Are you tired of dry, bland meat loaves that disappoint at every family dinner? Get ready to revolutionize your meal time with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Meat Loaf recipe that promises tender, juicy perfection with minimal effort! Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of a home-cooked classic that practically makes itself while you go about your day. This American comfort food staple is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, ketchup, chopped onion, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a large spoon until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf that will fit inside your crock pot. Ensure the loaf is not too wide or tall to allow even cooking.
- Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the meat loaf into the crock pot, placing it in the center of the cooking vessel.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set the temperature to low heat setting.
- Cook the meat loaf for 6 hours, allowing it to slowly cook and develop rich flavors.
- Check the internal temperature of the meat loaf using a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Optional: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, spread additional ketchup or barbecue sauce on top of the meat loaf for extra flavor and glaze.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the meat loaf from the crock pot using two large spatulas.
- Let the meat loaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Use fresh ground beef with a moderate fat content (80/20 blend) for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meat loaf tough and dense.
- For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- Line your crock pot with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and removal.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meat loaf rest after cooking to help it retain its juices and make slicing easier.
- Experiment with different glazes like honey mustard or spicy BBQ sauce for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 245kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
