Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf
This BBQ meatloaf combines ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings with a tangy barbecue glaze for a comforting family dinner. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to prepare for weeknight meals. This Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf recipe delivers a juicy, tender meatloaf with a smoky-sweet glaze, all with minimal effort!
We just finished eating this delicious meatloaf for dinner tonight! Since we’re only a family of three at the moment (my boy is away at college), we had some leftovers out of this 2-pound meatloaf recipe! I tell you, even after reheating it later, this crockpot meatloaf recipe still came out so tender and juicy – not dry at all. I highly recommend this!
It wasn’t just that it was a juicy and tender meatloaf; it was so flavorful, too! The combination of all the ingredients in this recipe gave it the most delicious taste! The barbecue glaze added at the end of cooking guaranteed a tasty dish. This meatloaf is such a great slow cooker dinner idea that you should make soon! Comfort food made easy, guaranteed.
So, if you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner, this Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf is the perfect recipe for you. Perfectly seasoned, packed with sweet and smoky barbecue flavors, and cooked to tender perfection in a crockpot, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent or simply love comfort food, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
If you want some more easy and delicious slow cooker recipes you can try any of these tried and tested dishes – Slow Cooker Korean Sesame Garlic Beef for an Asian-inspired meal, Slow Cooker Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet for the best cold weather dinner idea, Easy Cheesy 4-Ingredient Crockpot Meatballs for the easiest party or game day appetizer and Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken that requires only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time! For our full collection of easy slow cooker recipes and crockpot favorites, check them out here.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Meatloaf?
Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but cooking it in a slow cooker takes it to the next level. Here’s why:
- Convenience: Simply mix the ingredients, shape the loaf, and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The slow cooking process ensures your meatloaf stays juicy and flavorful.
- Hands-Free Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to focus on other tasks.
Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf
- Ground beef: Provides the main protein and hearty base of the meatloaf.
- Breadcrumbs: Act as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together and absorb moisture.
- Onion and Garlic: Add aromatic flavor and depth to the meatloaf.
- Egg: Functions as a binding agent, ensuring the meatloaf maintains its shape.
- Milk: Adds moisture, contributing to a tender and juicy meatloaf.
- Barbecue sauce: Provides a smoky, tangy, and sweet flavor, both within the meatloaf and as a glaze.
- Ketchup: Enhances the tomato-based flavor and adds moisture.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes umami and savory depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor dimension.
- Salt and pepper: Season and enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make This Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf
Grease the bottom of the slow cooker or crockpot. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until just combined.
Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and shape it into a loaf. Cook for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
During the last hour, spread the remaining barbecue sauce all over the meatloaf. You can increase the barbecue sauce to 1/3 cup if you like more of it. Cook for another 30-60 minutes until the sauce is fully heated through.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Here are some expert tips to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Overmixing can make your meatloaf dense instead of tender.
- Use Aluminum Foil for Easy Removal: Line your slow cooker with heavy-duty aluminum foil for effortless lifting once cooked.
- Customize Your Sauce: Add honey or brown sugar to your barbecue sauce if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, mix in grated carrots or bell peppers.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness without overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe. Just ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed saltine crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even oatmeal as substitutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze cooked meatloaf?
Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What side dishes pair well with barbecue meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad are excellent accompaniments.
With its smoky barbecue glaze and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this easy slow cooker barbecue meatloaf is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try today and enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort!
Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker or Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, divided (adjust amount to taste)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or Soy Sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Grease the bottom of the slow cooker or crockpot.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, 1/4 cup barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire or Soy sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until just combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and shape it into a loaf.
- Cook for 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- During the last hour, spread the remaining barbecue sauce all over the meatloaf. You can increase the barbecue sauce to 1/3 cup if you like more of it. Cook for another 30-60 minutes until the sauce is fully heated through.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This slow cooker barbecue meatloaf totally blew out our tastebuds! I made a video of cutting this meatloaf after I took it out of the crockpot and wow – it showed how juicy, moist, and tender the meat came out. It is absolutely delicious too and I highly recommend this.