Classic meatloaf is given a tasty twist in this Slow Cooker Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf recipe. As you may have guessed, cooked bacon and barbecue sauce are the highlight and they bring a flavor that will keep you wanting more.

Bacon and barbecue aren’t the only ways to switch up a classic meatloaf recipe. Try this Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf (with Stovetop stuffing) or my Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf.

Why this recipe works

My mom made the best meatloaf in the oven, but did you know meatloaf is one of the BEST things to make in the slow cooker? Often meatloaf in the oven can get hard in spots. Not in the slow cooker. The meatloaf stays perfectly tender throughout.

I have a trusted crockpot meatloaf recipe that I follow as a base for this recipe. It’s my mom’s recipe that I converted to the slow cooker. Though that recipe uses ketchup and bell pepper, the rest is the same. Why mess with perfection, well besides adding bacon and barbecue sauce.

• Ground Beef: You’ll want to use no less than 2 pounds with a fat content of 10% or less.
• Barbecue Sauce: This will be used both inside and outside of the meatloaf.
• Bacon: Cook this ahead of time. It will also be used inside and out of the meatloaf.
• Saltine Crackers: These are a classic meatloaf ingredient and are used to help it stay together.
• Eggs: Eggs also work as a binding agent.
• Milk: This is often seen as a hidden ingredient but also helps with binding and creating a juicy meatloaf.
• Seasonings: Onion is diced and used to make a hearty and flavorful meatloaf along with salt, black pepper, and onion powder.

Step-by-Step Directions

Step One – In a large bowl add the eggs, onion, onion powder, salt, pepper, milk, barbecue sauce, and crushed saltine crackers.

Step Two – After those ingredients are mixed, add in the ground beef, and cooked bacon, and mix until just combined. Don’t overwork the meat.

Step Three – Add the meat to a cooking spray-prepared slow cooker and shape it into a loaf form.

Step Four – Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 5 hours on low.

Step Five – Drain off any grease that is sitting around the meat. Drizzle over more barbecue sauce.

Step Six – Add more bacon on top. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to serve

• Meatloaf has long been identified as a dish that goes with mashed potatoes, gravy, and something green like green beans, turnip greens, or even asparagus.
• A slice of this delicious meatloaf can also be served on bread to make meatloaf sandwiches.
• Less traditional sides include honey glazed carrots, baked macaroni and cheese, cauliflower and broccoli salad, and/or sauteed mushrooms and onions.
• When it comes to bread, you can’t go wrong with serving it with a slice of white bread, a piece of homemade cornbread, or a piece of toasted garlic bread.

Recipe FAQs

Other Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Turkey Stove-Top Stuffing Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Homestyle Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Venison Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Italian Meatloaf
• Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf
• Slow Cooker Taco Stuffed Peppers
• Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner (with meatloaf)