Some recipes feel like coming home, and this Crockpot Meatloaf is one of them. There’s something magical about turning a handful of pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself.
It’s a dish that fits right into busy weeknights or lazy Sundays—because who doesn’t love the simplicity of letting a slow cooker do the heavy lifting? With this recipe, you’ll enjoy a perfectly moist meatloaf infused with bold, savory spices and finished with a tangy, caramelized glaze.
The best part? This Crockpot Meatloaf makes meal prep a breeze. A study found that slow cooking preserves nutrients while enhancing flavors, so you’re saving time and getting a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Plus, crockpot meals like this have surged in popularity because they offer hands-free cooking without sacrificing flavor—a true win-win for busy families. What sets this recipe apart is the way it locks in moisture.
A quick cooking tip: shaping the meatloaf into a loaf that doesn’t touch the sides of the slow cooker ensures even cooking while avoiding any soggy edges. The result? A perfectly tender slice every single time.
Serve it with Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese or Stuffed Keto Cabbage Rolls for a comfort food feast that hits all the right notes.
This meatloaf is not just dinner; it’s the kind of recipe that warms your kitchen and your heart. Let’s dive in, and be sure to share your own tweaks and tips—I’d love to hear them!
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- Moist, tender perfection every time: Forget dry, crumbly meatloaf! The slow cooker keeps every bite juicy and flavorful.
- Effortless prep, big payoff: A few minutes of mixing and shaping, and you’re done until dinnertime.
- Kid-approved glaze: The tangy-sweet topping is a crowd-pleaser, with just the right balance of ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar.
- Great for leftovers: Slice it up for sandwiches or crumble it into a hearty meat sauce the next day.
- Saves the day on busy schedules: Toss it in the crockpot before work, and come home to dinner that’s ready to go.
Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large bowl
- Knife for chopping
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 4 lbs ground sirloin (90% lean)
- 1 envelope potato pancake mix
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the meat with the potato pancake mix, onion soup mix, and eggs, mixing until well incorporated.
- If desired, fold a piece of foil in half and place it in the slow cooker so that the edges hang out.
- This will help remove the meatloaf later.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker.
- Brush your favorite BBQ sauce generously over the top of the meatloaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker (use the foil edges if you used foil).
- Serve the meatloaf with potatoes or your preferred side dish.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later.
Notes
- The foil in the slow cooker is optional but helps with easy removal.
- For a different flavor, try swapping BBQ sauce with ketchup or a spicy glaze.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 283kcal |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Fibre | 1g |
Fat | 18g |
Protein | 23g |
Cholesterol | 112g |