Meatloaf doesn’t have to mean dry edges or constant oven-watching. This Crockpot Meatloaf is a weeknight hero—tender, flavorful, and totally hands-off. Let your slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got a hearty, comforting meal ready to serve.

It’s packed with savory goodness from a blend of ground beef, onion, garlic, ketchup, and seasonings. Plus, the tangy glaze caramelizes perfectly in the crockpot, making every slice irresistible. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a meal that warms the soul.

What Kind of Ground Beef Works Best for Meatloaf?

For the most tender and juicy Crockpot Meatloaf, aim for an 80/20 ground beef blend. This ratio balances flavor and moisture without becoming greasy. If you prefer leaner meat, consider mixing in ground pork or a few tablespoons of milk-soaked breadcrumbs to help retain that tenderness.

Ingredients for the Crockpot Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
1/2 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the glaze:

1/2 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

How To Make the Crockpot Meatloaf

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overmix or it can get dense.

Step 2: Shape and Transfer to Crockpot

Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a sheet of parchment paper or foil. Carefully transfer it into your slow cooker. This makes cleanup easier and helps with lifting the meatloaf out later.

Step 3: Mix and Spread the Glaze

Stir together the glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Spoon or brush half the glaze over the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Glaze and Broil (Optional)

For a sticky caramelized finish, place the cooked meatloaf on a baking sheet, brush with remaining glaze, and broil for 3-5 minutes.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot Meatloaf

Once done, let your Crockpot Meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices locked in. Serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or even in a sandwich the next day.

To store, wrap leftovers tightly or place in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?

Make sure to use enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the meat mixture and glaze a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and cook the next day.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely. Just be sure to include extra moisture (like a splash of milk or finely grated zucchini) since turkey is leaner.

Is broiling necessary?

Not at all, but it adds a lovely sticky glaze on top. If you’re short on time, skip it.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?

Crushed crackers or oats are great substitutes. Just keep the quantity the same.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this Crockpot Meatloaf, you’ll enjoy diving into more cozy and satisfying dishes from the blog:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a rich stovetop favorite.
Shipwreck Dinner if you like one-pan nostalgic meals.
Funeral Potatoes to complete your comfort food spread.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow cooker pasta hit.
Marry Me Chicken for creamy, dreamy chicken magic.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need dinner to cook itself.

Tried this Crockpot Meatloaf? Drop a comment and let me know how it turned out. Did you use ground turkey? Did you go for the broiled finish? Your tips and tweaks help everyone cook better!

Crockpot Meatloaf

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Meatloaf is a comforting, hands-off dinner solution perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, flavorful, and topped with a tangy glaze, it’s a classic recipe made even easier with your slow cooker.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, onion, garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

2. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on parchment paper or foil. Transfer it to the crockpot.

3. In a small bowl, mix the glaze ingredients. Brush or spoon half of it over the meatloaf.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until internal temp reaches 160°F.

5. (Optional) Transfer meatloaf to a baking sheet, brush with remaining glaze, and broil for 3–5 minutes for a caramelized finish.

6. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.