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Home » Slow Cooker » Crockpot Meatloaf with Vegetables

Published: October 20, 2019 Last Modified: October 20, 2019 By Sara 26 Comments

Crockpot Meatloaf with Vegetables

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Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatloaf #meatloaf #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo

This crockpot meatloaf is lean ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs and seasonings, then cooked in a slow cooker along with carrots and potatoes. An easy dinner option that’s perfect to come home to after a long day!

I always turn to my crockpot when I know I’m not going to have a lot of time to make dinner in the evening. Some of our favorite slow cooker recipes include chicken tortellini soup, apricot chicken, and this tender and juicy traditional meatloaf.

Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatloaf #meatloaf #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe | Slow Cooker Meatloaf #meatloaf #beef #slowcooker #crockpot #dinner #dinneratthezoo

Slices of crockpot meatloaf served with carrots, potatoes and green beans.

Meatloaf is always a big hit, but it can take an hour or longer to bake in the oven. I don’t always have that kind of time to wait for dinner at night, so I’ve created this crockpot meatloaf that slow cooks all day while you’re gone. The end result is a super tender loaf that’s full of savory flavors.

How do you make crockpot meatloaf?

This easy meatloaf starts with making the beef mixture. Cook up some diced onions in a pan and add a little minced garlic. Mix together ground beef, beef broth, bread crumbs and seasonings, along with the cooked onions and garlic. Once everything is combined, shape the meat into a loaf and put in it a slow cooker. Toss some chopped carrots and potatoes in  olive oil with salt and pepper, and arrange them in the slow cooker around the meat. Brush the loaf with ketchup, then everything cooks together until the meat is done and the veggies are tender. You’ve got a delicious meal ready to serve garnished with a little chopped parsley.

Ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion and seasonings in a bowl.

Tips for crockpot meatloaf

  • I recommend using 90% lean ground beef for this recipe. 80% lean beef tends to leave grease in the bottom of the slow cooker, and 96% lean beef tends to dry out and get crumbly.
  • You can use other vegetables besides carrots and potatoes. Just make sure they’re cut into larger pieces so they don’t get mushy during the long cook time.
  • Feel free to line your slow cooker with foil to help lift the hot meatloaf out of the slow cooker.
  • The meat mixture can be assembled the night before, then placed in the crockpot in the morning.
  • Leftover meatloaf and veggies are good in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze individual slices of meatloaf for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
  • If you’re not sure if your meatloaf is cooked through, you can use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The middle of the loaf should reach at least 160 degrees F.

Ground beef shaped into a loaf in a crockpot.

HOW TO MAKE A MEATLOAF SANDWICH

Leftover meatloaf is perfect for meatloaf sandwiches! You’ll want to use a sturdy bread like a french roll. Toast the bread to keep it from getting soggy. Heat meatloaf all the way through in a toaster oven, regular oven or a microwave. Feel free to add tomatoes and lettuce, or any other of your your favorite toppings to the sandwich.

A loaf of ground beef topped with ketchup in a slow cooker, surrounded by carrots and potatoes.

Slow cooker meatloaf variations

I love this meatloaf recipe as-is, but there are some other ways to customize the flavors in this dish.

  • Italian: Add 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese and use Italian breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.  Top the meatloaf with your favorite marinara sauce instead of ketchup.
  • Mexican: Add 1/2 cup each of cheddar cheese, black beans and corn to the meatloaf mixture. For extra flavor and spice, add 1 tablespoon of chili powder or taco seasoning.
  • Cheesesteak: Add 1/2 cup each chopped of cooked peppers and mushrooms to the meatloaf, along with 1/2 cup of shredded provolone cheese.
  • Bacon Cheeseburger: Add 1/2 cup of cooked crumbled bacon, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meatloaf.

Crockpot meatloaf topped with ketchup and surrounded by carrots and potatoes.

Using this crockpot recipe is an easy way to make a delicious meatloaf meal. Cooking the meatloaf with the potatoes and carrots gives them a wonderful savory flavor and the meatloaf stays tender and juicy. This recipe will have your family and friends asking for seconds.

More comfort food classics

  • Cheeseburger Pie
  • Chicken Alfredo Bake
  • Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Broccoli Mac and Cheese
  • Chili Mac
Slices of crockpot meatloaf served with carrots, potatoes and green beans.
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5 from 12 votes

Crockpot Meatloaf

This crockpot meatloaf is lean ground beef mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs and seasonings, then cooked in a slow cooker along with carrots and potatoes. An easy dinner option that's perfect to come home to after a long day!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 396kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided use
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 pounds ground beef 90% lean
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves minced
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 3/4 cup ketchup divided use
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 pound small potatoes halved
  • 1 pound carrots peeled, halved and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Coat a 6 quart crockpot with cooking spray.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
  • Place the garlic and onion mixture in a large bowl along with the ground beef, thyme, salt, pepper, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, eggs and breadcrumbs. Stir well to combine.
  • Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the carrots and potatoes and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Form the beef mixture into a loaf. Place in the crockpot and arrange the potatoes and carrots around the meat.
  • Brush the top of the loaf with half the ketchup. Cover the crockpot and cook for 6 hours on low.
  • Brush the remaining ketchup over the cooked meatloaf. Sprinkle with parsley, then slice and serve.

Notes

If you don't have time to cook the onions and garlic in the morning, you can either cook them then night before, or simply add them raw to the ground beef mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 861mg | Potassium: 802mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 9743IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 4mg
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    Comments

    1. Joline says

      January 6, 2023 at 5:31 am

      Does anyone ever stretch the meat, by adding green bell peppers and celery to the mixture? Just wondered if I could precooked the veggies into microwave to soften them some first? Thanks in advance!

      Reply
    2. Satura says

      March 7, 2022 at 6:05 am

      Can you use ground turkey.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 7, 2022 at 8:17 am

        That should work!

        Reply
    3. Jenny says

      October 7, 2021 at 9:31 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe came out so great! I love the way the house smells when you use the crock pot

      Reply
    4. Jacquelynn Pittman says

      March 23, 2021 at 8:10 pm

      Is it okay if the meatloaf cooks over 6 hours? If so what is considered too many hours?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        March 24, 2021 at 11:36 am

        You could go an hour longer!

        Reply
    5. Leslie says

      February 7, 2021 at 7:50 pm

      Can I use instant pot? And for how long?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        February 7, 2021 at 8:11 pm

        I have not tested it in the Instant Pot. My best approximation is to cook it on high pressure for 25 minutes.

        Reply
    6. Sophia says

      February 1, 2021 at 11:05 am

      5 stars
      My family loves meat loaf and this recipe came out wonderful!

      Reply
    7. hannah s. says

      August 25, 2020 at 11:15 am

      If I wanted to half this recipe how do you think I should adjust the cook time? It looks great!

      Reply
      • Sara says

        August 25, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        You could do 4 hours on low!

        Reply
    8. Carla says

      May 11, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      I was so happy to come home to a wonderful food smell in my house and this tasty meal. I really should use my crook pot more ofter

      Reply
    9. Lisa Taylor says

      November 5, 2019 at 11:20 am

      It’s already 2 and I want mea loaf tonight! Thoughts on putting this recipe in the oven??? Temp and time?

      Reply
      • Sara says

        November 6, 2019 at 11:52 am

        Bake at 325 degrees F for one hour or until a thermometer registers 160 degrees!

        Reply
    10. Anita says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:57 am

      5 stars
      The meatloaf is so good and so juicy, and cooking it in a crockpot is perfect for busy days. We love the recipe, as is. And I’m going to try the other suggested variations. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sandi says

        October 27, 2019 at 9:38 pm

        Hello. I have something to ask you.
        She never put what on the crockpot ( high, low,)
        What temperature did you put it on?

        Reply
        • Sara says

          October 27, 2019 at 9:51 pm

          You should cook it on low it’s written in the recipe!

          Reply
    11. Aimee Mars says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never thought to make meatloaf in the crockpot! What a brilliant recipe and one that would make dinner SO much easier. I can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    12. Beth says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      Wow! What a great recipe! I’m with you, slow cooker recipes are my lifeline for busy weekdays!

      Reply
    13. Chichi says

      October 24, 2019 at 11:11 am

      5 stars
      This is a very delicious looking recipe. Never thought to meatloaf in a crockpot. Now that’s all I am thinking about. Thanks for the inspiration.

      Reply
    14. Kelly Anthony says

      October 24, 2019 at 10:37 am

      5 stars
      What a great idea to cook a meatloaf in the crockpot. This will be perfect for those nights when I don’t have time to cook a full meal.

      Reply
    15. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says

      October 24, 2019 at 1:18 am

      This crockpot meatloaf is so vibrant, healthy and yummy!

      Reply
    16. Toni says

      October 23, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Such a delicious meal for busy nights! My family will love this!

      Reply
    17. Taylor says

      October 23, 2019 at 6:20 am

      5 stars
      This is the perfect weeknight meal! Love that’s it made in the crockpot – so easy and delicious!

      Reply
    18. Chrissie Baker says

      October 23, 2019 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      This looks like something my family would DEVOUR! I can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    19. Stephanie says

      October 22, 2019 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      Turned out perfectly! The meat was so flavorful and everything was super easy to make. Thanks!

      Reply

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