How Long to Cook Meatloaf in Slow Cooker

This slow cooker meatloaf is so moist and is pretty much fool-proof! Made with onions, bell pepper, and saltine crackers! This is the ultimate classic comfort food and is easy to make in the slow cooker. This is my mom's recipe that I converted to the slow cooker.

I don't understand why some people hate meatloaf, were they fed awful meatloaf as a kid? My mom made the best meatloaf, and I wish I still lived at home and had my meals made for me! My mom made hers on a baking sheet; I love this updated way to make it!

How to make Meatloaf in the Crock Pot

Ingredients

• Ground beef – Use a very lean ground beef for meatloaf. I always get asked why is my meatloaf floating in grease? If you use a ground beef 7% – 10% fat, your meatloaf won't be floating in grease.
• Vegetables – Onions and bell pepper. Trust me on the bell pepper, it makes this recipe. Cut the onion and bell pepper into a small chop.
• Seasonings – Onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Ketchup – This helps moisten the meatloaf.
• Milk – This also helps moisten the meatloaf and some say milk makes for a more tender loaf.
• Crackers – Crush saltine crackers for the binder in this recipe.

Step by Step Directions

• Step 1 – Make the meatloaf mixture in a large bowl, I like to add everything but the meat into the bowl first and combine that, then mix in the meat. I feel it's easier to mix evenly that way and doesn't overmix the meat. Overmixing the meat can cause a tough meatloaf.

• Step 2 – Spray your slow cooker with cooking spray. Shape the meatloaf into a loaf into the slow cooker. If you have a round slow cooker, make a round shaped loaf.

• Step 3 – Cover and cook on low for 5 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
• Step 4 – Remove any fat from around the meatloaf before serving.
• Step 5 -Use my sauce recipe to glaze the meatloaf if desired.

What do I top my meatloaf with?

• A mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce is a classic sweet and tangy way to top meatloaf.
• You can also use warm brown gravy, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or even a zesty salsa.

What to serve with meatloaf:

• Mashed or baked potatoes (potatoes are a must if you can have them)
• Slow Cooker Baked Beans
• Corn or green vegetable
• Green Salad
• A sauce or gravy for topping the meatloaf.

Try one of these leftover meatloaf recipes:

• Leftover Meatloaf Soup – Recipe by Food Network
• Leftover Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole – Recipe by Allrecipes
• Leftover Meatloaf Quiche – Recipe by Kitchen Magpie
• Leftover Meatloaf Chili – Recipe by Food.com
• Leftover Meatloaf Baked Ziti – Recipe by Rachael Ray
• Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches – Recipe by Best Recipe Box

Recipe FAQs and Variations

How long does it take to cook meatloaf in the crockpot?

It takes 5 hours on low to cook a two-pound meatloaf in a crockpot.

Can I use ground turkey for meatloaf?

Yes, you can! You can use ground turkey for this recipe. Though you may need to add more crushed saltine crackers, ground turkey tends to be wetter than ground beef.

What variations can I make of meatloaf?

Add crumbled bacon and barbecue sauce instead of ketchup to this recipe. Or for an Italian twist and a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the meatloaf mixture and top with warm marinara to finish off the dish.

What can I use instead of saltine crackers in my meatloaf?

You can use crushed Ritz Crackers instead of saltine in meatloaf. Or you can use bread crumbs or even oatmeal as a binder. I suggest about a cup for any of these substitutions.

Why is my meatloaf still pink?

Your meatloaf should have an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and will be safe to eat. If it is still pink, it is from chemical changes due to myoglobin and heat.

This slow cooker meatloaf is my new favorite comfort food; I'm going to put it on my weekly meal list every week.

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• ▢

  Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

• ▢ 3 large eggs
• ▢ 1 cup diced white onion
• ▢ 1 cup diced red or green bell pepper
• ▢ 1/3 cup ketchup
• ▢ 1/4 cup milk
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• ▢ 1 tsp. salt
• ▢ 1/2 tsp. pepper
• ▢ 25 saltine crackers
• ▢ 2 lbs. 7% – 10% fat ground beef

For the Sauce

• ▢ 1 cup ketchup
• ▢ 1 Tbsp. brown sugar
• ▢ 1 tsp. mustard
• ▢ 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce (optional)

• In a large bowl, add the eggs ,onion, bell pepper, ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Crush the saltine crackers in next, and mix this all together with clean hands. Add the meat next, only mixing everything until it just comes together.

• Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray, and shape the meat into a loaf on the bottom of the slow cooker. Your meatloaf should hold into a loaf form without falling apart. Add more crushed saltines if the mixture seems too wet.

• Cover, and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, without opening the lid during cooking time.

• Scoop out the fat with a spoon, discard.

• Mix together the sauce ingredients, and spoon over meatloaf.

• Cover and cook for 30 more minutes on LOW if you want the sauce heated. Serve and enjoy!

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If you don't have saltine crackers you can use 1 cup of crushed ritz crackers, oatmeal or breadcrumbs.

You can use ground turkey in place of beef for this recipe. Though you may need to add more crushed saltine crackers for ground turkey tends to be wetter than ground beef.

Topping variations:

• Barbecue sauce
• Warm brown gravy (can buy packets or jarred gravy)
• Plain ketchup
• Zesty salsa

Why is my meatloaf still pink?

Your meatloaf should have an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and will be safe to eat. If it is still pink, it is from chemical changes due to myoglobin and heat.

Calories: 444 kcal | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 19 g | Saturated Fat: 7 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 181 mg | Sodium: 1156 mg | Potassium: 824 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 17 g | Vitamin A: 1189 IU | Vitamin C: 36 mg | Calcium: 66 mg | Iron: 5 mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Try my other Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Stove-Top Stuffing Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner (with meatloaf)

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How Long to Cook Meatloaf in Slow Cooker

Source: https://www.themagicalslowcooker.com/slow-cooker-meatloaf/

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