Print

Cozy Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe with Rich Pan Gravy Easy and Perfect

cozy crock pot meatloaf - featured image
Print Recipe

A comforting and easy slow cooker meatloaf recipe with a rich, savory pan gravy that cooks all in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup (90 grams) plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk or 2%
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) ketchup, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for pan gravy)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1/6 cup (about 40 ml) ketchup, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
  3. Mix gently with a wooden spoon or hands just until combined (3-5 minutes). Avoid overmixing.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Place it carefully in the slow cooker insert.
  5. Spread the remaining ketchup (about 1/6 cup or 40 ml) evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crock pot and place on a serving dish. Pour the cooking juices into a medium saucepan and skim off excess fat.
  8. Melt butter in the saucepan, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth and meatloaf drippings, whisking constantly.
  9. Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes until thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Slice the meatloaf and spoon the rich pan gravy over each portion before serving.

Notes

Use 85% lean ground beef for best moisture and flavor. Avoid overmixing to keep meatloaf tender. Let eggs and milk come to room temperature before mixing. Resist opening the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of flour for gravy. For dairy-free, use almond or oat milk. If meatloaf is loose, add an extra 1/4 cup breadcrumbs next time. If gravy is too thick, whisk in a splash of broth or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, easy meatloaf recipe, pan gravy, comfort food, family dinner, ground beef meatloaf

Find it online: https://bouncybowl.com/cozy-crock-pot-meatloaf-recipe-with-rich-pan-gravy-easy-and-perfect/