Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic American comfort dish with a sweet-tangy tomato glaze, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This American-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 380 minutes, pairs Ground beef, Bread crumbs, Egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place the slow cooker on low setting to preheat.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs ground beef, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Mix with hands until evenly incorporated, then shape into a loaf and place in the preheated slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove from slow cooker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf take to make?

Total time is about 380 minutes (20 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Tomato-Glazed Meatloaf?

American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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