Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Try this Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe.
Try this Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe.
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 2/3 upmilk
- 1 tsp hot sauce (i used frank's buffalo sauce)
- salt and pepper (i did about 1/2 tsp each)
- 2 tbsp dried minced onions
- 3 cloves garlic minced (about 1 1/2 tsp)
- 1 1/4 cups italian bread crumbs (you may need up to 1/4 cup m
- 1 lb lean ground beef (preferably 85/15 or leaner)
- Carbohydrate 35.6943203416872 g
- Cholesterol 105.75 mg
- Fat 2.73287274044614 g
- Fiber 0.379343073143542 g
- Protein 3.92184077404144 g
- Saturated Fat 0.796117090792396 g
- Serving Size 1 1 slices of meatloaf (145g)
- Sodium 383.13971313306 mg
- Sugar 35.3149772685437 g
- Trans Fat 0.448596663573437 g
- Calories 177 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large bowl whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Then add the ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, brown sugar, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, onions, garlic, and bread crumbs.
- Add meat and mix with your hands until it forms a loaf. You may need an additional ⅛ cup bread crumbs, but just enough to form a loaf; the meat should still be moist to the touch.
- Line a 4 QT slow cooker with parchment paper.
- Lay loaf on the parchment paper, flattening slightly and shaping it so that everything cooks evenly.
- Prepare sauce by whisking all ingredients together.
- Spoon half the sauce over the top of the meatloaf.
- Do not contaminate the other half of the sauce with raw meat, so you can use it for extra dipping sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate the extra sauce.
- Tuck the parchment paper inside the lid of the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 3½ hours until the internal temperature of the meat is 155 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest section.
- Pull meat out of the slow cooker with the parchment paper.
- Slice and serve with the extra refrigerated sauce (you may heat it up in the microwave if you like).
My Go-To Slow Cooker Meatloaf: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" That's where my trusty slow cooker becomes my culinary superhero. It's my secret weapon for creating delicious, comforting meals without sacrificing precious family time. This slow cooker meatloaf recipe is a perfect example – a crowd-pleaser that's as easy as it is satisfying.
I've tried countless meatloaf recipes over the years, from elaborate gourmet versions to simple, straightforward ones. But this slow cooker adaptation truly stands out. The slow cooking process infuses the meat with incredible flavor, resulting in a tender, juicy loaf that practically melts in your mouth. And the best part? Minimal prep time! I can toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning before heading off to work, knowing that a delicious dinner awaits my family when we return.
Beyond the Recipe: The Art of Weeknight Simplicity
This isn't just about a recipe; it's about embracing a simpler approach to cooking. For me, cooking should be a joy, not a chore. That's why I love recipes like this – ones that free me from the kitchen so I can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with my loved ones. It's about creating memories around the dinner table, not slaving away over a hot stove.
The slow cooker is more than just a kitchen appliance; it's a time-saver, a stress-reliever, and a facilitator of family connection. It allows me to create wholesome meals without the pressure of a tight schedule. And this meatloaf, with its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is a testament to the magic of slow cooking.
Beyond the Meatloaf: Adapting for Your Lifestyle
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Add some diced vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra nutritional value and a burst of freshness. Even the type of ground meat is flexible; you can use turkey, chicken, or a blend of ground meats to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
The leftover sauce is a delicious treat! You can use it for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches or even adding to your eggs for breakfast. This slow cooker meatloaf is not just a dinner, it’s a source of delicious ingredients for other meals.
For those busier weeknights, this recipe offers a stress-free option while maintaining a healthy and flavourful dish.
More than Just a Meal: Creating Family Traditions
The aroma of this meatloaf simmering in the slow cooker fills our home with warmth and comfort. It's a familiar scent that evokes feelings of coziness and togetherness. More than just a dinner, it's a symbol of family, a shared experience that brings us closer. It's about creating traditions, those small everyday moments that build lasting bonds and memories.
So, embrace the simplicity of this recipe, savor the delicious flavors, and relish the precious time spent with your loved ones around the dinner table. This slow cooker meatloaf is more than just a meal; it's a celebration of family, friendship, and the simple joys of life.
