Description
This Crock Pot Meatloaf recipe offers a hands-off approach to a classic comfort food favorite. Combining sweet onion, savory spices, and a tangy glaze, this meatloaf is slow-cooked to perfection and incredibly juicy. Finished with a caramelized glaze under the broiler and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s the perfect easy dinner for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 small sweet onion, peeled and grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon bbq sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain panko breadcrumbs
- 2 pounds (85/15) ground beef
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- ½ cup bbq sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crock pot: Line the crock pot with a large piece of heavy-duty foil and spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside while you prepare the meatloaf mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated sweet onion, whole milk, and lightly beaten eggs. Then add the light brown sugar, ketchup, bbq sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until fully combined.
- Add breadcrumbs: Stir in the plain panko breadcrumbs into the wet mixture until well distributed and slightly thickened.
- Mix in ground beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Using clean hands, gently mix all ingredients together until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat for a tender texture.
- Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture onto the prepared foil inside the crock pot, shaping it into a long oval loaf evenly spread out. Set aside.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, bbq sauce, and light brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Apply first glaze layer: Brush half of the glaze evenly on top of the meatloaf.
- Slow cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and glaze: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crock pot with the foil and place it onto a sheet tray. Brush the remaining glaze on top.
- Broil (optional): Place the meatloaf under the oven broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and lightly browned to add a caramelized finish.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top if desired, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Using foil in the crock pot makes cleanup easier and helps lift the meatloaf out without breaking.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and moist.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model; always check internal temperature for safety.
- The broil step is optional but adds a nice caramelized glaze texture and flavor.
- Ground beef with an 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio works best for juicy meatloaf.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking, Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of meatloaf)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: crock pot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, comfort food, dinner ideas
