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Classic Crockpot Meatloaf with Easy Brown Sugar Glaze

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This incredibly tender and juicy crockpot meatloaf is topped with a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze that caramelizes into a sticky, perfect crust. It’s a hands-off, foolproof dinner that will change your mind about slow cooker meat.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Line your slow cooker insert with a long sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil, creating a sling that hangs over the edges. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, and garlic powder to make the glaze. Set aside.
  3. Optional but recommended: In a small skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion in a drizzle of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Let cool.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, sautéed onion and garlic (or raw), beaten eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix with your hands just until combined; do not overmix.
  5. Transfer the meat mixture to the parchment-lined crockpot and shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide, leaving space between the loaf and the sides of the crockpot.
  6. Pour about half of the prepared glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf, spreading it evenly with a spoon or pastry brush. Reserve the remaining glaze.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  8. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, spoon or brush the remaining glaze over the top of the meatloaf.
  9. Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot using the parchment sling and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve with the pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender. The parchment sling is essential for easy removal. Let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. For a firmer crust, broil the cooked meatloaf for 2-3 minutes after resting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/classic-crockpot-meatloaf-with-easy-brown-sugar-glaze/