Crockpot Meatloaf with Potatoes and Carrots is the ultimate weeknight all-in-one dinner that’s both EASY and comforting! The tender, homestyle meatloaf is packed with flavor, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze, and cooked alongside baby carrots and baby potatoes, which soak up all the delicious, savory flavors as they become perfectly tender. Your meatloaf game has just been raised!
Truly, this meal is just THE BEST on busy weeknights! When I can look ahead in my schedule and know that I will have zero time to prep and cook a meal in the hours before dinner time, this all-in-one crockpot meal is perfection! Although there are three different components, they all cook together perfectly in the same crockpot. Dinner and cleanup are a snap! And everyone leaves the dinner table filled with a satisfying and comforting meal. Mom win!
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- One dish – I’m not sure which I love more? The fact that everything is cooked together in one dish? Or the fact that I have only one dish to clean?
- Easy – There is nothing complicated about this recipe. Mix and form your meatloaf and then place everything into the crockpot. Straightforward and easy!
- Comfort food – Savory meatloaf with hints of onion and sage, topped with a sweet and tangy glaze and paired with carrots and potatoes is truly classic comfort food.
- Perfect for meal prepping – Divide the meatloaf and veggies into individual serving containers and save in the fridge for easy meal prep.
Recipe Notes
This crock pot meatloaf recipe is as simple as promised! Just 15 minutes of prep, then set the crockpot for a family friendly comforting meal.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make this Easy Crockpot Meatloaf and Potatoes to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Baby potatoes – I love the size and thin skin of baby potatoes. You can use any type of potatoes you prefer.
- Baby carrots – If you happen to have full size carrots on hand, just cut them down in size.
- Lean ground beef – Lean ground beef gives enough flavor and moisture to the dish, without excessive grease. You could also use ground turkey.
- Panko bread crumbs – Panko provides a lighter, more tender meatloaf. But if you don’t have panko on hand, regular bread crumbs also works to bind the meatloaf together.
- Eggs
- Yellow onion– minced
- Spices: garlic salt, dried sage, salt
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar– this adds sweetness to the glaze
- Ground mustard
- Worcestershire sauce– this will give your glaze a savory, tangy flavor
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Italian-style Meatloaf– Italian-flavored panko breadcrumbs will add a bit of an Italian flare to your meatloaf. You could also add some parmesan cheese or sprinkle Italian seasoning on your potatoes.
- Sweet Potatoes– Mix in some sweet potatoes along with your baby potatoes for a slightly sweet addition to your meal.
- Hidden Veggies– Mix finely grated zucchini and carrots into your meatloaf for extra moisture and nutrients. Shhh… no one has to know!
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make this easy slow cooker meatloaf and potatoes recipe.
Combine all ingredients for the meatloaf in a large mixing bowl, then form into a loaf.
Place the meatloaf onto the bottom of the slow cooker, then fit the carrots and potatoes around the edges and sprinkle them with garlic salt.
Whisk together all of the glaze ingredients and set aside until the end of cooking.
30 minutes before you finish cooking, spoon the glaze onto the top of the meatloaf and return the lid.
Recipe Tips
- Foil sling – Making a foil sling will help lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot once it’s finished cooking. The meatloaf will be tender and you don’t want it falling apart. To do this, fold a sheet of aluminum foil in half, or thirds, then fit the strip across the middle of your slow cooker and up the edges.
- Use your hands – Using your hands, instead of a spoon, to combine the mixture ensures all of the components are evenly distributed.
- Don’t overmix – Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense and tough, instead of tender. Mix with your hands until just combined.
- Place veggies around – Place the potatoes and carrots around the sides of the meatloaf rather than underneath it. This allows them to cook evenly.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep meatloaf and glaze in advance – Mix and form the meatloaf, prepare the glaze and refrigerate everything. You can do this 1-2 days in advance. Simply place everything in the crockpot and turn on when you’re ready to begin the cooking process.
- Line the crockpot – Use a slow cooker liner for effortless cleanup!
- Recommended veggies– Truly, the veggies I love to serve with this recipe ARE the easiest for prep. Baby carrots are already washed and peeled. Baby potatoes don’t require peeling.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Crockpot Meatloaf recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Combine ingredients for the meatloaf mixture and form into a loaf.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and tin foil and place in freezer.
- The day before you’re wanting to cook, take it out of the freezer, place it in the fridge and allow to thaw for 24 hours, then cook.
How to Freeze Meatloaf After Cooking
- Allow to cool completely.
- Store in airtight container and place in freezer.
- When ready to enjoy, remove from freezer and allow to thaw in refrigerator overnight. Warm in microwave or in the oven.
What to Serve with Crockpot Meatloaf and Potatoes
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of beef and potatoes, it will pair well with many of your favorite traditional side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- Garlic Parmesan Green Bean Casserole
- Side Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- Bisquick Cheddar Bay Biscuits
Meatloaf Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Meatloaf Sandwich– Slice and toast sourdough bread or a ciabatta bun. Place warmed meatloaf slice on the bread. Top with sliced red onion, crisp romaine or arugula and spread a bit of mayo or tangy glaze on top.
- Meatloaf Sliders– Warm sweet roll sliders and fill with 1/2 slice of meatloaf and melty cheese.
- Meatloaf Spaghetti Sauce– Crumble leftover meatloaf into your favorite pasta sauce and serve over noodles or a thick slice of toasted sourdough bread.
- Meatloaf Hash– Chop leftover meatloaf and potatoes to use as the base of your hash. Sauté with diced onions, salt and pepper and top with an over-easy egg.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can meatloaf be cooked in the crockpot?
Yes, and it’s delicious this way! Using a crockpot ensures the meatloaf is perfectly moist and juicy. It’s less likely to dry out, compared to being cooked in the oven.
How long does it take to cook meatloaf in a slow cooker?
Meatloaf can be cooked in the crockpot on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-5 hours.
Will there be a crust on the meatloaf?
Cooking meatloaf in the crockpot won’t create a crust. If you’d like that traditional look and flavor, lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot once it’s finished cooking and place it on a baking sheet. Broil it for 5-10 minutes under the oven broiler until the glaze bubbles and the top and sides begin to brown.
What’s a common mistake when making meatloaf?
A common, but understandable mistake, is slicing the meatloaf too soon. I get it- it smells so good and your family is hungry! But the meatloaf needs to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing so all of the internal juices will absorb back into the meat and not escape, making the slices fall apart.
More EASY Crockpot Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy crockpot recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
- Crockpot Pineapple Pork
- Crockpot Taco Soup
- Crockpot Beef and Broccoli
- Crockpot Mexican Street Corn Chicken
Easy Crockpot Meatloaf with Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes
- 8 ounces baby carrots
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
For the meatloaf
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ yellow onion, minced very small
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
For the glaze
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for meatloaf in a large bowl. Use your hands to work the mixture until combined. Then form into a loaf to match the shape of your slow cooker. (ex: mine is oval so I made a traditional rectangle loaf, if yours is a circle, make the loaf round)
- Fold a sheet of aluminum foil in half, or thirds, then fit the strip across the middle of your slow cooker and up the edges. This is optional but will help lift the meatloaf out.Place the meatloaf on top of the strip, then fit the potatoes and carrots around the edges and sprinkle them with garlic salt.
- Mix up the glaze by whisking together all of the glaze ingredients. Set aside until the end of cooking.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 4-5 hours.30 minutes before you finish cooking, spoon the glaze over the meatloaf and return the lid.
- Once done, remove from crockpot, slice, and serve with potatoes and carrots.
Leave a Reply