Description
This Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Ketchup Sauce is a comforting and easy-to-make recipe that combines ground beef with vegetables, seasonings, and crushed saltine crackers, all slow-cooked to tender, juicy perfection. Topped with a sweet and tangy ketchup-based glaze, it’s a hearty family favorite ideal for effortless weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup diced red or green bell pepper
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 25 saltine crackers, crushed
- 2 lbs ground beef (7% – 10% fat)
Ketchup Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, diced onion, bell pepper, ketchup, milk, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the crushed saltine crackers and mix thoroughly with clean hands. Lastly, gently incorporate the ground beef just until all ingredients are combined to avoid toughening the meat.
- Shape Loaf in Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on the bottom of the slow cooker. If the mixture doesn’t hold shape, add additional crushed saltines until firm.
- Cook Meatloaf: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Avoid lifting the lid to maintain a consistent cooking temperature and moisture.
- Remove Excess Fat: After cooking, carefully scoop out any accumulated fat from the slow cooker to keep the meatloaf leaner.
- Prepare Ketchup Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Apply Sauce: Spoon the ketchup sauce evenly over the cooked meatloaf in the slow cooker.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook the meatloaf with the sauce on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to warm through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatloaf warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have saltine crackers, you can substitute 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers, oatmeal, or breadcrumbs.
- Ground turkey is a suitable replacement for beef; if using turkey, increase the amount of crushed saltines as turkey is wetter.
- For topping variations, try barbecue sauce, warm brown gravy, plain ketchup, or zesty salsa.
- The meatloaf may appear pink due to myoglobin reacting to heat, but as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, it is safe to eat.
Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, ketchup meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, ground beef meatloaf, comfort food, family dinner