Few meals evoke comfort and nostalgia quite like a well-made meatloaf. This dish has earned its place at dinner tables for generations, bringing warmth and familiarity with every bite. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—ground beef, pantry staples, and seasonings come together effortlessly to form a hearty, satisfying loaf. While meatloaf has roots in multiple cultures throughout history, today’s version feels both classic and timeless, especially when prepared in a slow cooker. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the meat stays moist and tender without constant attention.
Slow cooker meatloaf is the ultimate solution for busy households. Whether you’re prepping in the morning or letting it cook through a lazy weekend afternoon, the end result is consistently delicious. Best of all, this version includes a sweet-and-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, giving the meatloaf a finishing touch of flavor and texture. Serve it with your favorite sides—creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crisp steamed greens—for a well-rounded, comforting meal. It’s a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing classic that’s perfect for everything from weekday dinners to casual entertaining.
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, minced (divided for loaf and glaze)
- 12 ounces dried stuffing mix
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the glaze
- 1.5 cups ketchup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons minced onion (from above)
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Line your slow cooker with foil, leaving enough extra on the sides to help lift the meatloaf out later. In a small bowl, stir together all glaze ingredients and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, remaining onion, stuffing mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then form the mixture into a loaf shape. Place it into the foil-lined slow cooker and top with 1/2 cup of the glaze. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Carefully lift the loaf out using the foil. Spread about 2/3 cup more of the glaze on top, then place the loaf under the broiler for a few minutes until the glaze is bubbling and sticky. Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes and remaining glaze for dipping.
Nutritional & Dietary Notes
This meatloaf offers a generous source of protein from the beef, while the eggs and milk contribute to its rich, moist texture. Using stuffing mix adds flavor and helps hold everything together, though those with gluten sensitivities should substitute with a gluten-free blend. The glaze contains sugar, so if you’re watching your intake, it can be reduced or swapped for a lower-sugar version. This meal is hearty, satisfying, and can be tailored to various dietary needs with just a few small adjustments.
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If this recipe brought comfort to your kitchen, we’d love to hear about it! Share it with friends or leave a comment to let others know how it turned out. Every shared story and tip helps keep delicious traditions alive. Let’s inspire each other—one slow-cooked meal at a time.