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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf

Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf

by Sarah Olson on September 24, 2022 | Updated October 21, 2022 4 Comments

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If you’re looking to put a spin on traditional meatloaf then you must try this Salsa Meatloaf. Instead of ketchup, you’ll add salsa along with the other recipe staples. This simple and delicious recipe is a quick meal you can have ready for dinner all without breaking a sweat.

Looking for a traditional meatloaf recipe but for the crock pot? Here’s my Slow Cooker Meatloaf recipe to try.

2 slices of meatloaf on a plate.

Can I put salsa in meatloaf?

Out of ketchup and prefer something different? Salsa is a great choice to make if you are wanting a Mexican-style meatloaf. Salsa actually adds a unique flavor that meshes perfectly with all of the other ingredients.

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for salsa meatloaf on table.
  • Ground Beef: Use very lean ground beef for meatloaf. This will prevent your meat from putting off too much grease.
  • Salsa: Replaces the traditional ketchup ingredient and still provides moisture for the meatloaf.
  • Breadcrumbs: Acts as the binding agent for this meatloaf.
  • Seasonings: Garlic, salt, parsley, and cumin. You can also add pepper to taste.
  • Cheese: Enhances the Mexican touch to the salsa meatloaf.

Step-by-Step Directions

4 images about how to prepare salsa meatloaf in slow cooker.

Step One – In a large bowl, add all of the ingredients EXCEPT 2 tablespoons of fiesta blend cheese.

Step Two – Combine the ground beef mixture ingredients well (either by hand or with a spatula).

Step Three – Pat the meat mixture into a prepared slow cooker (lined with aluminum foil and sprayed with cooking spray).

Step Four – Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours.

round salsa meatloaf on plate.

What to serve with this

  • Serve this yummy meatloaf with additional toppings such as more shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, chives, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Serve individual pieces with classic meatloaf side options like mashed potatoes and vegetables.
  • It could also be paired with a side of Mexican-style rice, tortilla chips, or refried beans.
2 slices of meatloaf with cheese and salsa on top.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Can I use taco seasoning?

If you’d like to go for a heavier Mexican-style flavor, absolutely!

What other meat types go well with this recipe?

Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground venison. The recipe will still yield a turkey mixture, chicken mixture, etc. that looks like the beef mixture.

Do I have to use a slow cooker liner for meatloaf?

You don’t have to, per se. However, this method allows for the meatloaf to be lifted out of the crockpot much easier and smoother. You can use a Reynolds slow cooker liner or foil.

Why is lean ground beef best to use?

I always get asked, “Why is my meatloaf floating in grease?” If you use ground beef with a 7% – 10% fat content, your meatloaf won’t be floating in grease.

Can I use saltine crackers instead of bread crumbs?

Sure! You’ll just want to make sure the crackers are ground as much as possible so you won’t have cracker chunks in your meatloaf.

How to store and reheat

Store the meatloaf in the fridge for up to three days. What to slice the meatloaf until ready to reheat. Reheat in a skillet on the stove top. Great on sandwich bread!

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

close up of salsa meatloaf on plate.

Salsa Meatloaf

5 from 5 votes
Meatloaf with a twist! Make salsa flavored meatloaf that is filled and topped with cheese.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours hours
Total Time: 6 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 314kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 4 quart or larger
  • Foil or Reynolds Slow Cooker Liner

Ingredients:

  • 2.25 pounds lean ground beef (7 – 10% fat beef)
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (or 1 cup finely mashed saltine crackers)
  • 1 cup fiesta blend cheese divided
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions:

  • Prepare a slow cooker by lining with aluminum foil or a slow cooker liner. Spritz the aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray. Liner is optional, but sure makes it easier to lift out. If you don't use foil, spray your slow cooker VERY well.
  • Mix the ingredients EXCEPT 2 tablespoons of fiesta blend cheese together until well blended.
  • Place the meatloaf mix into the slow cooker and pat down evenly.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
  • Sprinkle the meatloaf with the remaining cheese and cover until melted.
  • Carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker using the aluminum foil. Place on a serving plate. Slice and serve with additional salsa, if desired. Don't slice the meatloaf unless you are going to serve those pieces, it will store better in a big chunk.
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Recipe Notes:

  • Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground venison. The recipe will still yield a turkey mixture, chicken mixture, etc. that looks like the beef mixture.
  • Store the meatloaf in the fridge for up to three days. What to slice the meatloaf until ready to reheat. Reheat in a skillet on the stove top. Great on sandwich bread!

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 797mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

More Slow Cooker Meatloaf Recipes:

  • Slow Cooker Venison Meatloaf
  • Slow Cooker Taco Meatloaf Stuffed Peppers
  • Bacon Barbecue Slow Cooker Meatloaf
  • Slow Cooker Stove-Top Stuffing Turkey Meatloaf
  • Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

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    960 shares
    • 310

    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner, Ground Beef, Meatloaf

    Comments

    1. I says

      September 25, 2022 at 11:28 am

      How long do you bake this in the oven instead of using a crock pot??

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 25, 2022 at 4:54 pm

        I’m sure you could. I’m unsure how long.

        Reply
    2. Ginger Blackburn says

      September 25, 2022 at 9:15 am

      Can you use oats as binder?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 25, 2022 at 7:50 pm

        Yes!

        Reply

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