Looking for a hearty, soul-warming centerpiece to your dinner table? This Slow Cooker Meatloaf is the perfect combination of savory flavors and effortless cooking. Just set it and forget it—before you know it, you’ll have a tender loaf infused with herbs and topped with a sweet, tangy glaze that you can’t resist. Gather your family and friends for a meal that feels like a cherished tradition, all while letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or plain)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup ketchup, divided
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chopped onion, beaten egg, half of the ketchup, and half of the Worcestershire sauce. Using clean hands, gently work the mixture until everything is nicely combined. Be mindful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture moist and tender.
Line the bottom of your slow cooker with a disposable liner or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Form a loaf shape with the meat mixture and place it into the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ketchup, remaining Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to make a sweet and tangy glaze. Spread this evenly over the top of the loaf.
Set the slow cooker on low heat, cover, and let the meatloaf cook for about 6 to 7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you’d like a more caramelized crust, remove the loaf and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to finish. Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve thick, juicy slices with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad on the side. This tried-and-true dish is ready to warm hearts and fill bellies.
The beauty of this slow cooker meatloaf is in its simplicity. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights yet special enough for an intimate family gathering. If you’re keeping an eye on health considerations, swap out the ground pork for ground turkey or use whole wheat breadcrumbs.
Feel free to tweak the herbs to fit your palate—fresh thyme or chopped rosemary can add a lovely twist. However you choose to enjoy it, you’ll appreciate how comforting, fuss-free, and savory this recipe can be.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
