Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatloaf

If you've never made meatloaf in the slow cooker, it's time to remedy that ASAP. This aptly named recipe — which cooks low and slow to tender, juicy perfection — actually does melt in your mouth.

Why Make Meatloaf In the Slow Cooker?

The Crock-Pot might not be the traditional way to cook meatloaf, but there are plenty of reasons to try the slow cooker method ASAP.

The Cookdap community loves this meatloaf recipe for its ease: Just shape the meatloaf, toss it in the slow cooker, and add the glaze before serving. It's that simple! Plus, you can prepare this meal in the morning and save yourself from the after-work dinner struggle.

Of course, the slow cooker also ensures a perfectly tender and melt-in-your mouth texture that is much harder to achieve in the oven.

Slow Cooker Meatloaf Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this top-rated slow cooker meatloaf:

Bread CrumbsUse store-bought or homemade seasoned bread crumbs.

MilkMilk is absorbed into the bread crumbs, adding much-needed moisture.

EggsTwo whole eggs help bind the meatloaf together. Plus, they lend richness and extra moisture.

SeasoningsThis slow cooker meatloaf is seasoned with just dried minced onion, rubbed sage, and salt.

BeefTraditional meatloaf is made with ground beef, which is what this recipe calls for. Some reviewers say they've gotten great results with ground turkey.

MushroomsSliced mushrooms offer earthy flavor. If you're not a fan, you can leave them out.

What else will you need? A 4-ingredient glaze (made with just ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard) is the perfect finishing touch for this flavorful and juicy meatloaf.

How to Make Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Prepare the Meatloaf

Whisk together milk, bread crumbs, eggs, minced onion, salt, and sage. Stir in ground beef and mushrooms. Shape the mixture into a round loaf that will fit into your slow cooker.

Cover and Cook

Place the formed loaf into your slow cooker and cook on low for five to six hours.

Glaze the Meatloaf

Whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Open the slow cooker and pour the glaze evenly over the loaf. Re-cover and continue to cook on low for about 15 more minutes.

Serve the Meatloaf

Remove the meatloaf and transfer to a serving plate. Cover with foil for about 10 minutes to trap in the juices, then slice and serve.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Meatloaf In a Slow Cooker?

This slow cooker meatloaf recipe should be ready in five to six hours. When the meatloaf is done, an instant read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 160 degrees F.

How to Store Slow Cooker Meatloaf

Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a shallow airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until the meatloaf is heated through.

Cookdap Community Tips and Praise

“Delicious,” raves juliadiane. “I diced the mushroom, added extra onion and garlic, no sage and a little spicy sausage. Threw some fingerling potatoes in for the last 2 hours — sooo delicious!”

“We had this tonight for dinner and it was fantastic,” according to pfrederick. “It was unbelievably moist and full of flavor. I used a fresh, small diced onion instead of the dried minced onion. I also added some minced garlic. This meatloaf does not disappoint, and we’re looking forward to the leftovers.”

“Very good meatloaf, I found it to be moist and held together very well,” says cdksbk. “I did omit the mushrooms, just didn’t have any on hand. A good go-to recipe when you know you are going to have a busy day.”