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Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This easy slow cooker meatloaf with brown sugar glaze is tender, moist, and coated in a sticky-sweet caramelized glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires just 15 minutes of prep and delivers comforting, family-friendly flavor every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs, plain or Italian-seasoned
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (65g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the foil sling: Tear off two long sheets of aluminum foil (about 18 inches each). Lay them in a cross shape inside your slow cooker, with the ends hanging over the sides. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Sauté the onion (optional but recommended): In a small skillet over medium heat, cook the diced onion in 1 tablespoon of oil for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Let it cool slightly.
  3. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion (or raw if short on time), beaten eggs, milk, ¼ cup ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined, about 30 seconds.
  4. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the prepared foil sling in the slow cooker. Shape it into a rounded loaf, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Leave a little space around the edges.
  5. Make the brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, packed brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  6. Apply the first glaze layer: Brush about half the glaze generously over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, brush on the remaining glaze.
  8. Check for doneness: The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the center. If not, cook another 15-20 minutes and check again.
  9. Rest before slicing: Using the foil sling, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into 1-inch thick slices. Spoon any accumulated juices from the foil over the slices for extra flavor.

Notes

For best texture, use room temperature eggs and milk. To prevent sogginess, place a few folded paper towels under the slow cooker lid to absorb excess condensation. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, easy meatloaf, brown sugar glaze meatloaf, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-slow-cooker-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/