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If you’ve never made meatloaf in the slow cooker, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The gentle, moist heat keeps it tender and juicy, making it a great option when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
I adapted this recipe from 300 Slow Cooker Favorites (affiliate link) by Donna Marie Pye, who insists there’s no better way to cook meatloaf. After trying it myself, I can certainly see why. The texture stays wonderfully moist, and dinner practically takes care of itself.
Served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad, this easy slow cooker meatloaf is classic comfort food the whole family will enjoy.
Served with mashed potatoes and slow cooker Brussels sprouts, this classic homestyle slow cooker meatloaf was a big hit with my meatloaf loving husband.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Meatloaf
- Moist and tender – The slow cooker’s gentle, moist heat helps prevent the meatloaf from drying out.
- Easy hands-off cooking – Mix it, shape it, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- No oven required – Perfect when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches or easy dinners.
- Classic comfort food made lighter – Made with extra-lean ground beef and oats instead of breadcrumbs to keep it lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Extra-lean ground beef – Keeps the meatloaf moist while lowering the fat and WW Points. Lean ground turkey also works well.
- Onion, celery, and carrot – Add moisture, flavor, and extra nutrition. Finely chopping them helps everything hold together.
- Egg – Helps bind the loaf.
- Quick-cooking oats – Replace traditional breadcrumbs while adding a little extra fiber.
- Ketchup or chili sauce – I prefer chili sauce for a little extra zip, but ketchup works just as well.
- Garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper – Simple seasonings that give this meatloaf its classic homestyle flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare the slow cooker
Line the bottom of your slow cooker with two long strips of aluminum foil placed in a cross pattern. These will act as handles so you can easily lift the meatloaf out after cooking. Lightly coat the foil and slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine the onion, celery, carrot, egg, ground beef, oats, ketchup (or chili sauce), garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Shape the loaf
Transfer the mixture to the prepared slow cooker and shape it into an even loaf.
Step 4: Slow cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.
Step 5: Rest before slicing
Using the foil handles, carefully lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing so it firms up and holds together.
Recipe Notes
I substituted quick oats for the breadcrumbs in the original recipe to lighten it up a bit, and I really like the extra flavor chili sauce adds in place of ketchup.
Don’t skip the foil handles—they make removing the meatloaf from the slow cooker much easier without it falling apart.
If your slow cooker automatically switches to Warm after cooking, this recipe is very forgiving and perfect for busy days when dinner timing isn’t exact.
Overall, I was really pleased with the flavor and texture of this slow cooker meatloaf.
Easy Variations
BBQ Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce (affiliate link) for a smoky twist.
Italian Meatloaf
Add Italian seasoning and a little grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with marinara instead of ketchup.
Turkey Meatloaf
Substitute lean ground turkey for the beef for an even lighter version.
Mushroom Swiss Meatloaf
Mix finely chopped sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture and top with reduced-fat Swiss cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this slow cooker meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp green salad for a comforting, balanced meal.
Leftovers also make excellent meatloaf sandwiches on whole-grain bread with a little mustard.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave (affiliate link) or a low oven.
Calories and WW Points
According to my calculations, when made with extra-lean ground beef, each serving has about 214 calories and 2 WW Points.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
5 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If you’ve made this Classic Homestyle Crock Pot Meatloaf, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/4 cup shredded carrot
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1-1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup ketchup or chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Ideal slow cooker size: 3-1/2- to 6-Quart.
- This meatloaf cooks directly in the slow cooker, so for easy removal you want to line the slow cooker with foil strips that you can use to lift it out when it’s done.
- I used my 6-Quart oval slow cooker but any size from 3-1/2 to 6-Quart should work.
- Cut a 2-foot length of foil in half lengthwise. Fold each strip in half lengthwise to form two long strips. Place the foil strips in the bottom of the slow cooker in a cross pattern. Trim them to be even with the rim, so they don’t get in the way of the crock pot cover.
- Spray the crockpot and foil with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the onion, celery, carrot, egg, beef, oats, ketchup, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Use your hands to to blend everything together well. Place the mixture in the foil-lined crockpot and form it into an even shaped loaf as best you can.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 7 hours, or until a meat thermometer (affiliate link) inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 170F.
- Turn off the slow cooker and carefully grasp the ends of the foil strips to lift out the meatloaf. Let the meatloaf rest for about 15 to 20 minutes to let it firm up before trying to slice it.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) You will definitely want to line your crock pot with foil strips to help with lifting it out when it’s done. Next time, I think I’ll use wider strips of foil or I may try baking it in a loaf pan placed inside the slow cooker.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: 300 Slow Cooker Favorites (affiliate link) by Donna Marie Pye
More WW-Friendly Meatloaf Recipes
If you enjoyed this easy slow cooker meatloaf, here are a few more lighter meatloaf favorites to try:
- Healthy Meatloaf (WW Friendly) – A lighter classic packed with finely chopped vegetables for extra flavor and moisture.
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins – Individual portions that cook quickly and are perfect for meal prep.
- Paula Deen Classic Meatloaf – Simple and delicious family favorite
- Turkey Meatloaf with Zucchini & Quinoa – Lean, protein-packed, and loaded with vegetables.
- Southwest Meatloaf Muffins – A fun Tex-Mex twist with bold flavor.
- Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew – Another cozy slow cooker comfort food that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
What size slice are the points based on? How many slices should I try to cut this meatloaf into?
Hi Patricia, The recipe provides 6 servings. Divide into 6 even portions. You can do this any way you like – 6 slices, 12 slices, by weight, etc. Hope this helps. ~Martha
I am making today – hope it turns out great 🙂
Came out really mushy 🙁
Thanks for letting me know Sarah.
I’ve included this recipe on my $200 family November meal plan at TotalHomeMakeOver. Thanks, again! Renee
I’ve included this recipe in my $200 November meal plan. Thanks!
Do you think this would be ok with ground turkey?
Hi Helen,
Though I’ve never done it with turkey, I think it would be fine. I’ve often substituted ground turkey in other meatloaf recipes with good results!