This Mini Slow Cooker Meatloaf is tender and juicy and so easy to make! Made with onions, garlic, spices and topped with a sweet and tangy sauce. This simple recipe makes the perfect amount to serve one or two people. Included in the recipe are instructions for converting a Crockpot or Crockpot-style slow cooker into a single serving slow cooker.
3tablespoonsbreadcrumbs(instead of breadcrumbs, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of oat flour or almond flour or use 4 tablespoons of old-fashioned rolled oats)
¼cupketchup
1tablespoonmolasses
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes.
Add in the chopped garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally for an additional 2 minutes. Remove skillet from the heat and set aside.
Place the ground beef in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the onion/garlic/butter mixture over the meat. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, the egg and the breadcrumbs. Using a large spoon or your hands, mix the meat and all of the ingredients together until fully combined. Shape into an oval.
Cut a 1-foot length of foil in half lengthwise. Fold each strip in half lengthwise to form two long strips. Place the foil strips in the bottom of the slow cooker in a cross pattern. Trim them so that they are even with the rim or below the rim so that they don't get in the way of the slow cooker lid.
Spray the foil and slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Place the meatloaf on top of the foil lining the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5 1/2 hours.
Stir together the ketchup and molasses in a small bowl. Remove the lid from the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over the meatloaf. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Carefully grasp the ends of the foil strips to lift out the meatloaf. Transfer to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Let the meatloaf rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Foil Lining: To easily remove your meatloaf from the slow cooker, line the base with foil strips. This technique not only helps lift the meatloaf smoothly but also separates it from any excess oil.Pre-Cooked Onions and Garlic: For a moist and flavorful meatloaf, sauté onions and garlic in butter before mixing them with the ground beef. This step enhances the taste and texture of your meatloaf.Oven Alternative: Don't have a slow cooker? No problem! You can bake this meatloaf in a conventional oven. Set it to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and cook for 50 minutes to achieve the same delicious result.Resting Time: After cooking, let your meatloaf rest, covered, for five minutes before slicing. This pause allows the juices to settle, ensuring a moist and tender meatloaf. Cutting it too soon can release these juices and result in a drier meatloaf.