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Easy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This easy crockpot meatloaf is incredibly moist and tender, topped with a sticky-sweet brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly. It’s a hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that delivers classic comfort food flavor with almost no effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prep the Crockpot: Tear off two long sheets of aluminum foil, about 18 inches each. Crisscross them in the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a sling that hangs over the edges. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined, about 30 seconds of gentle folding and squeezing.
  4. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the foil sling in the crockpot. Shape it into a loaf shape, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Leave about an inch of space around the edges.
  5. Apply the Glaze: Pour about half of the prepared glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Use a spoon or pastry brush to spread it evenly over the top and sides. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  6. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, carefully open the lid and brush the remaining glaze over the top.
  7. Check for Doneness: The meatloaf is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 160°F (71°C). Let it rest in the crockpot with the lid off for 10 minutes before lifting it out.
  8. Lift and Serve: Using the foil sling, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for another 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip the foil sling for easy removal. Place a paper towel under the lid to absorb condensation and prevent a soggy top. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it from falling apart. Overmixing will make the meatloaf tough; mix gently until just combined. Use 80/20 ground beef for the best moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-crockpot-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-recipe/