Delicious Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe for Meat Lovers
Welcome to my latest recipe article, where I will be sharing with you my favorite southern-style dish: Crock Pot Meatloaf. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as you can easily throw everything into your slow cooker and let it do its thing while you go about your day. Plus, this recipe is a classic southern staple, packed with flavor and full of down-home goodness.
If you’re new to the Southern way of cooking, then this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s a comforting dish that pleases even the pickiest eaters, and it’s easy to customize to your tastes with a few simple substitutions. With just a few ingredients that most folks already have in their pantry or fridge, you can create a delicious meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get started on cooking up some comfort food with my Southern Crock Pot Meatloaf recipe. Whether you’re feeding a large family or just need something hearty and delicious for dinner tonight, this recipe will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of making the same old meatloaf recipe that turns out dry and flavorless? Look no further because this southern crock pot meatloaf recipe is here to save the day!
What sets this recipe apart is the slow cooking process in a crock pot, which locks in all the juicy flavors and ensures a moist and tender texture. The combination of ground beef, onion, and bell pepper creates a savory base, while saltine crackers and bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to your taste preferences by adding your favorite spices or vegetables. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving a crowd since it yields 8 servings.
But that’s not all. This southern-style meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting and filling meal. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love coming home to the smell of a classic meatloaf cooking in the slow cooker?
In summary, if you’re looking for an easy and flavorful meatloaf recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, then this southern crock pot meatloaf recipe is for you.
Ingredient List
This crockpot meatloaf is made with simple, basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need:
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 cup of finely crushed saltine crackers or bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup of chopped sweet onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup of yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup of ketchup, plus 2 tablespoons more for topping the meatloaf
- 1 package (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Additional Ingredients for Serving
Serve this Southern-style meatloaf with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Here are some suggested items to accompany the meatloaf:
- Freshly mashed potatoes with butter and/or gravy
- Steamed or roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans
Don’t forget that the recipe can be tweaked to your preferred taste.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get right to it and make the southern crock pot meatloaf of your dreams. This hearty classic is simple to make, and with a little prep work, you can sit back and let your slow cooker do the rest.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of lean ground beef
- 1 cup minced sweet onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups saltine crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 packet beefy onion soup mix
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Begin by mixing together the ground beef, minced onion, chopped green pepper, Worcestershire sauce and crushed saltine crackers in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Next add in the beaten eggs to the mixing bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Be sure not to overwork the meat mixture as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Once the meat is fully combined, it’s time to add in the seasoning! Add in the black pepper, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together one final time before shaping into a loaf.
- Take a piece of aluminum foil and shape it into a tight loaf pan or use a metal loaf pan that will fit inside your slow cooker. Transfer the meatloaf mixture onto aluminum foil and shape into an even loaf.
- In another mixing bowl combine ketchup and mustard and spread the mixture on top of the meatloaf to form a glaze.
- Carefully lift the aluminum foil out of the slow cooker and place it in the slow cooker crock. Be sure that the meatloaf is lifted off the bottom of the slow cooker, this will allow for proper cooking and prevent burning.
- Cover the slow cooker with lid and let cook on low for 6-8 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160°F. You can use a meat thermometer to assure accuracy.
- Once cooked, carefully remove pan from slow cooker and let stand for around 5 minutes before serving.
Now that you know how to make this delicious southern crock pot meatloaf recipe, you’re sure to make it again and again!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to put your own spin on this classic Southern crock pot meatloaf recipe? Here are few substitutions and variations that you can consider:
– Ground meat: While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, feel free to try with ground turkey, chicken or pork, or even a blend of meats.
– Vegetables: Add some extra veggies to your meatloaf by adding in diced onions, zucchini, carrots or celery. If you have picky eaters in your family, try using frozen mixed vegetables instead.
– Spices: Want to spice up your meatloaf? Try adding chili powder or cumin for a Tex-Mex twist. Or add dried oregano or basil for an Italian-inspired meal.
– Gluten-free option: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or gluten-free rolled oats.
– Sauce: You can use different sauces instead of ketchup and mustard. Bbq sauce adds smoky flavor while teriyaki sauce brings a tangy flavor.
– Mashed Potatoes: While this meatloaf is perfect on its own, serving it with some classic mashed potatoes is always a great idea. However, if you want to switch it up, try serving it with roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes fries.
Remember, experimenting and trying out new flavors is always encouraged when it comes to creating the perfect dish. So go ahead and get creative with these substitutes and variations to create your own unique version of this traditional Southern crock pot meatloaf!
Serving and Pairing
You’ve worked hard creating the perfect southern-style meatloaf, so now it’s time to show off your creation! Meatloaf is a delicious, filling entree that pairs wonderfully with classic southern side dishes. Mashed potatoes are a crowd favorite and make a perfect pairing for this classic meaty dish. They’re creamy, warm and comforting, making for the perfect comfort food dish.
In addition to mashed potatoes, try serving your meatloaf with some roasted green beans or glazed carrots for some added color and nutrition. If you’re looking for something to add a bit of crunch to the meal, try serving corn on the cob or a fresh garden salad on the side.
If you want to create an even heartier meal, try serving your crockpot meatloaf alongside some oven-roasted potatoes or baked sweet potatoes.
For an ultimate southern-inspired meal that will make everyone’s taste buds dance, pair your slow cooker meatloaf with some fresh cornbread muffins. The fluffy texture of the muffins perfectly complements the juicy meatloaf and makes for a full-flavored and filling feast!
The possibilities are endless for creating the perfect southern-style meal to accompany your delicious homemade meatloaf. With these suggestions in mind, you’ll have everything you need to impress anyone at your dinner table with this mouthwatering classic.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the many conveniences of this southern crock pot meatloaf recipe is that it can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you have a busy week coming up or just want to save some time, consider making this meatloaf in advance. You can even double the recipe and freeze one for later.
To make-ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions and cook the meatloaf normally, then let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
If you have leftover meatloaf, storing it properly is important to maintain its flavor and texture. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating can be done in two ways as well. You may reheat by using a microwave safe dish, covered with a paper towel or plastic wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave setting (medium-high setting is recommended). You may also opt to reheat your meatloaf in an oven by preheating your oven to 350°F then wrap your meatloaf tightly with aluminum foil so that it retains moisture while reheating. The amount of time needed will depend on how thickly the loaf is sliced but usually takes at least 20-25 minutes.
With these storing and reheating tips, you can enjoy this delicious southern-style meatloaf any time you want, without worrying about whether you have enough time to prepare it again. So go ahead and make this meatloaf recipe now and savor its comforting goodness whenever you wish!
Tips for Perfect Results
You don’t want to just make any meatloaf; you want to make the best Southern crock pot meatloaf recipe that you can be proud of. So, here are some tips that will help you achieve the perfect flavor and texture every time.
First, I recommend using lean ground beef for this recipe. Ground beef with high-fat content may release too much grease into the crockpot and make your meatloaf soggy or greasy.
Second, don’t overmix the ingredients when you are making the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to a tougher and denser finished product. Stir just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Third, consider adding a small amount of diced green pepper to give the meatloaf an extra kick of flavor.
Fourth, top the meatloaf with a layer of aluminum foil before covering it with the crockpot’s lid. This prevents any condensation from dripping onto your meatloaf.
Fifth, always use a cooking thermometer to determine when your meatloaf is ready. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the loaf and check for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Sixth, let your meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing it to serve. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the loaf and makes it easier to slice.
Seventh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze leftover portions for up to three months.
Lastly, consider serving your crockpot meatloaf alongside mashed potatoes and green beans for a classic Southern-style meal that won’t disappoint.
FAQ
As with any recipe, it’s common to have questions or run into issues while making it. In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this Southern Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe and provide tips to help you overcome any challenges you may encounter in the cooking process. So, let’s dive into the FAQs and get your crockpot meatloaf cooking adventure off to a great start!
What is the secret to juicy meatloaf?
Moisture is key in creating delicious southern-style cuisine. It’s important to make sure that there is enough wet seasoning in every step of the recipe. Don’t miss out on adding ingredients such as eggs, ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, or barbecue sauce, which not only add flavor and texture but also ensure that the meat stays moist and juicy.
How to make a Paula Deen’s meatloaf?
For this recipe, you will need one pound of ground beef, seasoned with 1 and 1/4 teaspoons of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Along with the beef, you will need chopped onion and bell pepper, which adds a zesty and tangy flavor. Adding one lightly beaten egg will help bind the ingredients together. For added texture, I would suggest using quick cooking oats. Finally, we will add 8 oz of canned diced tomatoes into the mix. Remember to drain the juice before adding.
Can you put raw ground beef in a slow cooker?
It is possible to cook uncooked beef in a slow cooker. In fact, some chili recipes require you to sear the beef before adding it to the Crock-Pot as it produces a more robust and flavorful taste. However, this step is not mandatory.
Should meat or vegetables go in crockpot first?
To ensure evenly-cooked dishes, it’s important to layer ingredients appropriately. Cut ingredients into uniform-size pieces and place sturdy, slow-cooking root vegetables such as potatoes and carrots at the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, add your meat on top for a delicious and perfectly-cooked meal.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, if you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal to make for your family or friends, this Southern Crock Pot Meatloaf recipe is the perfect dish for you. Not only is it incredibly flavorful and moist, but it is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize and adjust it to your liking.
With simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, this recipe is ideal for anyone who wants a hearty and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank. So why not take advantage of the convenience and flavor of this classic Southern-style meatloaf recipe today? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Southern Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1/2 medium diced onion
- 1/4 cup green pepper
- 2 potatoes
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup granulated brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Sliced the potatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Diced the onion and finely dice the green pepper salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well in a large bowl the meat, diced onions, finely diced green pepper, breadcrumbs, egg and ketchup together by hand. Squish real well form into a loaf.
- spray the bottom of the crock pot with non-stick spray.
- place sliced potatoes on the bottom of the crock pot. This will help stop the sticking of the loaf and keep it from swimming in all the juices.
- Place the loaf in the crock pot on top of the potatoes being sure not to let the loaf touch the sides of the crock pot.
- mix the ketchup, brown sugar and yellow mustard in a small bowl. This is the topping.
- pour over the entire loaf.
- turn crock pot on low for 7-9 hours.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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