Name: Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 365 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 30 saltine crackers; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 pounds ground beef; 1/2 cup ketchup; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

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Looking for a recipe that is both flavorful and easy to prepare? This easy Crockpot Meatloaf is your answer! The simple homemade glaze on top takes the flavors of this classic comfort food to the next level - adding a touch of sweetness and tanginess.

Overhead photo of crockpot meatloaf plated over a bed of mashed potatoes with roasted tomatoes and broccoli.

It is rare that everyone in our house agrees on dinner, and meatloaf is one thing I know will keep everyone happy.

My Ninja Foodi Grill meatloaf and Cast Iron Meatloaf have been regulars in our rotation for a while now, and my Sheet Pan Meatloaf has recently been added to the mix.

On those days when I want to be able to prep everything ahead of time, this slow cooker meatloaf is always a hit.

Serving your meatloaf with creamy crockpot mashed potatoes or cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Try adding simple yet sophisticated sides such as a garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing or air fryer mushrooms. You can serve vegetables such as Instant Pot green beans, roasted, shaved Brussels sprouts, or Instant Pot Carrots.

Ingredient Notes

Meatloaf Ingredients

Overhead photo of saltine crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, sea salt, two large eggs, whole milk, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and two pounds of ground beef.

Saltines make an excellent binder for crockpot meatloaf, but if you don't have them on hand, I've made this with breadcrumbs, and that works too.

As for salt, I usually use 1 teaspoon per pound of meat, but since the crackers and soy sauce add their own, you won't need as much here. If you use breadcrumbs, go with the teaspoon per pound ratio.

When it comes to the meat, anything from 80/20 to 90/10 works; just remember that higher-fat beef will shrink a bit more. You can also mix in ground turkey or pork if you want to change up the flavor or lighten it.

Glaze Ingredients

Overheat photo of prep bowls with ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, and brown sugar.

Step by Step

For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

A piece of heavy duty foil with the sides folded in. — First, start by creating a foil sling for your slow cooker.

The bottom part of a foil sling in a slow cooker. — To do this, line the bottom and two sides of your slow cooker with heavy-duty foil perpendicular to each other.

A slow cooker that has been lined with a foil sling. — Make sure you have enough foil so that the bottom layer can be used as a handle. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.

Saltine crackers in a zip top bag. — Next, place saltines in a zip-top bag.

Saltine crackers in a zip top bag that have been crushed with a rolling pin. — Seal and use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to crush them fine.

Crushed saltine crackers, parmesan, garlic powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. — Transfer to a bowl, then whisk in parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.

Saltine crackers, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, eggs, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. — Add the eggs, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar.

A paste of Saltine crackers, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, eggs, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl. — Mix until a paste forms.

A paste of Saltine crackers, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, eggs, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar in a bowl with ground beef. — Then add the meat to the bowl and use your hands (or rubber gloves) to combine the paste with the meat.

A meatloaf mixture in a bowl. — Be careful not to overmix.

A meatloaf mixture in a slow cooker that has been lined with a foil sling. — Shape into a loaf and put onto the foil-lined slow cooker.

Ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard in a small bowl — Mix together ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard in a small bowl.

Ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard that have been mixed together in a small bowl — Divide the mixture in half.

A glazed meatloaf in a slow cooker ready to cook. — Brush the meatloaf with one-half of the glaze.

A glazed meatloaf that has cooked for six hours in a slow cooker. — Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker by using the foil sling.

A foil lined baking sheet with a meatloaf on it. — Transfer to a large baking dish and top with the remaining glaze.

A slow cooker meatloaf that has been glazed and is ready to broil. — Broil until the glaze is bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meatloaf has reached an internal temperature of 160° F.

Allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. It will come up to the recommended 165° F as it rests.

Pro Tips

Be sure to use heavy-duty foil, as regular foil will not hold up well for lifting the meatloaf out of the slow cooker.
Using a kitchen thermometer is a great way to check if your meatloaf is cooked through. The internal temperature should read 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) before you remove it from the heat.
Keep a close eye on the glaze as you broil it. You want it to get nice and bubbly without burning.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into the meatloaf. This will help prevent it from falling apart when you cut into it.

Should I Add Water to My Slow Cooker?

No. Unlike cooking with an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, adding liquid is not necessary when cooking meatloaf in a slow cooker. The moisture trapped inside the slow cooker during cooking is enough to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.

Overhead photo of a partially sliced slow cooker meatloaf on a serving platter.

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5 from 16 votes

Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Looking for a recipe that is both flavorful and easy to prepare? This Crockpot Meatloaf is your answer! With just a few simple steps, you can create a tender and juicy meatloaf that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. The simple homemade glaze takes the flavors of this classic comfort food to the next level - adding a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the savory meatloaf. Best of all, cooking this dish in the crockpot means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time doing what you love.

Prep Time15

Cook Time6 5

Total Time6 20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: comfort food

Servings:

Calories: 359kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

Meatloaf

30 saltine crackers
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup whole milk
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 pounds ground beef

Brown Sugar Glaze

½ cup ketchup
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon dijon mustard

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Line the bottom and two of the sides of your slow cooker with heavy duty foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the saltines in a zip top bag. Seal, and use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to crush fine.
Transfer to a bowl. Whisk in the parmesan, garlic powder, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, soy sauce, and vinegar and mix until a paste forms.
Put the meat in a large bowl. Add the paste and mix with your hands until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker, and form into a loaf.
Make the glaze by combining the ketchup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mustard in a small bowl. Divide the mixture in half.
Brush the meatloaf with half on the glaze.
Cook on low for 6 hours.
Carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker by using the foil. Transfer to a large baking dish.
Top with the remaining glaze.
Broil until the glaze is bubbly.

Notes

Storage

Leftover slow cooker meatloaf and be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

You can also freeze meatloaf for up to three months. I like to slice it and freeze it individually in plastic wrap inside a freezer-safe container. That way, it is easy to thaw and bake or heat it in the microwave.

Nutrition

Filed Under:

Beef Recipes Fall Recipes Favorites Slow Cooker Recipes

Comments

5 from 16 votes (15 ratings without comment)

Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze