Crockpot Meatloaf

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Slow cooked meatloaf might be my favorite kind of weeknight magic. You stir everything together in one bowl, shape it into a cozy loaf, tuck it into the crockpot, and let it simmer away until it’s tender, juicy, and completely infused with savory flavor. By dinnertime, the house smells like you’ve been cooking for hours—when really, the slow cooker did all the work.

This Crockpot Meatloaf is classic comfort food with a few little upgrades: a tangy-sweet glaze, plenty of onion and garlic, and just enough seasoning to keep every bite rich and flavorful without being heavy. It slices beautifully, stays moist (even as leftovers), and pairs with just about any easy side you love.

What Makes Crockpot Meatloaf So Perfect for Busy Nights?

I love oven-baked meatloaf, but crockpot meatloaf has its own superpowers. The gentle heat of the slow cooker keeps the beef from drying out, so you get a tender, sliceable loaf with almost zero babysitting. It’s ideal for days when I want a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner that still feels homemade.

Using the crockpot also means I can keep the oven free for sides or dessert. While the meatloaf simmers away, I can mash potatoes, whisk together gravy, or prep tomorrow’s lunches. By the time everyone wanders into the kitchen asking what smells so good, dinner is ready to serve.

Ingredients for Crockpot Meatloaf

Before you start mixing, it helps to know why each ingredient is in the bowl. This is how we get a meatloaf that’s moist, flavorful, and holds its shape when you slice it.

• Ground beef – I like using 80/20 ground beef so there’s enough fat to keep the loaf juicy without becoming greasy.
• Eggs – Act as a binder to hold the meatloaf together and give it a tender, cohesive texture.
• Breadcrumbs – Soak up moisture and fat, keeping the meatloaf soft rather than dense or crumbly.
• Milk – Hydrates the breadcrumbs and adds richness so the meat stays moist as it cooks low and slow.
• Onion – Finely minced onion melts into the beef and adds sweetness and savory flavor throughout every slice.
• Garlic – A little fresh garlic deepens the flavor and keeps the loaf from tasting flat.
• Worcestershire sauce – Brings that classic steakhouse-style umami and a touch of tang.
• Grated Parmesan – Adds a subtle nuttiness and extra savory depth without turning this into a “cheesy” meatloaf.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) – Simple pantry spices that round everything out and make the beef taste fuller.
• Ketchup – Some goes inside the meatloaf for moisture and flavor, and more goes on top as part of the glaze.
• Brown sugar – Sweetens the glaze and helps it caramelize into a sticky, glossy layer.
• Dijon mustard – Balances the ketchup and brown sugar with a mild tangy bite.

How To Make the Crockpot Meatloaf

The crockpot does most of the work, but a few small steps make all the difference: a well-mixed but not overworked meat mixture, a foil sling to help with lifting, and a final glaze so the top turns shiny and irresistible.

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a long strip of aluminum foil, letting the ends overhang the sides to create a sling. Lightly coat the foil and sides of the crock with cooking spray. This keeps the meatloaf from sticking and makes it easy to lift out in one piece.

Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, a couple spoonfuls of ketchup, and all of the seasonings. Stir in the minced onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan until everything looks evenly moistened.

Add the ground beef last and gently work it into the mixture with your hands or a fork. I try to mix just until the beef is combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense instead of tender.

Step 3: Shape and Load

Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared slow cooker and shape it into an even loaf, about 2 to 3 inches high. Leave a little space around the sides so heat and moisture can circulate. Smooth the top so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crockpot and cook the meatloaf on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for about 3 hours, until the center of the loaf reaches 160°F. Every slow cooker heats a bit differently, so I like to start checking the internal temperature on the earlier end of the time range.

Step 5: Glaze the Top

While the meatloaf cooks, whisk together the remaining ketchup, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, spoon the glaze over the top, spreading it into an even layer. Cover again and let it cook until the glaze looks shiny and slightly thickened.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Use the foil sling to carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes so the juices can settle back into the meat. Then slice into thick pieces and serve with your favorite sides.

Serving and Storing Crockpot Meatloaf

I love serving this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green vegetable, and extra glaze drizzled over the top. It also makes fantastic leftover sandwiches the next day—tuck a warm slice into toasted bread with a little mayo, lettuce, and pickles.

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave with a splash of broth or water and cover them so they stay moist. You can also reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

For longer storage, freeze cooked, cooled slices tightly wrapped in plastic and then in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently so they don’t dry out.

What to Serve With Crockpot Meatloaf?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Fluffy mashed potatoes are the obvious choice and the perfect way to soak up every bit of that tangy-sweet glaze and savory meat juices.

Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

If you’re in the mood for something extra cozy, pair this meatloaf with rich, layered Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes for a special-occasion style dinner at home.

Roasted Vegetables

Simple roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts bring color and a bit of caramelized sweetness that balances the hearty beef.

California Spaghetti Salad

For a fresher contrast, a chilled, veggie-packed pasta salad like California Spaghetti Salad adds bright crunch alongside the warm meatloaf.

Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

For a Sunday-style spread, creamy Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes make a dreamy, cheesy partner to your slow cooked meatloaf.

Simple Green Salad

When I want to keep things lighter, I toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a quick vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meat.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If this Crockpot Meatloaf is a hit at your table, you’ll love adding these other cozy dinners to your rotation:

• Try this creamy, skillet-style Easy Beef Stroganoff when you’re craving noodles and rich gravy.
• When you want everything in one dish, Easy Shepherd’s Pie layers savory meat, veggies, and mashed potatoes in every bite.
• For another slow cooked classic, Crockpot Ham and Potato Soup is perfect for chilly nights.
• If you prefer poultry, The Best Turkey Meatloaf gives you all the comfort of meatloaf with a lighter twist.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this Crockpot Meatloaf to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s right there the next time you need an effortless, family-friendly dinner idea.

Tried it with your own twist—maybe a different glaze or a mix of beef and pork? I’d love to hear how it turned out, so feel free to share your tips, tweaks, or questions in the comments.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations from Savor Queen over on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite comfort food dinner might be waiting there.

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