Meatloaf is such an important part of American cooking culture, it's graduated from blue-plate special status at old-fashioned diners to a menu staple at some of America's top restaurants. Traditionally made with ground beef, some people use ground turkey and other insist a mixture of ground veal, pork and beef is the secret to perfect meatloaf.

Whatever protein you choose, try these recipes to add a little variety to your dinner lineup. Pair the meatloaf with conventional sides like mac and cheese and green beans, or get creative and choose a crunchy slaw or iceberg lettuce wedge salad as an accompaniment.

How to make slow cooker bacon cheeseburger meatloaf
Bacon cheeseburgers rank in the top echelon of burger aficionados, so it was only a matter of time before a meatloaf version of this icon would emerge. Easier to make and less messy to eat than burgers, slow cooker bacon cheeseburger meatloaf is a treat for everyone. To make it a more authentic take on the classic burger, serve it with a side of tomatoes, lettuce, onion and mayo and a side of fries. Get the recipe here.

How to make slow cooker old fashioned meat loaf
If you yearn for meatloaf like your mom or grandma used to make, this recipe is heaven sent. It has the ketchup and bell peppers that made it so special, and making it in a slow cooker guarantees moist, succulent meatloaf just like you remember it. A drizzle of brown gravy on top completes the picture, and a scoop of mashed potatoes on the plate just might make you fight back tears. Get the recipe here.

How to make slow cooker French onion meatloaf
If you never imagined meatloaf could be elevated to gourmet status, this recipe will change your mind. Stuffed with onions caramelized just enough to bring out their inherent sweetness and shredded high quality Swiss cheese, this meatloaf is fancy enough for a dinner party. A little Worcestershire sauce adds that umami that discerning palates crave. Get the recipe here.

How to make slow cooker bacon BBQ meatloaf
A healthy addition of crispy bacon and your favorite BBQ sauce elevates this meatloaf to new levels of flavor. Half the BBQ sauce gets mixed in with the ground beef, and the other half is swabbed over surface before cooking. Every morsel is a pleasure, full of bacony goodness and a sweetness that highlights the pungent flavors of the onion and garlic bits. Get the recipe here.

How to make slow cooker turkey meatloaf
Ground turkey replaces ground beef in this version of slow cooker meatloaf. To optimize moistness and flavor, choose dark meat ground turkey. To skew the flavors toward your preferred ethnic cuisine, add traditional Mexican, Cajun or Italian herbs and spices. For a dinner that conjures up Thanksgiving memories, serve the original recipe meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy and a side of cranberry sauce. Get the recipe here.

How to make herb slow cooker beef meatloaf
A bevy of fresh herbs and a tangy sauce make this meatloaf special. Ground beef takes on a gourmet flavor when mixed with rosemary, thyme and parsley, making it taste more like ground chuck or short ribs. The glaze is a wonderfully balanced mixture of ketchup, brown sugar and Dijon mustard that highlights the taste of the meat without overpowering it. Get the tutorial here.

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