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Easy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This crockpot meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is a set-it-and-forget-it weeknight hero. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes on top of the tender, juicy meatloaf, creating a comforting meal that even picky eaters love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/3 cup ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • For the glaze: 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare your crockpot: Tear off a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil long enough to hang over the edges of your slow cooker by about 6 inches on each side. Press it into the bottom and up the sides, creating a sling. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix the glaze first: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Set aside.
  3. Combine the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Stir with a fork.
  4. Add the wet ingredients: Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and add 1/2 cup milk, 1/3 cup ketchup, and 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce. Stir until the breadcrumbs are fully moistened.
  5. Add the aromatics: Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
  6. Incorporate the ground beef: Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the bowl. Using your hands, gently mix everything together until no streaks of breadcrumb mixture remain (about 30 seconds).
  7. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared crockpot. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, slightly flattened on top. Leave space between the meatloaf and the sides of the slow cooker.
  8. Apply the glaze: Spoon about half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  9. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, spoon the remaining glaze over the top.
  10. Check for doneness: The meatloaf is done when firm to the touch and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. If not, cook for another 30 minutes.
  11. Rest and serve: Using the parchment sling, lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve with juices from the crockpot spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use 80/20 ground beef for best moisture. Grate the onion to hide it from picky eaters. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep slices intact. The glaze can burn if added too early; apply half at the start and the rest near the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/easy-crockpot-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/