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Easy Crock Pot Meatloaf

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Enjoy this classic Crock Pot Meatloaf recipe! It’s easy to make and an all-around crowd-pleaser. Topped with a homemade sauce made with ketchup, this meatloaf is a perfect set-it-and-forget-until dinner kind of recipe! It is sure to become a family favorite.

A whole meatloaf that was made in the crockpot with a sauce on top.
Table of Contents

It’s easy to see why cooking up a delicious meatloaf in the crock pot is such an appealing idea. This Taco Meatloaf recipe for another great option.

First of all, it is super convenient because you can easily assemble all the ingredients early in the day. Then, by dinner, your meal is ready. Pairing it with some tasty mac n’ cheese takes this classic comfort food from ordinary to extraordinary!

In addition, slow cookers guarantee that your meatloaf turns out succulent and moist every single time. My favorite part is the added bonus of having a simple homemade sauce that gives this classic dish a nice kick.

Top it all off by using a slow cooker liner for easy clean up and you have a meal that is perfect on every level. This recipe is also one that your whole family will love, just like this Stroganoff Meatloaf recipe.

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What goes into this Recipe

All of the ingredients needed to make a meatloaf in the crock pot.

Meatloaf:

  • Ground beef: It important to use good quality beef when making this meatloaf recipe. In addition, using a 93/7 {or leaner} ground beef to not only keep it healthy but also to keep the meatloaf from swimming in grease.
  • Onion soup mix: This seasoning adds flavor and enhances the meat itself.
  • Panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs help bind the meat together, so it’s important not to skip this step! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs.

Topping:

  • Ketchup: This is the base of the meatloaf sauce topping! Using ketchup adds a nice sweetness that pairs well with the savory flavors of the meatloaf.
  • Brown sugar: Adding brown sugar to the sauce gives it a hint of caramelized sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
  • Worcestershire sauce: For a bit of salty umami, add two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. Can’t find any? Use soy sauce as a substitute.

See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to make Crock Pot Meatloaf

1. Begin by combing the ground beef, onion soup mix, panko bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic salt, and whisked eggs in a medium bowl.

2. Then use a spoon (or your hands) to mix the ingredients. The important thing is that you do not over mix the ingredients or it will be tough.

Photos of steps 1 and 2 of making a meatloaf in the crock pot.

3. Meanwhile, add the meat mixture to a lined slow cooker {you can spray the liner with cooking spray if desired} and form the ground beef mixture into a long log-type shape.

4. Next, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. {Note: The meatloaf will be dark in color and give off some fat when it is ready}.

Photos of steps 3 & 4 of making a meatloaf in the crock pot.

5. Finally, during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, combine the sauce topping ingredients and spread it over the top of the meatloaf. Return the lid and let it cook into the meatloaf.

6. After 20-30 minutes, remove the lid and slice it evenly. Serve and enjoy!

Photos of steps 5 & 6 of making a meatloaf in the crock pot.

Expert Tips

  • Line your crock pot with a crock pot liner! Using a liner is such a big help with cleanup.
  • Use lean ground beef. This allows you to not have to worry about having too much fat in the bottom of your crock pot (I like to use 93% lean or leaner).
  • Use Italian-style panko bread crumbs for some extra flavor! Since they already have seasonings in the bread crumbs it amps up the taste without an extra ingredient.
  • Mix the meatloaf ingredients together with your hands. Using your hands allows you to evenly distribute the ingredients without over-mixing and making the meatloaf can be tough.
  • Don’t forget to add the sauce for the last 20-30 minutes of cook time. This gives it such great flavor and is another great way to add moisture to the meatloaf. If you don’t like this ketchup sauce, use your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Serve the meatloaf with your favorite simple side dishes. Mac and cheese, green bean casserole and roasted melting potatoes are all great options.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of ground beef should I use?

To guarantee a juicy meatloaf (without the grease), I highly recommend using 93% lean ground beef. If you have 80% fat content instead, consider draining off some of the fat midway through cooking to avoid an overly greasy meatloaf.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely! You could use ground turkey or chicken, but you might have to add a bit of liquid to the bottom of the crock pot. Doing so will ensure it doesn’t get too dry.

Can I freeze crock pot meatloaf?

Yes, you can! To freeze, let the meatloaf cool completely and then wrap it in parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag or storage container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can this meatloaf be made in the oven?

Yes, you can! To freeze, let the meatloaf cool completely and then wrap it in parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer bag or storage container and store it for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.

Can the sauce {topping} be omitted?

Yes, the sauce {topping} can be omitted if you prefer! You can also use store-bought BBQ sauce as a substitute. I typically like to go with a sweeter one. You might also like this Taco Meatloaf recipe.

Do I have to use panko bread crumbs?

You can use traditional bread crumbs for the meatloaf. The important thing is to make sure they are not left out.

Adding breadcrumbs is incredibly important because not only do they add a filler to the dish, but they also help bind all of its ingredients together as well. If not, the meatloaf would be really crumbly and dry.

How long does it take to cook a meatloaf in a crock pot?

Cooking times for your meatloaf will vary depending on the temperature you choose to cook it at.

Opt for the low setting for best results and allow 6-8 hours of cooking time. Don’t forget to add a delicious sauce during the final 20-30 minutes of cooking!

If you’re short on time and need dinner in less than four hours, crank up that heat and enjoy a yummy meal within 4-6 hours!

Why cook meatloaf in the crock pot?

There are a couple of reasons to make meatloaf in the crock pot. First of all, it allows you to set it and forget it which makes it so convenient.

Secondly, cooking it in the crock pot keeps the meatloaf super moist. You don’t have to worry about it drying out like you do when it is baked in the oven.

How do I shape the loaf?

Shape it into a long loaf shape using your hands, inside the crock pot. The size may depend on how big your crock pot is.

How do I drain the grease?

If you use a lean ground beef you will not need to worry about having excess grease in the bottom of the crock pot.

However, if you do end up with a little use a turkey baster to suck up the grease. This will allow you to not have to move the meatloaf.

Should I brown the meat before slow cooking?

For this recipe there is no need to brown the meat before slow cooking. It will roast in the crock pot and create a wonderful outside without this step.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

The best way to reheat meatloaf is in a 250 degree oven. Lay slices of meatloaf on a baking sheet and add a couple of tablespoons of beef broth {or water} to the bottom of the pan. Cover with foil and bake for 18-22 minutes or until heated through.

A crock pot meatloaf with sauce on top that has been sliced.

Do you love using your crock pot? Try these recipes…

Did you try this recipe?
Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @practicallyhomemade on Pinterest!

A whole meatloaf that was made in the crockpot with a sauce on top.

Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe

Flavorful meatloaf cooked in the crock pot stays extra moist and is wonderfully delicious. It is the perfect dinner idea for anytime.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 537kcal
4.86 from 7 votes
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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef {I used 93/7 or higher}
  • 1 pkt. onion soup mix
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 eggs {whisked}

Topping:

  • 1 ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Meatloaf

  • Combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, panko bread crumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder and eggs in a large bowl.  Mix ingredients together until just combined, making sure not to over mix {I love to use my hands} or the meatloaf will be tough.
  • Add meat mixture to a crock pot that has been lined with either a crock pot liner or foil that has been sprayed with non stick spray.  Turn the crock pot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Topping

  • Combine the topping ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • In the last 20-30 minutes add topping to the top of the meatloaf.  Return lid and continue to cook on low for at least 20 minutes or until topping is heated.  Remove meatloaf from the crock pot and serve warm.  Store leftover meatloaf in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

  • Line your crock pot with a crock pot liner! Using a crock pot liner is such a big help with cleanup, you can thank me later.
  • Use lean ground beef. This will eliminate having too much fat in the bottom of your crock pot (I like to use 93% lean or leaner).  You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken but you should add a bit of liquid to the bottom of the crock pot.
  • Use Italian-style panko bread crumbs for some extra flavor! With added seasonings already in the bread crumbs it amps up the taste without an extra ingredient.
  • Don’t forget to add the sauce for the last 20-30 minutes of cook time. This will give it such great flavor and is another great way to add moisture. If you don’t like this ketchup sauce, use your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Don’t have a crock pot?  Cook the meatloaf on a foil lined baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees for an hour or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 537kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 960mg | Potassium: 655mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 343IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 78mg | Iron: 4mg
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2 Comments

  1. Hi June – would you be able to mix up the meat and freeze it, then thaw and cook in the crockpot later?

    1. I don’t see why not. I think you could also cook from the frozen state if you allowed 8-10 hours for cooking in the crock pot. Enjoy!

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