Crockpot Meatloaf: A Cozy Family Favorite
There are certain recipes that bring a wave of nostalgia right into your kitchen, and this Crockpot Meatloaf is one of them. The smell of savory beef mingling with garlic and onions as it simmers all day long creates a warm and comforting embrace that wraps itself around you as you come home. I remember my grandma preparing her version of meatloaf on chilly afternoons, letting it bubble gently away in the slow cooker while we gathered around the table, giggling and sharing stories from our day. This is a recipe that transforms your house into a home, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a Sunday family feast.
Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: With just a bit of mixing and shaping, you can leave it to the crockpot to do the magic, making this a hassle-free meal option.
Hearty & Filling: At 1 ½ pounds of ground beef, this meatloaf is not just filling; it’s a tender, juicy dish that everyone will come back for seconds!
Family-Friendly Flavor: Loaded with flavors like savory garlic and Italian seasoning, this is a dish the entire family will enjoy.
Customizable: You can make it your own by adding in your favorite ingredients or toppings, making something new each time.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This easy recipe is excellent for make-ahead meals, providing comfort food throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Meatloaf
Gather these simple ingredients to create the ultimate comforts of home:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf
Let’s make it together! Follow these easy steps to create a dish that’s bound to fill your home with love and comfort:
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined. Feel free to let your hands get messy; it’s all part of the fun!
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and gently place it into the crockpot, imagining all the deliciousness that is about to unfold.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. As the aromas fill your kitchen, take a moment to reflect on the sweet memories this dish brings.
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes. This step is important for keeping it juicy and tender before you slice and serve it up, creating that perfect slice for your plate.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic meatloaf is a comforting staple, here are a few creative twists you might want to explore:
Veggie-Packed Loaf: Add finely chopped bell peppers and shredded carrots for a nutritious boost and a pop of color.
Cheesy Surprise: Fold in some shredded cheddar cheese before forming the loaf for a melty, indulgent center.
Herb Infusion: Swap the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for a garden-fresh taste.
BBQ Glaze: Brush the top with your favorite barbecue sauce in the final hour of cooking, creating a sweet and tangy glaze that elevates the flavors.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure perfect results every time, keep these helpful hints in mind:
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it, making your dinner prep as simple as plopping it in the slow cooker.
Ingredient Swaps: Ground turkey can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter option, though it may not be as rich in flavor.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover meatloaf slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain that delicious texture.
Easy Slicing: Use a serrated knife or a sharp chef’s knife to slice the meatloaf for clean, perfect pieces.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Each serving of this cozy meatloaf brings along wholesome goodness:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Carbs: 15g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 430mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the meat mixture the night before and let it rest in the fridge. Cook it the next day for an effortless dinner.
Can I use different ingredients? Of course! Swap out the beef for turkey or chicken, and experiment with different seasonings to suit your tastes.
How do I store leftovers? Place leftover slices in an airtight container. They’re perfect for next-day sandwiches or reheating for a cozy meal.
How long does it last? Leftovers last up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and can be refrigerated longer if frozen.
Wrapping It Up
This Crockpot Meatloaf is truly more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic gathering of flavors and memories, perfect for sharing with loved ones on a chilly evening. Its rich textures and savory blend of ingredients make it a cozy centerpiece for any family dinner. You’ll find that it not only fills your stomach but warms your heart, reminding you of tender moments spent around the table.
Save this Crockpot Meatloaf to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
Crockpot Meatloaf
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Meat
Description
A nostalgic Crockpot Meatloaf that fills your home with warmth and comfort, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it gently into the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Make-ahead magic: Prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate. Ground turkey can be used for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crockpot, Meatloaf, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Slow Cooker