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Best Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This slow cooker meatloaf is incredibly moist and tender, topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a beautiful crust. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it weeknight dinner that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the slow cooker: Line your slow cooker with a long piece of aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides to act as handles. 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, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Set aside.
  3. Combine the meatloaf ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, beaten eggs, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and dried parsley. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  4. Shape the loaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the foil-lined slow cooker. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Do not press down too hard.
  5. Apply the first layer of glaze: Spoon about half of the brown sugar glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  7. Apply the final glaze: About 30 minutes before serving, spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
  8. Rest and serve: Using the foil sling, lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces.

Notes

For a firmer crust, broil the meatloaf on a baking sheet for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar glaze, comfort food, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipe

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/best-slow-cooker-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/