Crockpot Meatloaf

5 from 6 votes

Just set it and forget it! You can "bake" a classic comfort food dinner in your slow cooker with this easy crockpot meatloaf recipe.

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword crock pot meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, slow cooker meatloaf

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 10

Servings - 8 people

Calories 236.9kcal

2 lbs. lean ground beef (I use 85% lean) (or a “meatloaf mix” consisting of ground beef, ground veal and ground pork)
1 cup grated or finely diced onion
2 large eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs (I use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, but any variety will work)
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup ketchup, plus more as needed

Line a slow cooker with a heavy duty aluminum foil sling. Spray the foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
Gently combine all ingredients (except ketchup) in a large bowl. Just be careful not to over-mix, or the meat will be tough. I like to use my hands for this!
Shape beef mixture into a loaf and place in the foil sling.
Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf reads 160°F.
Remove meatloaf from slow cooker. If you like a more sticky, caramelized glaze on top, add a little bit more ketchup to the top of the meatloaf, place it on a rimmed baking sheet, and place it under the broiler until it reaches the desired consistency. Keep a close eye on it because it can burn quickly! Transfer to a cutting board, slice and serve.

Place the prepared meatloaf on a foil lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for about 1 hour.

- Use 85% lean ground beef, which works well to keep the meatloaf moist and juicy. Leaner ground beef has a tendency to dry out in the oven or Crock Pot, while fattier beef can be greasy.

- Use your hands or a fork to gently combine the meatloaf mixture. Be careful not to over-mix the meat, or it will become tough and dry.

- Every brand/type of slow cooker runs at slightly different temperatures. If you have a Crock Pot that cooks pretty hot, your meatloaf will likely only require about 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW. That's why a meat thermometer is such a great tool -- you can turn off the slow cooker when the meal is done.

- You'll know the meatloaf is done when it registers an internal temperature of 160°F and the juices run clear.