magic crockpot meatloaf
Sunny, sunny days in the Mississippi river valley. We walked up to the Red Wing Farmer’s market yesterday, despite the heat, and picked up sweet corn, Italian zucchini and baby bliss potatoes for dinner. We’ve been grilling like crazy so we don’t have to heat up the kitchen…and…using the crock pot! I use to think I could only use this little appliance when I was going to be gone, or that it was only for those warm comfort foods we enjoy in the colder months, but using the crockpot in the summer is an awesome idea. It will keep your kitchen cool and free up time so you can just enjoy your day.
We’re headed to the swimming quarry today with my daughter, Andrea. Before we leave, I’m making one of these meatloaves. Everyone loves this moist, yummy meatloaf. It makes it’s own gravy, so it really is kind of magic. And we LOVE leftovers for sandwiches. Just buy a bag of buns and your favorite hamburger/hot dog condiments and you’re in business! The sandwich above has mayo on the bottom part of the toasted, sourdough bun, then the meatloaf, and is topped with this homemade dill relish, a squirt of yellow mustard, and this homemade ketchup. Yum, yum, yum!
for the meatloaf:
2 lb. lean, ground meatloaf meat (we use a combination of beef, pork and lamb)
1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
2 teaspoons Lawry’s seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup dry breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs (I like Ritz or Club)
1 large egg
1 packet (7/8 oz.) dry, brown gravy mix
1 cup whole milk
10 to 12 baby red bliss or fingerling potatoes, unpeeled
fresh thyme and parsley, chopped
Combine all ingredients, except for potatoes and fresh herbs, in a large mixing bowl. Using clean hands, mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and smooth. Form into a loaf and place in crock pot. Put the little potatoes all around the sides of the meatloaf. Sprinkle the fresh chopped herbs over the top. Cover and cook on the “low” heat setting for 8 to 10 hours, or on the “high” heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
Enjoy!
~Melissa
My crockpot has a removeable crock, but it’s round. Is the meatloaf difficult to remove without breaking it up. This sounds really good, with a lot of flavor and the ease of cooking.
thanks
Hi Ruth! thanks for commenting. I’ve never had a problem removing the meatloaf from the crock pot before…just use a spatula underneath and a big serving fork to steady it while you transfer from crock to platter 🙂 enjoy!
I use 2 thick layers of foil inside a crockpot liner and put in as an “x” and when finished I can lift out the meatloaf by the ends of the foil and then toss the crockpot liner – clean crockpot. It only takes a minute to fold the foil and make an “x” and it is well worth that minute.
I have a larger than the normal sized spatula. I think I’m going to try that. This recipe looks delicious.
Enjoy, Angela 🙂
Just make the maeatloaf round or use a crockpot liner. Those things are great!!
Thanks for the tip, Yvonne! 🙂
I was having problems with my meatloaf falling apart as well. I solved by making a foil tray and lining the bottom of the crock with it. I even made small handles by using an extra long piece and bringing the foil up on the sides. Made removing it super easy and I still had a “pretty” meal when I finished.
if you are having trouble lifting the meatloaf out of your round crock pot consider using a crock pot liner. that way you can just lift the entire bag, and as a bonus your crock pot is left almost clean.
Use a crock pot linner
I have been looking for a crock pot recipe meatloaf meal. Thank you thank you!!! I will be doing this one soon
Hi Evelyn, this is such a yummy recipe! and so easy too 🙂 enjoy!
I just LOVE my crockpot when school is in session…NOTHING beats coming home and smelling dinner is done ! Can’t wait to try this – thank you for sharing !
Hi Ann! I know what you mean! The crock pot can definitely be a life saver on those busy work days 🙂 I love the feeling that someone has been at home cooking for me all day…when you walk through the front door and smell dinner… so cozy! Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy this recipe. It’s a favorite in our house. xo
I was thinking about trying this recipe – it sounds so yummy! But how does the meatloaf make a gravy if there’s not liquid in it.. is the “gravy” extremely fatty from all grease of the meat? I am going to use 93/7 ground beef – will it still work?
Thanks!!
Nikki at http://www.bedazzlesafterdark.com
Hi Nikki! I make this with extra lean ground beef sometimes and it still makes it’s own gravy… i think it’s the combination of gravy mix + milk! enjoy!
Crock pots have condensation and that moisture is what makes the gravy. This is a keeper receipe for my family paas down cook book. ThNks for sharing♡
Hi Norma! Thanks for visiting 🙂 Yes, this is my favorite meatloaf recipe. I’m so glad you like it! enjoy!
I read somewhere that you shouldn’t cook ground meat in the crock pot because of the meat is sitting too long in the crock pot raw. Does it cause salmonella?
Hi Teresa,
I have been cooking meat and meatloaf of all sorts in my crockpot for over 20 years and I have never once heard this, or had a problem. If that were true, it would be true for all meat, not just ground meat. Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Teresa….I also have cooked in crockpots since 1979. Once in a while I sear my meat, but on the whole all meats go in the crock from the package. And have put partially frozen meats in. Never had a problem at all. The one thing I do nowadays, though, is check some meats with a meat thermometer. Mostly fowl and pork. Beef not so much.
Melissa, will definitely try this recipe! I make meatloaf a lot, but never thought to try a crock. Thank you for posting this!!
Hi Linda! Enjoy 🙂
I have only made meatloaf in my crock pot, never thought of making it any other way, lol!! I’m definitely going to try this awesome looking recipe, today!! Yummy!!
Melissa I googled the question about the ground meat and this is the answer I found. I also have used a crock pot for over 20 years maybe 30 and have never had a problem with anyone getting sick.
Crockpot Food Safety Overview:
Slow cookers are a wonderful convenience, but anytime you’re dealing with low temperatures over long time periods, food safety is a concern. That’s because the bacteria that cause food poisoning thrive and multiply rapidly at room temperature and up to 140°F.
Slow cookers are designed to cook foods slowly, at temperatures between 170°F and 280°F, a range that’s well outside the Food Temperature Danger Zone. The key is making sure you’re using your slow cooker properly. These simple slow-cooker safety guidelines will help keep you and your family safe.
Start Slow Cookers Safely:
Make sure your slow cooker, utensils and work area are clean and sanitized. Wash your hands before you begin to prep and while prepping, especially after handling raw meat or poultry.
Keep perishable foods refrigerated until you need them. If you plan to prep meat or veggies ahead of time, keep them in the fridge until the last minute. Your slow cooker might take a while to reach 165°F, which is widely regarded as the temperature at which most illness-causing bacteria are killed. Keeping ingredients in the fridge helps deny bacteria a chance to multiply wildly in those critical first hours of cooking.
Here is the link it does have some good information about using/cooking in a crock pot.
http://culinaryarts.about.com/od/safetysanitation/p/slowcooksafe.htm
Hi there, Evelyn! thanks for all of the great information. 🙂 I really appreciate it. Have a lovely evening.
Best,
Melissa
Hi! Made this tonight and although it was really easy and tasty I did not have gravy that looks like the picture (just liquid). Any one else have this problem? Any idea what went wrong?
Hi Nicole! The gravy will thicken as it stands and cools just a bit…also, if you used skim milk or 2% in place of the whole milk, it could result in a thinner gravy.
Hi Melissa,
Regarding the milk issue. We use fat free to 2%. For recipes that call for whole milk, this is what I do. I always have dried milk on hand as well as canned evaporated milk. I add to half the recipe for milk to thicken if using added canned..otherwise just add dry milk to the lighter milk. Or take out a few tablespoons of liquid and add a bit of cornstarch, mix well and return to pot and blend with remaining liquid stirring til heated and thickened. Just a couple of my old tricks.
thanks, Linda 🙂
you know I love your recipes and could spend my days just cooking everything you bake!! I do love this one and I seriously need to invest in a crock pot soon. thank you Melissa xoxo
Aw…sweet Beverley 🙂 You made my day. Enjoy, XOXOXO
This looks yummy .. comfort food to me….someone asked if it might stick, I always spray my crockpot w/ Pam first…so that should help I am gonna copy this one…My husband gets alot of venison and he and the family like to substitute that for hamb…but could add other meats too, as you did…a “copier and keeper”…thanks!
Hi Kris! I’ve never had a problem with the meatloaf sticking before… you could definitely use PAM or rub a little olive oil on the inside of the crock if that’s a worry. Thanks for the comment 🙂
Really, the 1 cup of milk doesn’t make it mushy?
Hi Brian 🙂 No, the 1 cup of milk won’t make it mushy. It will add moisture to your meatloaf, and that’s what creates the gravy. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by.
Had all of these ingredients on hand and just started my crock pot. I’m known for cooking bad meatloa. If this turns out you are a hero! Thank you
This is one of my favorite recipes, Elizabeth! 🙂 Enjoy!
Was really good! Will definitely add this to my dinner rotation. Thank you!
My pleasure! thanks for visiting and commenting! 🙂
do you add the milk and gravy IN the meatloaf??? or ON??
You add the milk and gravy mix to the meatloaf itself, Elizabeth. Enjoy 🙂
Cooked this today and it looks yummy but I don’t see any evidence of gravy except for a small amount of watery juices at the bottom. Not sure what I have done wrong..
Hi Jennifer. I am so sorry that happened… It’s happened to a couple of my other readers before too and I can’t figure out why. The only thing I’ve come up with so far is maybe your crock pot is cooking at a slightly higher temperature and drying the gravy up before the meatloaf is done cooking all the way. I would suggest maybe adding a little more liquid, but that could make your meat loaf mushy. What size crock pot are you using?
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting 🙂
Same happened with me. Really no gravy.
OMG! I put this in the crockpot this AM and went to play practice and grocery shopping. Just walked in and it smells heavenly! I can’t wait to dig in!
YAY! I’m so glad you like it, Jamie! 🙂
This looks so good, even though I don’t like meatloaf and I hate the crockpot! But I am going to give it a try!!
Enjoy, Denise! 🙂
I was just reading all the comments and wondered if everyone knew about simple crockpot rules. I am old as the hills and remember very well when they were invented. The #1 rule was once you put everything into the pot you don’t lift the lid till done. Every time you lift the lid you lose an hour of cooking time.I learned the hard way with a pot roast that was raw 8 hours later because I was stiring every 20 minutes or so. After re-reading my handbook I learned. There are times when last minute things can be added during the last hour but do not open till then. That may be why their gravies were not made or were runny. Sounds great and I will try but I may use a can of tomato soup instead of milk for a tomato gravy.
Thanks for that information, Frances! 🙂 enjoy the recipe!
Please if you can send the answer to this to my e-mail address. Am having dinner at my house on May 4th. Need a recipe to cook shrimp in the oven. Nothing fancy just about as plain as it gets. What I really need is what simple spices to use and how long to bake it in the oven. Have never cooked shrimp before–cannot wait to use the meatloaf recipe –will do one day this next week. thanks for taking the time to read this (it seems so dumb ) and answer it. We will be having porktenderloin and all the dressing on the same day–but my brother love shrimp and asked to fix some for him.
Hi Betty! I just sent a message to your personal email. 🙂 I hope what I send helps! XOXO and enjoy that meatloaf recipe!
I just made this today and did not get any gravy out of it..just the reduced grease. The meatloaf is really good tho! I never removed the lid during the cook time either. Fyi..I cooked mine on the high heat setting.
Hi Renee 🙂
Well, the instructions say to cook it on low… so maybe that’s why it didn’t turn out like you expected? Hmmmm…. Sorry that happened. ~M
I have never been able to make a meatloaf like my Momma’s until now. Made meatloaf per recipe and it is delicious! However, I too, had no gravy. I cooked it on slow and the only thing I can think of is that I did use 2% milk. I will use whole milk next time to see if it makes a difference. And, I will make it again! Thanks!
So glad you like the recipe, Louise! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know. XO ~M
I would love to try this, just moved and can;t find the box my crock pot is in…Does this recipe and cooking time transfer to the oven as well?
Hi Jennifer!
I’ve never tried making this in the oven, but I would say to significantly reduce the cooking time if you’re going to attempt it. Start with 1 hour at 350 degrees F… and cover the meatloaf with foil 🙂 that’s just a guesstimate 😉 Hope that helps!
~M
I tried it….delicious! Cook time was around 90 minutes.
Would it be possible to add a little bacon to the ingredient list? Was thinking it might be tastier or maybe try this first and see how I like it.
I’m just not a meatloaf fan.
My ex – daughter in law is the.only one that.makes the best meat loaf and I’ve lost contact with her 🙁
Many Thanks
I think bacon would be a wonderful addition, Joan! 🙂
Is it possible yo connect your site yo ziplist?It saves recipes and prints shopping lists. This looks great. I am going to try next week. I have used my crock pot for meatloaf before but not this recipe. Thanks
would half and half make the gravy or should it be whole milk Thanks
Can hardly wait to try this, been looking for a meatloaf without a tomato sauce on it.Thank you…..will let all know how turned out
Hi Diane! 🙂
I’m not sure if half and half would work, Diane. I’ve never tried it.
I made this today and it is the best meatloaf I have ever eaten, I cut up carrots and put red potatoes in the last 2 hours, YUMO!
Hi Sandy! 🙂
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed the meatloaf! Thanks for trying my recipe and for stopping by! XO ~M
Hi , I don’t eat beef. Wondering if anyone has tried this with ground turkey and dried turkey gravy ? Thanks !
I only have used ground turkey. Its excellent.
Hi Debbi! 🙂
I’ve never tried a turkey version of this … I bet it would be delicious though! 🙂
Thanks for visiting, and please let me know if you give the turkey version a whirl 😉
~M
I cannot use dry soup mix or gravy in a jar. I have chronic Gouty Arthritis. I do have a homemade beef broth I use. Can I just thicken it up and put it in the crock pot after it has cooked for 4 or 5 hours or does it have to be used in the meatloaf mixture? if you have any other ideas for this recipe can you please help me.
You could probably just add your version of gravy at the end, Candice 🙂 Hope that helps! ~M
I am definitely going to try this. Do you think it will make any difference that I use oatmeal instead of crackers or bread. Also if I cut the recipe in half should I adjust the cooking time?
I am an oatmeal meatloaf girl too. I will let you know what happens. I did make the full recipe tho.
Hi Billie! 🙂
I’m not sure about the addition of oatmeal to this recipe as I have never tried it. 🙂
I just put this in the slow cooker. I did make one change. I used oatmeal instead of crackers. I hope it still turns out! Can’t wait!
Mine did not make gravy either 🙁 What brand gravy mix do you buy? Maybe I bought the wrong kind. I did use 2 % milk! but I would not think that would make the difference?
I’ve used all sorts of different MSG-free gravy mixes and it always works for me, Shannon :/ So sorry yours didn’t. Did you use extra lean meat? Sometimes that can make a difference. You need to use a meat that offers a little bit of pan drippings to the Crock Pot. Hope that helps in the future. Thanks for trying my recipe and for stopping by to share your results. ~M 🙂
Wouldn’t the potatoes be cooked beyond recognition Seven hrs seems like a long tome for small potatoes.
I put mine in the crock 4 hours ago. Followed everything directed. I am very curious because I only counted one person in the comments who actually got the gravey. I hope can comment that I got gravey. Otherwise ….with those ingredients, and am sure it will taste great!
I made this for dinner, didn’t get the gravy either but it was DELICIOUS! Definitely saving this recipe to make it again!