Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

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A true set-it-and-forget-it meal, this Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe is an easy way to get dinner on the table with very little fuss and mess. As a matter of fact, the base recipe requires only 7 ingredients, and that is including spices like salt and pepper-it really couldn’t be simpler.

This Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe is a great basic recipe to keep at the top of your files but it is also easily customized to make it a little more special for company or to treat your family to an updated classic. It will taste delicious with a side of oven-roasted asparagus.

sliced meatloaf on white plate with green beans and mashed potatoes

How To Make Meatloaf In The Slow Cooker

This Slow Cooker Meatloaf is a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make! It slices perfectly for a meal and even better the next day for leftover meatloaf sandwiches, I don’t know about you but I think somehow meatloaf gets even better the next day!

What You Need:

Here’s what you’ll need from the store. The exact amounts are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Kitchen Tools:

Ingredients:

A meatloaf made in the slow cooker

Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe Tips and Tricks

Can I add customize this recipe?

Yes! You can add in any vegetables you like such as onions and peppers, but I do highly recommend you saute them a bit first to deepen the flavors. You could also substitute some of the ketchup for pureed carrots, tomatoes, or squash to “sneak in” some healthy veggies for your family.

You could also mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of your favorite shredded cheese or parmesan cheese.

Swap the ketchup in the recipe for BBQ sauce for a fresh tangy new flavor profile!

Add a 1/2 cup of precooked bacon pieces along with shredded cheese for a bacon cheeseburger version of this.

sliced meatloaf on white plate beside vegetables and a white and blue napkin

Can I cook this on high and make it faster?

I would not recommend doing this as it will overcook your meat and make it rubbery, slow and steady is the way to go.

Can I cook this Easy Slow Cooker Recipe in the oven?

You can, cook at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes.

Can I freeze this meatloaf recipe?

You can premake the loaf and freeze it, place your frozen meatloaf in a slow cooker on low, and increase cooking time to 7-8 hours.

You can also freeze the meatloaf after cooking, I recommend slicing it first and wrapping each piece in plastic wrap before putting in a freezer bag to make easy single serving sizes.

sliced meatloaf on a white plate with vegetables in front of a white slow cooker
sliced of meatloaf on a white plate with green beans mashed potatoes and a blue and white napkin
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Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipe

Print Recipe
This Slow Cooker Meatloaf is easy, flavorful, delicious and is pretty much fool-proof. A great recipe to enjoy classic comfort food,
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours 5 minutes
Total Time:4 hours 15 minutes

SERVINGS

4

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 80 or 85% lean is best
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 lightly beaten egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

  • Take 3 small pieces of aluminum foil and shape them in to 3 pencil sized pieces and place on bottom of slow cooker. The meatloaf is going to rest on these.
  • In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except ketchup and mix well with hands for about 2 minutes.
  • Shape meat mixture into a loaf and place in slow cooker on foil pieces
  • Cover the meatloaf with ketchup. Rub it in all over, the bottom too.
  • Set slow cooker on low and cover. Cook for 3-4 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 577kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 150IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 5mg
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy meatloaf, Meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf
Servings: 4
Calories: 577kcal

More Slow-Cooker Recipes

If you enjoyed this slow cooker meatloaf, here are some more easy recipes you can make next!

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2 Comments

  1. Tweaked this a bit second time around by adding crackers instead of breadcrumbs, chopped onion and just a little garlic – yum!