Meet the Crockpot Meatloaf That Has 15,000 Home Cooks Throwing Their Traditional Recipes in the Trash!

There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This Crockpot Meatloaf is everything you want in a home-cooked dinner—tender, juicy, and packed with bold, savory flavors.

Unlike traditional oven-baked versions, slow-cooking allows the meat to stay incredibly moist while letting the rich blend of spices and herbs soak in for hours. Plus, you’ll get that classic caramelized brown sugar ketchup glaze without having to keep a constant eye on it.

Meatloaf has been a family favorite for generations, but let’s be honest—dry, bland versions have given it an undeserved bad reputation. That’s why this recipe takes a different approach. Instead of breadcrumbs, we use herb-seasoned stuffing mix, adding extra depth and a perfect balance of flavor.

Pair it with these Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts for a quick, no-fuss side or serve it alongside a Steak Cobb Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing for a fresh contrast. The best part? This meatloaf is a true time-saver. Prep it in just 15 minutes, let the crockpot do the work, and come home to a hearty, comforting dinner.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this dish brings back the cozy nostalgia of homemade meals—without the hassle.

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

• The stuffing mix trick – It’s a game-changer! It adds extra flavor and keeps the meatloaf from drying out.
• Hands-off cooking – Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it slow-cook to perfection. No babysitting required!
• That brown sugar glaze – A little sweet, a little tangy, and totally irresistible when it caramelizes.
• Great for leftovers – This meatloaf makes the best sandwiches the next day (trust me on this one).
• Kid-approved – Even picky eaters love the rich, comforting flavors in every bite.

Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe

This Crockpot Meatloaf is juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly cooked to perfection. Slow-cooked for maximum tenderness, it features a sweet-savory glaze and a deliciously moist texture, making it the ultimate comfort food.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 396 kcal

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk or spoon (for mixing glaze)
• Aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)

Ingredients

  

MEATLOAF:

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion finely minced
• 2 boxes 6 oz each dried stuffing mix (I like the savory herbs variety)
• 1 1/3 – 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 Tbsp glaze
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

BROWN SUGAR KETCHUP GLAZE:

• 1 1/2 cups ketchup
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp finely minced onion
• 1 Tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, mix ground beef, minced onion, stuffing mix, milk, eggs, salt, and pepper until combined.
  
• Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.
  
• In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, minced onion, mustard, vinegar, and black pepper to make the glaze.
  
• Spread half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
• Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
• In the last 30 minutes, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf.
  
• Once done, carefully remove from the crockpot and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm with your favorite sides.
  

Nutrition Info:

Flavor Packed Variations for This Recipe!

• Smoky BBQ Twist – Swap the ketchup glaze for your favorite BBQ sauce and add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture. This gives the meatloaf a deep, smoky flavor that’s next-level good.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatloaf – For an indulgent upgrade, press a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella in the center of the meat mixture before shaping the loaf. It melts beautifully inside, adding a rich, gooey bite.
• Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf – Wrap the entire loaf in thin strips of bacon before cooking. The slow cooker helps the bacon render perfectly, giving you a crisp, savory crust without needing to broil at the end.
• Italian-Inspired Meatloaf – Swap the stuffing mix for Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and add a mix of grated Parmesan and fresh basil to the meat mixture. Serve with marinara sauce for a classic twist.
• Chipotle Kick – Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder or finely chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy depth. This pairs perfectly with a side of roasted sweet potatoes.
• Maple-Dijon Glaze – Replace the brown sugar in the glaze with pure maple syrup and add a touch of Dijon mustard for a sweet-savory balance that’s a little unexpected but totally delicious.

John Lee

John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.

Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.