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Easy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Best Recipe

crockpot meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This tender, juicy crockpot meatloaf is topped with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Line your slow cooker insert with a large piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving overhang on the sides to create handles. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula just until incorporated.
  4. Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the prepared slow cooker liner. Gently shape into a loaf about 6-7 inches long and 4-5 inches wide, keeping it even in height.
  5. Pour about two-thirds of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf and spread evenly, allowing it to drip down the sides. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Using the parchment paper handles, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  8. While resting, warm the remaining glaze. Brush over the top of the meatloaf for a glossy finish. Slice and serve.

Notes

For a leaner meatloaf, use ground turkey or chicken and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. To make gluten-free, use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. For low-carb, replace breadcrumbs with 1 cup almond flour and use sugar-free ketchup. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, easy meatloaf, comfort food, ground beef recipe