpot with foil or parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Glaze Greatness: The brown sugar and mustard ketchup glaze adds a perfect sweet and tangy finish.

Resting Ritual: Let the meat loaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Make-Ahead Magic: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.

Slow Cooker Meat Loaf Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Servings: 6-8
• Equipment: Crockpot, large mixing bowl, mixing spoon or hands

Ingredients:

For the Meat Loaf Base:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup ketchup (for inside)
• ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra ketchup
• Sliced green onions

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk. The combination of these ingredients helps create a tender, moist meat loaf.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of ketchup to the meat mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Prepare your crockpot by lining the bottom with foil or parchment paper. This makes removing the meat loaf much easier and simplifies cleanup.
4. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably in your slow cooker. The shape should be compact but not too dense to ensure even cooking.
5. Place the meat loaf in the crockpot, cover, and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The meat should be fully cooked and firm to the touch.

Ready to Enjoy!

About 30 minutes before cooking is complete, mix the remaining ½ cup ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread this glaze over the top of the meat loaf, then cover and finish cooking.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months for future easy meals
• Reheat gently in the microwave or oven
• Add a splash of beef broth when reheating to maintain moisture

Whether you're feeding a hungry family, looking for a comforting meal after a long day, or simply craving a classic dish, this Slow Cooker Meat Loaf delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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