Experience the joy of a succulent, slow-cooked Italian meatloaf that’s a breeze to prepare! This mini meatloaf is a symphony of flavors, featuring onions, garlic, and a medley of spices, all crowned with a tangy-sweet sauce.
This straightforward recipe is ideal for one or two servings, making it a perfect choice for intimate meals.
The recipe also provides guidance on adapting a standard Crockpot or similar slow cooker for single servings.
Why Choose a Slow Cooker Meatloaf?
You might question the need for a slow cooker when an oven can do the job. Indeed, an oven-baked meatloaf is a classic choice.
However, imagine a day filled with tasks, and you yearn for a home-cooked meal ready and waiting when you return. That’s when this slow cooker meatloaf becomes your culinary hero.
With our slow cooker meatloaf recipe, you’ll find that the meatloaf turns out tender and juicy every time.
Our secret for a moist and flavorful meatloaf involves an effortless extra step that’s absolutely worth it.
Ingredients
- Garlic
- Butter
- Black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
- Chopped onions
- Molasses
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Ground beef
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs (you can substitute 3 tablespoons of oat or almond flour, or use 4 tablespoons of old-fashioned oat flakes)
Instructions
- Start by cutting a foot of aluminum foil in half lengthwise, then fold each strip in half again to create two long strips.
- Arrange the foil strips at the bottom of the slow cooker in a cross pattern. Trim the strips so they’re flush with the edge and won’t interfere with the slow cooker’s lid.
- Next, spray the foil and the slow cooker with non-stick spray.
- Pro Tip: Using foil allows for easy removal of the meatloaf from the pot, leaving the oil behind.
- In a small frying pan, sauté chopped onions and a clove of garlic in a bit of butter. As the onions begin to soften, add the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Pro Tip: Sautéing the vegetables in butter is our secret to a juicy and tender meatloaf.
- Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a large bowl and add 1/2 pound of ground beef.
- To the beef, add Worcestershire sauce, an egg, breadcrumbs, almond flour, or oatmeal to help bind it together.
- Combine the ingredients, shape the meat into a round or oval loaf, and place it in your slow cooker.
- Cook the meatloaf on low heat for 6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, mix 1/4 cup ketchup with 1 tablespoon of molasses and spread the mixture on top of the meatloaf.
- Replace the lid on the slow cooker and cook for another 30 minutes.
- Enjoy your delicious slow-cooked Italian meatloaf!