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- Slow cooker meatloaf is an easy, hands-off way to make a comforting family dinner.
- This recipe stays moist and tender thanks to gentle, continuous slow cooker heat.
- For a caramelized top, it’s simple to brown the cooked loaf under your oven broiler.
I am a firm believer that meatloaf is one of the most misunderstood and underappreciated foods. It’s easy, delicious, versatile, and comforting. I LOVE meatloaf so much that I’ve actually hosted meatloaf-themed dinner parties with a multitude of different proteins and flavors, complete with cute handwritten labels on toothpicks atop each loaf.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that I had to find a way to combine my beloved meatloaf with the convenience of a slow cooker.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
How to Choose Meat for Slow Cooker Meatloaf
I found that 85 to 90% lean ground beef works best here. This will produce a meatloaf that is still super moist with a minimal amount of liquid and fat drippings to drain off at the end. Making meatloaf in a slow-cooker will always produce some liquid that will need to be drained off, but consider this a small price to pay, as this liquid is continuously basting your meatloaf, keeping it moist while it cooks.
You can also swap out the beef for any lean protein you like, such as chicken, turkey, or lean pork.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
How Long To Cook Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker
This will depend on your particular slow cooker, but I’ve found right around five hours to be the sweet spot in mine. Meatloaf in general is very forgiving, and this is especially true in the slow cooker.
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safety, but it will stay extremely moist and tender well above that recommended minimum. The meatloaf will also stay hot enough to serve for an hour or two after it has finished cooking if left covered in the slow cooker (either off or on the warming setting) making this an extremely convenient dish that will suit your schedule.
Keep in mind that because this meatloaf is cooked completely in the slow cooker, it is more moist than traditional meatloaf. If you think meatloaf is all about those crusty edges, an oven-baked meatloaf may be more your speed.
Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu
Can I Brown the Meatloaf in the Oven?
If you desire a browned top and slightly caramelized sauce on your meatloaf, feel free to remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker using the aluminum foil to lift it out. Drain off any drippings, place it on a baking sheet, and broil for two to three minutes. Honestly, I usually skip this step. The meatloaf is perfectly delicious right out of the slow cooker.
