Meatloaf is one of the greatest comfort foods on the planet. And I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Best of all, this is a crockpot meatloaf recipe, so it could not get any easier.
And this is like “out-of-this-world” good. Both my girls were eating this Slow Cooker BBQ Meatloaf recipe last night- and the plates were licked clean!
In fact, my 6-year-old said, “Mom, this is the best kind of meat that I’ve ever seen. Or tasted too.”
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, Italian sausage, onion, bell peppers, and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Make a BBQ bacon meatloaf by adding chopped bacon- a fan favorite if you want to change the recipe a bit!
- Tips: Don’t skip smothering the meatloaf with the remaining BBQ sauce- it makes a great glaze on top and is so flavorful
Amazingly Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Meatloaf
Here is everything I bought for BBQ meatloaf (ingredient amounts below)!
Start by mixing the BBQ sauce with the tomato sauce in a large mixing bowl. This mixture ends up being a nice savory & sweet alternative to the usual ketchup.
You’ll use half of this mixed BBQ sauce to mix in with the meat and spices, and the other half will be poured on top.
Get your hands dirty and mix it all together!
Form it into a loaf and pour the remaining BBQ sauce on top. This will make almost a BBQ sauce glaze on top while it cooks.
4 hours of cooking time later, THIS is what you got!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb italian sausage loose or removed from casing
- 1/2 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper (or any color) finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Mix BBQ sauce and tomato sauce in a small bowl.
- Combine the rest of the meatloaf ingredients and half of the sauce mixture in a large bowl and mix well.
- Shape into a loaf and place in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour remaining sauce mixture over the top.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Take out of slow cooker and let rest on a cookie sheet or cutting board for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve.
Recipe Substitutions
If you’re looking to change things up with this BBQ meatloaf or simply want to work with what you have in your pantry and fridge, several substitutions can keep your dish exciting and delicious.
Here are some suggestions I have to swap the recipe a bit:
The Meats
Instead of using ground beef and Italian sausage, consider using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take on this comforting meal.
Or you could make BBQ bacon meatloaf by adding chopped bacon, fully cooked- the smokey bacon would be a great addition to the BBQ sauce!
For those looking for a vegetarian option, lentils mixed with finely chopped mushrooms can offer a meaty texture and flavor.
Not only that, but there are many meat substitutes that give a great texture more similar to classic meatloaf.
The BBQ Sauce
When it comes to the sauce, if BBQ sauce isn’t your favorite or you’re just looking for a change, you can always go back to the original.
For that classic Italian taste, try a tomato-based pasta sauce with pasta instead of mashed potatoes.
Or, for a totally new twist, try a combination of soy sauce, honey, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an Asian flair.
The Meat Mixture
I know some important questions people have are if they can swap eggs or bread crumbs to fit their dietary needs.
When it comes to the eggs, you can substitute each egg for a tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with three tablespoons of water.
I know there are also store-bought egg substitutes in the dairy section, and the nutrition label will tell you how much is equivalent to an egg (or, in this case, multiply it to equal 2 eggs).
As for the bread crumbs, I have found that crushed crackers or panko work great instead of traditional bread crumbs. Or, if you need, there’s almond flour for those seeking gluten-free options.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
Can I substitute the Italian sausage for something less spicy?
Absolutely, you can swap out the Italian sausage for a milder type of meat if you’re not a fan of spicy foods.
Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option that still packs plenty of flavors when combined with the right spices.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, making this meatloaf gluten-free is straightforward. Just ensure that the barbecue sauce and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Also, instead of traditional bread crumbs, opt for a gluten-free alternative or even rolled oats.
How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last?
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Remember to label the bag with the date! It’s the best way to organize in the freezer.
What’s the best way to serve this BBQ meatloaf?
In my family, the traditional meatloaf side dishes include mashed potatoes and corn- but you can have green beans, coleslaw, or any other veggies you like.
For a unique twist, try serving it alongside a crisp kale salad or roasted root vegetables. And don’t forget, slices of leftover meatloaf make fantastic sandwiches!
Can I bake this BBQ meatloaf in the oven instead of using a slow cooker?
Yes, you can definitely bake this BBQ meatloaf in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatloaf in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet.
Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Ovens may vary, so it’s a good idea to check the meatloaf a bit earlier to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
My slow cooker BBQ meatloaf recipe is not just a testament to the ease and convenience of using a crockpot but also to the delicious and comforting possibilities it creates.
With some mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, or whatever veggies you like, dinner can get on the table quickly!
Whether you’re a busy parent, a beginner cook, or simply someone looking for a delicious twist on a classic dish, this BBQ meatloaf is guaranteed to please.
Give it a try, and it might just become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Looks delicious! Did you use hot or sweettalian sausage?
We used mild italian sausage.
Or you could just mix all the ingredients as stated and put it in the oven @ 350F for 45 min to an hour – depending on your oven.
This looks very yummy, except that I don’t like Italian sausage. Would breakfast pork sausage work instead? Or is the Italian sausage flavor very muted in this?
You can use 100% ground beef it you want, it will make it just as good.
[…] BBQ Meatloaf […]
THis was an awesome recipe! Made it for my family last night and they loved it! I did substitute the meat for my ground beef that I had on hand since we just purchased a 1/4 cow, but it was delicious!
I am so glad you loved it!
[…] Slow Cooker BBQ Meatloaf – Meatloaf in a slow cooker? Yup. Ok, so maybe this one isn’t quite a “dump” recipe as much as some of the others. After you “dump” the ingredients in a bowl, it has the added step of mixing them together with your hands and making a loaf to stick in the crockpot. The flavors are outstanding in this meatloaf! […]
Do you use lean ground meat?
You can use any kind you want. In this recipe we’ve used 80/20 as well as 90/10. Both were great.
Can you cook it in the crock pot on low for 8 hours?
Sure, if that works better for you.
If you doubled the recipe & made a larger loaf how long would you cook it for ?
Try putting in a pkt.of french onion soup also
Does the meatloaf get too greasy in the crockpot? Should you use a very lean ground beef?
Lay carrots across the bottom and place the loaf on top of them. Holds the meat above the grease and cooks the carrots just right.
You can also place 2 slices of bread in a pan and set the meatloaf on top of them.
How well does this freeze?
It freezes great!
Can you cook it in the oven?
Will panko breadcrumbs work?
Can you freeze this after you mix all the ingredients together? And if i doubled the recipe, how long is the cook time?
Was not a fan,pretty sure I did everything right,…just no.
By far the best Meat Loaf I have ever made. The meat was juicy and so tasty and best of all it was so easy. My family are not big meat eaters so to have my family lick their plates and ask for seconds I was totally thrilled. Thank you so very much.
Can I use sweet saugage ? Not ground pork
Yes you can.
I can’t wait to try this! My son has an egg allergy though, would I be able to use an egg substitute or omit it altogether? Thank you! I looove your dump recipes! Have tried many of them!
The egg is what keeps it together so I am unsure of how to use an egg substitute. I wish I could be more of a help 🙁
My instant thought was subtitling chia seeds mixed with water. You’d have to read the package but it serves as an egg substitute. When you let it sit in the water, it will gel up like an egg.
How would you cook it if you doubled the recipe?
I doubled the recipe and it cooked in the same amount of time. I do have a crock pot brand cooker and it seems to cook hot.
Excited to try this! When would you freeze it? Once combined into a loaf then freeze? Would you need to defrost it before putting in slow cooker?
I made this last night and it was amazing!! I used hot Italian sausage mixed with the beef and threw in some bacon bits! Everyone loved it!
How much ground beef? I see it says 1/2 lb sausage, not sure on the ground beef?
This was so yummy! I will never cook meatloaf in an oven again. Super easy and a crowd pleaser, thanks.