Slow Cooker Homemade Meatloaf

Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• 2 lb (900 g) ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• ½ green bell pepper, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup milk

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the tomato glaze

• ¾ cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 2 minutes so the breadcrumbs soften.

2. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the ground beef, eggs, onion, bell pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

3. Mix gently: Use clean hands or a fork to combine everything until just mixed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf dense.

4. Make the glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vinegar.

5. Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a compact loaf. Place it on a foil sling or in a suitable heat-safe loaf insert inside the slow cooker. Keep the loaf elevated where possible so excess fat can drain away.

6. Add the sauce: Spread about half the glaze over the top. Reserve the remainder for later.

7. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for approximately 4–6 hours, depending on the loaf’s thickness and your slow cooker. The center must reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.

8. Finish the glaze: During the final 30 minutes, spread the remaining sauce over the meatloaf and cover again.

9. Rest and serve: Carefully lift the meatloaf out and rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.

Quick tips

• For extra moisture: Use ground beef with around 80–85% lean meat.

• For more flavor: Add ½ teaspoon onion powder or a little extra Worcestershire sauce.

• For easier removal: Use a foil sling, keeping the handles accessible.

• For a thicker glaze: Warm the reserved sauce separately until slightly thickened.

• Food safety: Do not put frozen ground beef directly into the slow cooker. Start with thawed meat and verify doneness with a food thermometer.

Nutrition information (approximate)

Per serving, assuming 8 servings:

Values vary according to the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and glaze ingredients used.

Nut information

• Nuts: No nuts are required in this recipe.

• Contains: Wheat in regular breadcrumbs, eggs, and milk.

• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and check all sauces and seasonings.

• Check package labels for potential allergen cross-contact.

Q/S — Quick summary: Mix the beef and seasonings, shape into a loaf, add the ketchup glaze, slow-cook until the center reaches 160°F (71°C), rest for 10 minutes, and slice.