Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Meatloaf is a moist and savory recipe, which is made with ground beef and oats. It’s the ultimate ‘fix it and forget it’ comfort food, ready in about 6 hours on low.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Meatloaf Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ¾ cup oats
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons dried minced onions
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
How To Make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Mix the Meatloaf: In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk the eggs. Add the ground beef, oats, ketchup, dried onions, Worcestershire sauce, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until they are just blended.
- Form the Loaf: Place the meat mixture onto a large piece of aluminum foil and form it into a loaf shape.
- Glaze and Cook: In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar for the glaze. Spread this glaze evenly on top of the meatloaf. Carefully lift the foil with the meatloaf on it and place it in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F on an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Serve: Carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker, place it on a serving platter, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep the meatloaf from getting greasy? By forming the loaf on a piece of foil, you create a “sling” that not only makes it easy to lift the finished meatloaf out, but it also allows the excess grease to pool away from the loaf as it cooks.
- What’s the best ground beef to use? The recipe correctly recommends an 80/20 blend of ground beef. This ratio has enough fat to keep the meatloaf incredibly moist and flavorful. Using a leaner blend can result in a dry loaf.
- How do I prevent a tough meatloaf? The most important tip is to not overmix the meat. Use your hands to combine the ingredients just until they are blended. Overworking the meat will result in a dense, tough texture.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes. You can fully mix and shape the meatloaf, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the glaze right before you place it in the slow cooker to cook.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Meatloaf
This is a classic comfort food main course that pairs perfectly with traditional, hearty side dishes. Serve it with:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Southern-style Green Beans
- A simple side salad
- Soft dinner rolls
How To Store Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s fantastic for making a classic meatloaf sandwich the next day!
- Freeze: Allow the cooked meatloaf to cool completely. You can freeze it whole or in individual slices. Wrap it tightly and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crock Pot Meatloaf Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1/8th of loaf
- Calories: 365kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 24g
- Sodium: 583mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to use oats?
The oats act as a binder and also help to retain moisture, keeping the meatloaf tender. If you don’t have oats, you can substitute them with an equal amount of breadcrumbs or crushed saltine crackers.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, absolutely. Place the glazed loaf in a baking pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
My slow cooker seems to cook fast. Should I adjust the time?
Yes. The recipe notes that total cooking times can vary between different slow cooker models. It’s always a good idea to start checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer about an hour before the suggested end time to prevent overcooking.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Italian Pot Roast Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Hot Chocolate Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Swiss Steak Recipe
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe
Description
A classic, juicy, and flavorful meatloaf with a sweet ketchup glaze, all made incredibly easy in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the ground beef and all other meatloaf ingredients.
- Gently mix with your hands until just combined.
- On a large piece of foil, form the mixture into a loaf shape.
- Mix the glaze ingredients and spread it over the top of the loaf.
- Carefully lift the foil and place the meatloaf in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for a tender meatloaf is to not overwork the meat mixture; combine the ingredients gently.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing an 80/20 ground beef blend is the secret to a moist and flavorful result.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003ePlacing the loaf on a piece of foil in the crock pot not only makes it easy to lift out but also helps to separate the meatloaf from the excess grease as it cooks.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAlways use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to ensure it is cooked through but not overcooked and dry.u003c/liu003e
