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Best Easy Crockpot Meatloaf With Brown Sugar Glaze

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A tender, slow-cooked meatloaf with a caramelized brown sugar ketchup glaze that’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or busy weeknights. The crockpot does all the work, delivering moist, flavorful results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Line your crockpot with a parchment paper sling — two long strips crisscrossed in the bottom, with enough overhang to grab later. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and mustard powder. Set aside.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion with a splash of oil until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, sauteed onions and garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared slow cooker. Shape it into a loaf shape with your hands, leaving about an inch of space between the meat and the sides of the crockpot. The loaf should be about 6-7 inches long and 4-5 inches wide.
  6. Spoon about half of the brown sugar ketchup glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
  8. About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, carefully open the slow cooker and spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Replace the lid and let it finish cooking.
  9. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F at the center. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check that the juices run clear and the meatloaf is firm to the touch.
  10. Turn off the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment sling to lift it out of the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board. Slice and serve with the extra glaze from the bottom of the pot spooned over the top.

Notes

Don’t skip the parchment sling for easy removal. Shape the loaf with slightly raised edges to account for settling. Remove excess liquid about an hour before done to prevent sogginess. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, potluck recipe, comfort food

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