How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf

$To make a tasty crockpot meatloaf, you need these main ingredients: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup chopped onion - 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (red or green) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for topping) These ingredients create a well-rounded flavor that everyone loves. The blend of beef and turkey keeps it juicy and tasty. You can add a few extra ingredients to make your meatloaf even better. Consider these options: - 1/2 cup diced mushrooms for earthiness - 1/2 cup shredded carrots for sweetness - 1/4 cup chopped celery for crunch - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a tangy kick - Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness Feel free to mix and match these add-ins. They can give your meatloaf a unique twist. Choosing the right meat mix is key for a great meatloaf. Here are some tips: - Use a mix of lean ground beef and turkey. This combination keeps it moist but not greasy. - Avoid extra lean ground beef. It can dry out your meatloaf. - For more flavor, consider ground pork or lamb in your mix. - Always check the fat content. A ratio of 80/20 is often best for flavor and moisture. These tips will help you select the perfect meat blend for your crockpot meatloaf. For a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To start, take a large bowl. Combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground turkey. Mix them well with your hands. Next, add 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. You also need 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1/4 cup of chopped bell pepper. Don't forget 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 large eggs. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Pour this mix into the meat bowl. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf may turn tough. Now that your meat mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf. Make sure it fits well in the crockpot. Place the loaf carefully inside. Brush the top with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce for added flavor. This gives it a sweet and tangy finish as it cooks. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (70°C) to be safe to eat. Once ready, remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite moist and tasty. For the full recipe, refer to the previous section. To keep your meatloaf moist, use a mix of ground beef and turkey. The turkey adds moisture without being too greasy. Also, breadcrumbs soak up the juices. Add a little ketchup to the meat mix for extra flavor and moisture. Gently mix the ingredients with your hands. Overmixing can make it tough. If your meatloaf is too dry, it may need more moisture. Try adding more ketchup or some beef broth. If it falls apart, you might need more eggs or breadcrumbs to bind it. Cooking at the right temperature is key. Make sure your crockpot is set correctly. For a nice touch, slice your meatloaf and drizzle more barbecue sauce on top. Serve it with mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and flavor. You can also use a fun-shaped dish for a great look. {{image_2}} You can mix meats for your meatloaf. Ground beef is classic. Ground turkey adds a lean twist. For a richer flavor, try ground pork. A mix of all three can work well, too. This gives a nice balance of taste and texture. Always use about one pound of meat. The flavor will change with each combo. Experiment to find your favorite mix! If you want a meatless loaf, you have choices. Use lentils or black beans as your base. They give great texture and protein. Add oats or quinoa for more substance. Grated carrots or zucchini add moisture and flavor. You can follow the same steps as for the meat version. Just replace the meat with your chosen base. This keeps it simple and tasty. Toppings can make your meatloaf special. BBQ sauce is a classic choice, but you can try more. A mix of ketchup and mustard adds a tangy twist. You can also use a glaze of honey and soy sauce. For a spicy kick, add hot sauce to your glaze. To make it fancy, top it with cheese and fresh herbs. Think outside the box and enjoy the fun! For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your meatloaf, store leftovers to keep them fresh. First, let the meatloaf cool. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents other odors from seeping in. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish. Add a bit of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the flavor and texture great. Freezing is a great option if you have extra meatloaf. Slice it first for easy servings. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the slices in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze meatloaf for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Cooking meatloaf in a crockpot takes about 6 to 7 hours on low. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. The key is to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). This keeps it safe to eat and ensures it is fully cooked. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. For the best taste and texture, I recommend the low setting. You should not use frozen meat directly in the crockpot. It can take too long to thaw and might not cook evenly. Instead, let the meat thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, it will mix better with the other ingredients. If you’re short on time, you can quickly thaw meat in cold water. Just make sure to cook it right away after thawing. This keeps the meat safe and tasty. Crockpot meatloaf pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas for a complete meal: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed vegetables - Green beans - Corn on the cob - A fresh salad - Rice or quinoa These sides balance the meatloaf and make your meal more colorful and fun. You can also drizzle extra barbecue sauce on your meatloaf for added flavor. Try different combinations to find what you love best! For the full recipe, check out the details above. We covered all you need for a tasty crockpot meatloaf. Understanding key ingredients and optional add-ins will boost flavor. I shared simple steps to prepare and cook your meatloaf to perfection. Tips helped you ensure a moist dish, and storage advice keeps leftovers fresh. Feel free to explore variations and creative toppings. With these insights, you can make a delicious meatloaf that’s perfect for any meal. Enjoy cooking and sharing this classic dish!$

Discover the delicious Savory Crockpot Meatloaf Delight that's easy to make and packed with flavor! This recipe combines ground beef and turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and a mix of tasty seasonings, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. In just a few simple steps, you'll have a hearty meal the whole family will love. Click to explore this comforting recipe and elevate your dinner game with ease!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground turkey

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (red or green)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup ketchup

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup barbecue sauce (for topping)

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground turkey. Mix well.

Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, and two large eggs to the meat mixture.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the meat bowl.

Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until everything is well combined but do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.

Brush the top of the meatloaf with the barbecue sauce.

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 7 hrs | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve slices of meatloaf on a plate with a drizzle of additional barbecue sauce and a side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!