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.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time6 hourshrs
5 minutesmins
Total Time6 hourshrs20 minutesmins
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: crockpot, crockpot meatloaf, meatloaf, mini meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf
Cooking the Aromatics: Heat the butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Then, add the chopped garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
Preparing the Meatloaf Mix: Place the ground beef in a medium-sized bowl. Pour the onion, garlic, and butter mixture over it. Add Worcestershire sauce, an egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix everything together well with a spoon or your hands until it's fully combined. Shape the mixture into an oval.
Setting up the Slow Cooker: Cut a 1-foot length of foil in half lengthwise. Fold each half lengthwise again to create two long strips. Lay these strips in a cross shape at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure the ends of the foil strips are trimmed to be level with or below the rim of the cooker so they don't interfere with the lid. Spray both the foil and the interior of the slow cooker with nonstick spray.
Cooking the Meatloaf: Place the shaped meatloaf on the foil in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5 and a half hours.
Adding the Glaze: Mix ketchup and molasses in a small bowl. After 5 and a half hours, remove the slow cooker lid and spoon this mixture over the meatloaf. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
Resting and Serving: Use the foil strips to lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker carefully. Transfer it to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. Let it 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.