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Best Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This slow cooker meatloaf is incredibly moist, thanks to the gentle steam of the slow cooker, and topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, unforgettable crust. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that’s perfect for busy nights and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or panko for a lighter texture)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar (or dark brown)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Line the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with a large sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving a few inches overhanging on each side. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. In a small skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for a few minutes.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk, 2 beaten eggs, the cooled onion and garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup ketchup. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined.
  5. Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the prepared parchment paper, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Brush the top and sides with half of the brown sugar glaze.
  6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  7. About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, brush the remaining glaze over the top.
  8. Carefully lift the meatloaf out using the parchment paper handles. Let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing. Slice into 1-inch thick pieces and serve.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. If using ground turkey, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure it holds together.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, easy dinner, ground beef recipe

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