Description
This easy Crockpot Meatloaf recipe combines lean ground beef and pork with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a flavorful glaze. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a comforting and hearty meal that requires minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound lean ground pork
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or 1 small finely diced onion
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup dried seasoned bread crumbs (about 80 grams)
- ½ cup milk
Glaze
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions
- Combine Meat Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, and black pepper until just combined.
- Mix Bread Crumbs and Milk: In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs and milk. Add this mixture to the meat and gently mix until evenly incorporated.
- Prepare Crockpot Sling: Fold a large piece of tin foil into a 3-inch wide strip long enough to line the bottom and sides of the crockpot, creating a sling. Place it inside the crockpot and spray both foil and crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into an oval shape and place it on top of the foil sling inside the crockpot.
- Make and Apply Glaze: In a bowl, stir together ketchup, brown sugar, and ground mustard. Spoon about one-third of this glaze over the top of the meatloaf without contaminating the remaining glaze.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover with the lid and cook for 5 hours on the low setting.
- Check Temperature: Verify the internal temperature has reached at least 160°F. If not, continue cooking for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
- Finish and Rest: Remove any excess fat from the meatloaf’s edges, brush the remaining glaze on top, and lift the meatloaf out using the foil sling. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh fine bread crumbs for dried, but use only ¼ cup milk instead of ½ cup.
- Ground beef and pork can be replaced with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variations.
- Parmesan cheese adds a savory saltiness but can be omitted if preferred.
- Onion powder can be swapped with about ½ cup finely chopped fresh onion for a fresher taste.
- To bake instead of slow cook: place the meatloaf in a casserole dish and bake at 375 degrees F for 1 to 1.5 hours, adjusting time based on loaf thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
