Best 6 Slow Cooked Meat Loaf Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Embark on a culinary journey to discover the secrets of crafting the ultimate slow-cooked meatloaf, a dish that tantalizes taste buds with its rich flavor and tender texture. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the culinary magic behind this classic comfort food, providing a step-by-step roadmap to mastering this beloved dish. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary adventures, we'll guide you through the selection of prime ingredients, the art of seasoning and spicing, and the careful preparation techniques that transform humble ground meat into a delectable masterpiece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HEALTHY SLOW-COOKED MEAT LOAF



Healthy Slow-Cooked Meat Loaf image

What could be easier than this recipe for an Italian-inspired meat loaf made in the slow cooker? No fuss, easy cleanup and great taste; it's all right here! -Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h15m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup soft bread crumbs
1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

Steps:

  • Cut four 20x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 3-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray. , In a large bowl, combine the bread crumbs, 1 cup spaghetti sauce, egg, onion, and seasonings. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a loaf; place in the center of the strips. , Spoon remaining spaghetti sauce over meat loaf. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until a thermometer reads 160°. Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 243 calories, Fat 12g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 635mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SLOW-COOKED MEAT LOAF



Slow-Cooked Meat Loaf image

What could be more comforting to come home to than moist and tender homemade meat loaf? "This one retains its shape in the slow cooker and slices beautifully," reports Marna Heitz from Farley, Iowa. "Because potatoes and carrots cook along with it, the entire dinner is ready at the same time."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 8h10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
2 slices day-old bread, cubed
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/4 cup ketchup
8 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
8 small red potatoes

Steps:

  • In a bowl, beat egg and milk. Stir in the bread cubes, onion, green pepper, salt and pepper. Add the beef and mix well. Shape into a round loaf. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Spread ketchup on top of loaf. Arrange carrots around loaf. Peel a strip around the center of each potato; place potatoes over carrots. , Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 7-8 hours longer or until no pink remains in the meat and the vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 calories, Fat 17g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 160mg cholesterol, Sodium 1069mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 39g protein.

SLOW-COOKED MEXICAN MEAT LOAF



Slow-Cooked Mexican Meat Loaf image

Chopped onion and garlic plus spicy seasonings add outstanding flavor to this attractive round loaf. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h25m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

6 tablespoons ketchup, divided
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
12 saltines, crushed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)

Steps:

  • Cut three 20x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 3-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray., In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, saltines, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and cayenne. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. , Shape into a round loaf. Place in the center of the strips. Cover and cook on low until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°, 4-5 hours., Using foil strips as handles, remove the meat loaf to a platter., Spread remaining ketchup over top.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 222 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 447mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SLOW-COOKED TACO MEAT LOAF



Slow-Cooked Taco Meat Loaf image

This meat loaf is a hit with my family. My three sons eat two pieces each, which is incredible, considering that they are very picky toddlers. This Southwest-style meat loaf is topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. -Lacey Kirsch, Thornton, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 3h20m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups crushed tortilla chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup salsa
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
1 envelope taco seasoning
2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons Louisiana-style hot sauce

Steps:

  • Cut four 20x3-in. strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 3-qt. slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray. , In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into a round loaf. Place meat loaf in the center of the strips. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until no pink remains and a thermometer reads 160°. , Combine the ketchup, brown sugar and hot sauce; pour over meat loaf during the last hour of cooking. Let stand for 10 minutes. Using foil strips as handles, remove the meat loaf to a platter.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 16g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 138mg cholesterol, Sodium 936mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 27g protein.

SLOW-COOKED MEAT LOAF FOR 2



Slow-Cooked Meat Loaf for 2 image

"My husband and I both work late, so it's great to come home to this classic dish with mashed potatoes and a veggie side," explains Ginger Cortese of Hollsopple, Pennsylvania. "It reminds me of supper at Mom's."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 5h15m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of celery soup, undiluted
1-1/4 cups water
1 large egg
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt, optional
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
Hot mashed potatoes, optional

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine soup and water until blended. Pour half into a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate remaining soup mixture., In a small bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt if desired and pepper. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. , Shape into a loaf; place in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until meat is no longer pink and a thermometer reads 160°. , For gravy, place reserved soup mixture in a small saucepan; cook over low heat until heated through. Serve the meat loaf and gravy with mashed potatoes if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 407 calories, Fat 22g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 174mg cholesterol, Sodium 1099mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

SLOW-COOKED TACO MEAT LOAF



Slow-cooked Taco Meat Loaf image

Guaranteed to get your family to the dinner able fast.

Provided by Sandy Smith

Categories     Tacos & Burritos

Time 3h20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 c tortilla chips, crushed
1 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 c salsa
1 egg
1/4 c olives, sliced
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
2 lb ground beef
1/2 c ketchup
1/4 c brown sugar, firmly packed
2 Tbsp louisiana-style hot sauce

Steps:

  • 1. In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients. Crumble the ground beef over the mixture; mix well. Shape into a round loaf.
  • 2. Cut three 20 x 3 inch strips of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Crisscross the strips so they resemble te spokes of a wheel. Place meat loaf in the center; pull the strips up and bend the edges to form handles. Grasp the fooil handles to transfer loaf to a 3-qt slow cooker. (Leave the foil in during cooking time)
  • 3. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hrs or until no pink remains and a meat thermometer reads 160 degrees. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar and hot sauce; pour over meat loaf during the last hr of cooking. Let stand for 10 min. Use foil strips to lift loaf our of slow cooker.

Tips:

  • Choose the right ground meat: A combination of ground beef and ground pork is a classic choice for meatloaf, but you can also use all beef, all pork, or a mixture of other ground meats, such as lamb, veal, or turkey.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients you use, the better your meatloaf will taste. Look for fresh, lean ground meat, and use high-quality spices and seasonings.
  • Don't overmix the meatloaf: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it tough. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
  • Shape the meatloaf into a loaf shape: Use your hands to shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape. Make sure it is evenly packed and has no cracks or air pockets.
  • Cook the meatloaf at a low temperature: Cooking the meatloaf at a low temperature helps to keep it moist and juicy. Cook it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour per pound.
  • Let the meatloaf rest before slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meatloaf.

Conclusion:

With these tips in mind, you can make a delicious and flavorful meatloaf that your family and friends will love. Meatloaf is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. It is also a great dish to make ahead of time and reheat for a quick and easy meal. So next time you are looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, give meatloaf a try.

Related Topics