Get ready for a tasty dinner with the Easiest Slow Cooker Meatloaf!
This is an old recipe that I actually just updated, I originally shared this classic back in 2011. When I say that, it doesn’t seem like that long ago. Then, I realize that was 8 years ago…that is actually a LONG time ago. I really can’t get over how quickly time passes by.
One thing that I rely on quite a bit is slow cooker recipes. I’d go out on a limb and say my favorite recipes are either in a slow cooker or air fryer at this stage in life. Let’s face it though, we are typically all busy regardless of where we are in life, aren’t we?
Now, you can get dinner on the table and make it taste like you spent hours making it with the easiest Slow Cooker Meatloaf. I make this gluten-free as well by using gluten-free oats.
Should you use oats or crackers for Meatloaf?
Growing up, my mom always used crackers in meatloaf, not oats; however, being that I’m gluten-free oats are a better option. If you are making slow cooker meatloaf though, I have found that oats tend to hold up a lot better in the slow cooker too.
Can you use foil in the Slow Cooker?
I do use foil for this slow cooker meatloaf. The meat can be greasy and by using foil it catches a lot of that grease, and just makes for a lot less mess.
When making this slow cooker meatloaf, you will want to wrap the food with the foil around the side. That means you do not fully cover the meatloaf simply roll it up on the sides and it holds it all together well too.
This recipe can be made in the Ninja Foodi, add it to your list of Ninja Foodi Recipes!
Tips for Making the Easiest Slow Cooker Meatloaf:
It’s best to reserve some of the marinara sauce to add to the meatloaf as an additional sauce when you are serving the meatloaf.
One of our favorites to serve this meatloaf with is Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Mashed Potatoes are just a given with meatloaf in our household.
If you love a good meatloaf recipe with a little bit different sauce then be sure to try out this Tangy Meatloaf too.
What do you need for Slow Cooker Meatloaf?
- Ground Beef or Ground Chuck
- Eggs
- Old Fashioned Oats
- Garlic Powder
- Marinara Sauce or Meat Sauce
- Brown Sugar
- Onion
This will definitely become a go-to for your quick dinner nights!
Enjoy a bite of Meatloaf!
Slow Cooker Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 Lbs Lean Ground Beef
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup Old Fashioned Oats or Gluten-Free Oats
- 1/2 Tsp Garlic Powder
- 16 oz Marinara Sauce Meat Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Cup White Onion Diced
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the beef, eggs, oats, and garlic powder.
- Spray a sheet of foil with non-stick cooking spray, shape the loaf and place on the foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped meatloaf into the slow cooker. Make sure it's open and simply wrapping the sides.
- Using about 1/2 the jar of meat sauce, evenly pour over the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and top with onions.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.
- Remove and drain off any excess liquid, serve with additional warm meat sauce.
Notes
did you make this recipe?
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Comments & Reviews
Do you know if you can use instant oatmeal for the slow cooker meatloaf? Thanks!
I have never tried instant, I would suspect it should work the same though.
Thank you for the recipe! I came over from MSQ.com. I just took the meatloaf out of the crockpot. It smells, looks and tastes so yummy! I love how easy it is to make. Definitely a keeper. I might add some garlic next time.
Yay! So glad to hear it, such a great way to make meatloaf much better than in the oven for so many hours and not able to leave it!
I cooked mine on high for six hours and it was great. So glad because I wanted it for tonight and didn’t start until almost noon.
Just wondering why adding oatmeal? Is it just to hold it together and the egg whites? Normally I use saltine crackers and the whole egg. I’m not adverse to trying it with oats and egg whites though I am just curious? TY!
I do the egg whites to cut the calories and just prefer oatmeal, I would expect it would probably have the same effect with the crackers too.
Kristy, may I use this recipe with whole eggs without changing the consistency? May I use homemade Pasta Sauce? Thank you.
I’ll try it with whole eggs coz I can’t imagine throwing away the yokes. It looks easy enough to make. Thank you for sharing.
This recipe looks really good. I have a quick question. You mentioned to put the meatloaf in a slow cooker. Will this work the same in the Ninja Foodi on slow cook setting? I have not used the slow cook setting yet and I’m not sure if meatloaf will turn out the same? Thank you kindly.
Yes, for the ninja foodi I do this same thing but use the slow cooker setting and same time and temp.
Easy. Delicious. Meatloaf retained its shape.
Loved that I could use oats instead of breadcrumbs.
This recipe is a winner!
Thanks!