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Easy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

easy crockpot meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

A stress-free, tender meatloaf made in a slow cooker with a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe uses simple pantry staples for maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
  • 1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the inside of a 4-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands until uniform; do not overmix.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loose oval or log and place it directly into the greased slow cooker. Press down slightly to even it out.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  5. Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it to the edges.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold together.
  8. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid a dense texture. If the glaze is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for the last 30 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of water. For best results, cook on LOW to keep the meat moist. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker dinner, easy meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, meal prep, family dinner