Slow cooker meatloaf is a game-changer for busy nights when you crave a comforting, home-cooked meal without the fuss. This recipe offers a hands-off approach while still delivering a juicy, flavor-packed dish. Just a little prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
The key to a good meatloaf is balance, and every ingredient plays its part. Ground beef is the star, providing the rich, hearty base. Breadcrumbs act as a binder, holding everything together while keeping the texture light. Milk adds moisture and helps soften the breadcrumbs, ensuring the meatloaf stays tender. Eggs are another binder that also enriches the mixture. Onion and garlic infuse the loaf with essential savory notes. A splash of Worcestershire sauce contributes a depth of flavor, adding a subtle umami kick. Tomato paste amplifies the beefiness and rounds out the flavors. Salt and black pepper enhance all the other flavors, while ketchup on top caramelizes into a sweet-savory glaze.
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a classic, comforting meal. For a light and fresh side, consider a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette. If you have leftovers, try slicing them thin for sandwiches or crumbling them into a pasta sauce for a quick dinner.
Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to mix everything until it’s just combined. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, so keep it gentle.
Once your mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf. This part is a bit like crafting a small loaf of bread. Make it compact enough to hold together but not so tight it loses its tenderness. Place the formed loaf directly into your slow cooker. If you're worried about sticking, a light spray of cooking oil on the bottom of the cooker can help.
Now it’s time for the glaze. Spread the ketchup evenly over the top of the loaf. This not only adds flavor but also gives the meatloaf a beautiful, glossy finish once cooked.
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for about 6 hours. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high for 3 hours works too, but the low-and-slow method tends to yield the juiciest results.
Once done, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making for cleaner slices and a more enjoyable texture.
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