Skip the oven and make a delicious, mouth-watering slow cooker meatloaf recipe! All you need are a few classic meatloaf ingredients and you’re set to go. This easy crockpot meatloaf is one to add to your holiday meal plan.

Add a twist to your traditional crockpot meatloaf recipe by trying my Bacon Barbecue Meatloaf, Slow Cooker Salsa Meatloaf or my Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes.

Why this slow cooker meatloaf recipe works

This slow cooker meat loaf is so moist and is pretty much fool-proof! Made with onions, bell pepper, and saltine crackers, this one pot meal is a family favorite! This is the ultimate classic comfort food and is easy to make in the slow cooker. This is my mom’s recipe that I converted from a loaf pan to the slow cooker.

I don’t understand why some people hate meatloaf, were they fed awful meatloaf as a kid? My mom made the best meatloaf, and I wish I still lived at home and had my meals made for me! My mom made hers on a baking sheet; I love this updated way to make it!

Other meatloaf recipes we often make are Slow Cooker Turkey Meatloaf and Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Meatloaf.

Ingredients

• Ground beef – Use an extra lean ground beef for meatloaf. I always get asked why is my meatloaf floating in grease? If you use a ground beef 7% – 10% fat, your meatloaf won’t be floating in grease.
• Vegetables – Onions and bell pepper. Trust me on the bell pepper, it makes this recipe. Cut the onion and bell pepper into a small chop.
• Seasonings – Onion powder, salt and pepper.
• Ketchup – This helps moisten the meatloaf.
• Milk – This also helps moisten the meatloaf and some say milk makes for a more tender loaf.
• Crackers – Crush saltine crackers for the binder in this recipe.
• {The full recipe is in the recipe card below the photos}

Step by Step Directions

Step One – In a large bowl, add the eggs, onion, bell pepper, ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step Two – Crush the saltine crackers in next and mix this all together with clean hands.

Step Three – Add the meat next, only mixing everything until the meat mixture just comes together.

Step Four – Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, and shape the meatloaf mix into a loaf on the bottom of the slow cooker. Your meatloaf should hold into a loaf form without falling apart. Add more crushed saltines if the mixture seems too wet.

Step 5 – Cover, and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, without opening the lid during cooking time. Scoop out the fat with a spoon, and discard.

Step Six – Add the homemade sauce ingredients to a small or medium bowl. Mix together the sauce ingredients.

Step Seven – Spoon the homemade sauce on top of the meatloaf.

Step Eight – Cover and continue cooking for 30 more minutes on LOW if you want the sauce heated. Serve and enjoy!

What do I top my meatloaf with?

• A mixture of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce is a classic sweet and tangy way to top meatloaf (see my recipe for this in the recipe card).
• You can also use warm brown gravy, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or even a zesty salsa.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes: because who doesn’t love a mash and meat combo, right?
• Roasted Vegetables: Pop some carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans in the oven for that extra oomph. Try my slow cooker baby carrots recipe!
• Steamed Veggies: Keep it simple with some lightly steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
• Mac and Cheese: Cheesy goodness to match the meatloaf vibes. You can make slow cooker mac and cheese if you have another slow cooker!
• Gravy: Pour some homemade gravy over that meatloaf for a flavor explosion.
• Baked Potatoes: Load ’em up with sour cream, chives, cheese, or bacon. Here is my slow cooker baked potato recipe.
• Garlic Bread or Rolls: Gotta have something to mop up those delicious sauces.
• Baked Beans: Don’t forget the baked beans – a classic BBQ side that pairs awesome with meatloaf. Try my crockpot baked beans.

Mix and match these sides, and you’re in for a yummy feast!

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Try one of these leftover meatloaf recipes:

This recipe makes plenty to go around. If you have leftovers, try the following to have a quick family dinner on busy nights.

• Leftover Meatloaf Soup – Recipe by Food Network
• Leftover Meatloaf Tater Tot Casserole – Recipe by Allrecipes
• Leftover Meatloaf Quiche – Recipe by Kitchen Magpie
• Leftover Meatloaf Chili – Recipe by Food.com
• Leftover Meatloaf Baked Ziti – Recipe by Rachael Ray
• Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches – Recipe by Best Recipe Box