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Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

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This Easy Slow Cooker Beef Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Glaze is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the gentle heat of the slow cooker. The sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze caramelizes perfectly, making this a hands-off dinner that turns skeptics into believers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker Liner: Tear off two long sheets of aluminum foil. Crisscross them in the bottom of your slow cooker, pressing them up the sides. You want enough overhang on each side to create handles.
  3. Mix the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until smooth. Set aside.
  4. Combine the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten eggs, the cooled onion and garlic mixture, salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until evenly combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture to the foil-lined slow cooker. Shape it into a loaf shape, about 7-8 inches long and 4-5 inches wide. Don’t pack it too tightly. Make sure there’s a little space between the meatloaf and the sides of the slow cooker.
  6. Apply the First Layer of Glaze: Spoon about half of the prepared brown sugar glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
  7. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the juices run clear.
  8. Apply the Final Glaze & Rest: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker using the foil sling. Transfer it to a cutting board or serving platter. Spoon the remaining glaze over the top. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  9. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the meatloaf into 1-inch thick slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, use 85/15 ground beef and do not overmix the meat. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep it moist. The foil sling is essential for easy removal.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-slow-cooker-beef-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-glaze/