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The Best Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This crockpot meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is incredibly moist, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering a tender, flavorful meatloaf every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (Heinz recommended)
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Instructions

  1. Line a 6-quart slow cooker with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, cooled onion mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to the lined crockpot and shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, leaving about an inch of space around the edges.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and yellow mustard until smooth.
  6. Spoon about half the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before it’s done, spoon the remaining glaze over the top and let it finish cooking uncovered.
  8. Check for doneness: the internal temperature should reach 160°F. Let the meatloaf rest in the crockpot (turned off) for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  9. Use the parchment handles to lift the meatloaf out onto a cutting board, then slice into 1-inch thick pieces.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a low-carb option, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. The meatloaf can sit on WARM for up to 2 hours after cooking without drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze meatloaf, easy meatloaf, moist meatloaf

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/the-best-crockpot-meatloaf-recipe-with-brown-sugar-glaze/