When you think "meatloaf," it's not often that "slow cooker" is right behind. But the truth is, you
can get traditional meatloaf right out of the slow cooker, and everything's here - ground beef, garlic, onions, breadcrumbs, delicious fresh herbs, and lightly beaten eggs acting as the glue that holds the whole thing together. And if that's not enough flavor for you, just wait until you taste the sweet and tangy sauce that tops the whole thing off.
While it's natural to worry that meatloaf out of a slow cooker might be too wet, or fall apart in the insert, don't. It seems quite wet when it's first placed in, but it really will hold its shape to give you beautifully-shaped and perfectly moist meatloaf that will have everyone coming back for more.
Herby Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Ingredients2 pounds ground beef
3 cloves garlic, diced
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 onion, diced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, divided
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon each of rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper (ideally use fresh herbs but dried can be a substitute)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions1. Place garlic, eggs, onion, half of the Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, salt and pepper into a large bowl and mix well. Crumble the ground beef over top and mix all ingredients very well so that everything is incorporated together. You don't need to worry about over-mixing as you do with other recipes. Because it cooks as such a low temperature, it will stay moist no matter how much you mix it.
2. Shape mixture into a loaf shape and transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the lid on, turn heat to low and cook for 6 hours.
3. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Whisk to mix all ingredients, then drizzle over the meatloaf.
4. Leave the lid off the slow cooker, turn heat to high and cook for another 30 minutes, until the glaze sets.
5. Remove meatloaf from slow cooker to cutting board. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Although this is a traditional meatloaf recipe, you can switch it up any way you'd like. Add black olives and lots of oregano for a Greek spin, or use fresh cilantro and chili spices for a Mexican twist. One of the best things about meatloaf is that it can be whatever you're in the mood for!
