There’s something so deeply comforting about meatloaf. It’s the kind of dish that instantly takes you back to family dinners around the table, with mashed potatoes piled high and maybe a little gravy on the side. But let’s be honest—sometimes the idea of babysitting the oven for over an hour isn’t exactly appealing.

Enter Crockpot Meatloaf. This moist meatloaf recipe has all the nostalgic flavor of the oven-baked version but with a lot less work. Toss it in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a juicy, tender loaf ready to serve. It’s one of those hearty winter meals that makes the whole house smell amazing while you go about your day.

Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, feeding a hungry family, or just want leftovers for the best sandwiches tomorrow, this recipe delivers. Classic comfort food doesn’t get much easier—or more satisfying—than this.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Meatloaf

Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does all the work.
Tender & juicy: Cooking low and slow keeps it moist.
Family favorite: A true easy family dinner everyone will enjoy.
Classic flavor: Everything you love about traditional meatloaf, with less fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 large egg
½ cup ketchup
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined (don’t overmix, or it may turn dense).
Shape the loaf: Form into a firm loaf that fits comfortably in your crockpot.
Cook: Place loaf in the crockpot, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours until the internal temp reaches 160°F.
Rest & serve: Let the loaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Cooking Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Don’t overmix: Gentle mixing keeps the loaf tender instead of tough.
Ketchup glaze upgrade: Want extra flavor? Spread a little ketchup on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Line your crockpot: Place foil or parchment under the loaf to make cleanup easier.
Check doneness with a thermometer: Meatloaf should reach 160°F in the center.
Make it ahead: Mix and shape the loaf the night before, refrigerate, and start it in the morning.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

I’ll be honest—when I first started making meatloaf in the crockpot, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out. My mom always baked hers in the oven with a shiny ketchup glaze, and it was a family favorite. But one hectic week, I thought, “Why not try it in the slow cooker?”

The result? A juicy, flavorful loaf that tasted every bit as good as Mom’s, but with half the effort. My kids were thrilled, my husband went back for seconds, and I got to enjoy a stress-free evening instead of hovering over the oven.

Now, it’s my go-to when I want the cozy vibes of meatloaf without the extra work. It’s proof that sometimes the old classics can get a modern twist—and come out even better.

What to Serve with Crockpot Meatloaf

Meatloaf loves its sides, and the classics never disappoint. Mashed potatoes and green beans are always a winning combo. If you’re short on time, frozen veggies and store-bought rolls make this meal weeknight-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

For something a little different, serve it with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple side salad to lighten things up. And if you’re in full comfort food mode, don’t forget mac and cheese or buttery cornbread.

And here’s a little tip: leftovers make incredible sandwiches the next day. Slice cold meatloaf, add a swipe of mayo and ketchup on toasted bread, and you’ve got yourself a lunch worth looking forward to.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover meatloaf is almost better the next day. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in foil, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven or microwave.

If you’re planning ahead, you can also freeze the raw loaf before cooking. Just shape it, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the recipe as written.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf with just beef?

Yes! Using only beef works fine, but the pork adds extra juiciness and flavor.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, but for the best results, stick with low. If you’re pressed for time, cook on high for 3–4 hours.

Can I add vegetables to the loaf?

Absolutely! Finely chopped carrots, celery, or bell peppers blend right in and add extra flavor.

What breadcrumbs work best?

Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work. You can even use crushed crackers in a pinch.

Bringing It All Together

There’s a reason Crockpot Meatloaf has become a weeknight hero in my house—it’s hearty, flavorful, and about as low-maintenance as dinner gets. This slow cooker meatloaf keeps all the nostalgia of the original while freeing you up to actually enjoy your evening.

Whether you’re craving a classic comfort food meal, planning a hearty winter dinner, or just need an easy family dinner that everyone will love, this recipe delivers. So go ahead, dust off that slow cooker—you’ve got a meatloaf waiting to make your kitchen smell like home.

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Crockpot Meatloaf

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes–8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Crockpot Meatloaf is the ultimate classic comfort food made easy. This slow cooker version delivers all the nostalgic, hearty flavors of traditional meatloaf but with a hands-off cooking method. Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, it’s the perfect cozy dinner for busy weeknights or hearty winter meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
1 large egg
½ cup ketchup
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Mix the loaf: In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, ketchup, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Shape: Form the mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably in your crockpot.
Cook: Place the loaf in the crockpot, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest & serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat—gentle mixing keeps the loaf tender.

Spread a little ketchup on top during the last 30 minutes for a classic glaze.

Use foil or parchment under the loaf for easier cleanup.

Check doneness with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Make ahead: Mix and shape the loaf the night before, refrigerate, and start it in the morning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high, if needed)
Category: Plats
Method: Slow cooker
Cuisine: American

Crockpot Meatloaf: The Ultimate Classic Comfort Food Made Easy