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Cozy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze – Easy Dinner

crockpot meatloaf with brown sugar glaze - featured image

This Cozy Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is a tender, juicy meatloaf made in the slow cooker with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes into a candied crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it comfort food that pleases everyone.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/3 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Line your slow cooker: Tear off a large sheet of parchment paper and press it into the bottom and up the sides of your slow cooker to create a sling.
  2. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Set aside.
  3. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely diced onion, beaten eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently mix just until everything is evenly distributed.
  4. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the lined slow cooker. Shape it into a loaf shape, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, leaving space around the edges.
  5. Apply the glaze: Pour about half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly and letting some drip down the sides. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  6. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  7. Check for doneness: The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If not, cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
  8. Rest before slicing: Use the parchment sling to lift the meatloaf out and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve: Cut into thick slices. Spoon any remaining glaze from the slow cooker over the slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Line the slow cooker for easy cleanup. Double the glaze if you like extra.

Nutrition

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