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Cozy Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe Easy Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze and Mashed Potatoes

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A comforting slow-cooked meatloaf with a sweet and tangy brown sugar ketchup glaze, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (80% lean recommended for juiciness)
  • ½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess; dairy-free alternatives work)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ½ cup (120g) ketchup
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 pounds (900g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: garlic powder or roasted garlic for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Transfer the mixture into the crockpot and shape into a loaf about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. Do not press too tightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  4. Spread half of the glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the other half.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. About 15 minutes before serving, spread the remaining glaze over the meatloaf. Recover and let it set.
  7. While the meatloaf cooks, peel and cube potatoes, boil in salted water for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well.
  8. Mash potatoes with butter and cream. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Keep warm until serving.
  9. Slice the meatloaf carefully with a serrated knife, plate alongside mashed potatoes, and spoon any extra glaze over the top.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatloaf mixture to avoid toughness. Use a food thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Apply glaze twice for a sticky, caramelized finish. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Warm cream and butter before adding to mashed potatoes for silky texture. Slow cooker liners help with cleanup. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats. For a lighter glaze, reduce brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. If glaze thickens too much, stir in a tablespoon of water before final application.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup glaze, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-crockpot-meatloaf-recipe-easy-brown-sugar-ketchup-glaze-and-mashed-potatoes/