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A juicy Crockpot meatloaf, cooked to perfection, sliced and ready to serve.

Classic Crockpot Meatloaf

This classic crockpot meatloaf recipe delivers a tender and flavorful meatloaf with minimal fuss. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it cooks slowly to perfection, ensuring a moist result every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Slow cooker
  • Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients
  

Meatloaf

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper optional
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard for the glaze, then set aside for later use.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bell pepper, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
  • Gently mix the meatloaf ingredients with your hands until just combined to prevent toughness.
  • Form the meat mixture into an oblong loaf shape.

Cooking

  • Create a "rack" at the bottom of your slow cooker using crumpled aluminum foil or thick slices of carrots/onion rings to elevate the meatloaf.
  • Carefully place the formed meatloaf on the prepared rack or vegetables in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  • Approximately 30-45 minutes before cooking ends, spread half of the prepared glaze over the meatloaf, reserving the rest for serving.
  • After cooking, turn off the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with the remaining glaze.

Notes

For best results, avoid overmixing the meatloaf mixture to ensure a tender texture. The aluminum foil "rack" or vegetables are key to preventing the meatloaf from sitting in grease and ensures even cooking.