Meat Loaf Cooked In Crock-Pot
A hearty crock-pot meat loaf with a sweet and tangy glaze, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering, featuring savory beef and flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On medium heat, mix ground beef, salt, crackers, grated onion, 1 egg, and tomato juice or milk.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- When half cooked, prepare the glaze by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Pour the glaze over the meat loaf and continue cooking until fully done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meat loaf, consider adding minced garlic or Worcestershire sauce to the mixture. If you don't have crackers, breadcrumbs or oats can be used as substitutes. To avoid a dry meat loaf, ensure not to overmix the ingredients. Check out related recipes like Pineapple Meat Loaves for a sweet twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crock-pot meat loaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a comforting meal. A side salad or coleslaw can add a refreshing contrast. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Ground Beef Casserole for a hearty dinner spread. For a fun twist, try serving it on a toasted bun as a meat loaf sandwich.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat Loaf Cooked In Crock-Pot contains roughly 285 calories, with 3g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. Just be cautious with the fat content, as turkey may dry out more easily. Adding a bit more tomato juice or milk can help keep the meat loaf moist.
How long can I cook the meat loaf in the crock-pot?
Cooking time can vary, but generally, a meat loaf takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in a crock-pot. Always check for an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it's fully cooked.
Can I freeze meat loaf after cooking?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, wrap the meat loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).