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Homemade Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy & Best Recipe

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This easy crockpot meatloaf with a sticky brown sugar glaze is incredibly moist and flavorful, made with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort food with almost no effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) ketchup (for glaze)
  • 1/3 cup (70g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Prep the slow cooker: Line your crockpot with a large piece of aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides to use as handles later. Lightly spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
  3. Sauté the aromatics (optional but recommended): In a small skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool for 2 minutes.
  4. Combine the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 pounds ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 beaten eggs, the cooked onion and garlic, 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared foil-lined crockpot. Shape it into a loaf shape, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Leave a little space around the edges.
  6. Apply the glaze: Pour about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top of the meatloaf. Spread it evenly with a spoon or brush. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  7. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot with the lid. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf is done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. Rest and glaze again: When the meatloaf is cooked, carefully lift it out using the foil sling. Transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter. Let it rest for 10 minutes. While it rests, warm the reserved glaze in the microwave for 20 seconds and brush it over the top.
  9. Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into thick slices.

Notes

For best texture, use 80/20 ground beef. If using leaner beef, add 2 tablespoons olive oil or grated zucchini. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. The foil sling is essential for easy removal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/homemade-crockpot-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze-easy-and-best-recipe/