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Kid-Approved Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This crockpot meatloaf is incredibly tender and moist, thanks to the slow cooker’s gentle heat. Topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, it’s a kid-friendly, budget-friendly dinner that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced (yellow or sweet)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) kosher salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
  • ½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon (2g) dried parsley (optional)
  • ½ cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon (1g) garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Line a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with a large piece of aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on both sides to create a sling. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup ketchup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, ½ cup milk, 1 finely diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, ¼ cup ketchup, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared slow cooker and shape it into a loaf, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Leave space around the edges.
  5. Spoon about half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly and letting some drip down the sides. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, carefully open the slow cooker and spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken the glaze slightly.
  8. Using the foil sling, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For a lighter version, use lean ground beef (90/10) and reduce the brown sugar in the glaze by half. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze meatloaf, kid-friendly meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, budget-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/kid-approved-crockpot-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/