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Best Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is incredibly moist, tender, and topped with a sweet, tangy, caramelized glaze that creates a crackly crust. It’s an easy, set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Line your slow cooker: Tear off two long pieces of aluminum foil and crisscross them in your Crockpot, leaving enough overhang on each side to use as handles. Spray the foil lightly with cooking spray.
  2. Soak the breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs have absorbed the liquid.
  3. Add the flavor base: To the soaked breadcrumbs, add the beaten eggs, finely diced onion, minced garlic, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley. Stir until it forms a thick paste.
  4. Mix in the beef: Add the ground beef to the bowl. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the foil-lined Crockpot. Shape it into a loaf shape, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, leaving at least an inch of space between the meatloaf and the sides of the slow cooker.
  6. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Do not open the lid during the first 3 hours.
  7. Make the glaze: About 30 minutes before the meatloaf is done, whisk together the brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
  8. Glaze and finish: Carefully open the slow cooker. Brush or spoon the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Cover and cook for the final 30 minutes.
  9. Rest 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 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Slice and enjoy: Use a sharp knife to cut the meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices. Spoon any extra glaze from the foil over the top. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the foil sling—it makes lifting the meatloaf out easy. Use 80/20 ground beef for best moisture. Cook on LOW, not HIGH. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart. Double the glaze if you want extra for serving.

Nutrition

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

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