Ultimate Slow Cooker Meatloaf: Tender, Flavorful Recipe with Oven Option

I've perfected countless slow cooker recipes over the years, and this meatloaf stands out for its unbeatable tenderness and rich flavor. While it works great in the oven too, the slow cooker truly elevates it by keeping the meat juicy without constant attention.

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Make Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker

Follow this tested recipe for homemade meatloaf, or grab pre-seasoned ground meat from your butcher for an even quicker start. We prepare the loaf first, then a simple marinade. For more slow cooker inspiration, check our tasty recipes, including our favorite sweet and sour chicken.

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Ingredients for the Meatloaf

Meatloaf is straightforward in any method, but the slow cooker yields exceptionally tender results. Serves 4-6:

• 800 grams of minced meat
• 1 egg
• 1 onion
• 5 cloves of garlic
• 2 teaspoons sambal manis
• Splash of soy sauce
• Breadcrumbs or finely ground oatmeal flakes (a few tablespoons)
• 1 bell pepper
• Extra herbs to taste (e.g., dried mixed herbs, Maggi garden herbs, or fresh thyme and rosemary)

Meatloaf Marinade Ingredients

• A few tablespoons of curry
• Splash of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis preferred)
• 2 garlic cloves
• A little honey (ginger honey adds a nice touch, but regular works)

Mix the marinade ingredients and let them meld while preparing the meatloaf.

Preparing Meatloaf for the Slow Cooker

• Place ground beef in a large bowl
• Press in the garlic
• Finely chop the onion and bell pepper
• Add the whole egg
• Stir in 2 teaspoons sambal manis
• Add soy sauce to taste
• Season with salt and pepper
• Mix in breadcrumbs or oatmeal to bind
• Knead with dough hooks or hands (remove rings first), then shape into a loaf

Assembling in the Slow Cooker

Slice 2 onions into rings and layer them at the bottom to keep the meatloaf elevated and prevent sogginess.

• Add onion rings to the slow cooker
• Place meatloaf on top
• Brush top and sides with marinade
• Cook on low for 5 hours
• Baste occasionally with extra marinade for deeper flavor

Oven Method

Prepare meatloaf and marinade as above. Preheat oven to 180°C.

• Place in a baking dish (onion rings optional underneath)
• Brush with marinade
• Bake 40-45 minutes, basting midway

Both methods deliver great results, but the slow cooker's set-it-and-forget-it convenience shines for busy days. Enjoy meatloaf sliced on sandwiches, or with mashed potatoes or celeriac puree.