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The Best Crockpot Meatloaf (Or Oven Meatloaf!)
Yesterday I was digging around in my recipe collection and came across a cheesy meatloaf recipe that I obviously thought was good enough to save, but couldn’t remember if I’d actually made yet. And I’ve been craving meatloaf lately, so it was the perfect reason to give this recipe a try (if not for the first time!)
Meatloaf is pretty simple as it is, but crockpot meatloaf is easy and gives you a few hours to work on other things while it’s cooking, so I decided to go that route. But, as you’ll soon learn, this cheesy meatloaf is just as easy to make in your oven, if you’d prefer.
This cheese-stuffed meatloaf was a big hit at my house! Dave pronounced it “the best meatloaf” he’s ever had — not bad, right? Today I’m sharing this cheese-stuffed meatloaf recipe with you, complete with instructions for cooking meat loaf in a crock pot or your oven. It tastes fabulous either way!
How To Make Cheesy Crockpot Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 cup cracker crumbs (or bread crumbs)
- 1/3 cup ketchup, with extra for glazing
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Directions
Combine all the ingredients except the cheese and parsley together in a bowl. (I use my Danish dough whisk for this — it’s super efficient, less messy, and I never have to worry about over-mixing!)
Related: Uses For A Danish Dough Whisk
Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a long piece of wax paper, then shape the meat into a large rectangle. Sprinkle the cheese evenly across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to ensure that the cheese won’t leak out as it cooks.
Use the wax paper to lift and roll the meat rectangle into a log, then pressing the edges tightly to seal in all of the cheese.
Once your meatloaf is rolled and sealed, transfer it into a well-greased crock pot and put it in with the seam facing down. Cook on High for 4-5 hours, or Low for 7-8 hours.
Oven Cooking Instructions: Place the assembled meatloaf on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Once the meatloaf is done cooking, you can top it with a little more ketchup and broil it for 3-5 minutes for a sweet glaze over the top.
Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve. This meatloaf is over-the-top good! The cheese makes it especially moist, creamy, and delicious!
More Meaty Recipes & Crockpot Goodness
What’s YOUR favorite way to prepare this quintessential comfort food?
Cheesy Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
- 1/3 cup ketchup plus more for glaze, if desired
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese grated
- chopped parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients except cheese and parsley in a large bowl.
- Shape meat mixture into a rectangle on a piece of wax paper.
- Sprinkle cheese across the rectangle evenly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Use the wax paper to roll the meatloaf into a log, then press and seal the edges.
- Place the meatloaf in a greased crockpot and cook on High for 4 to 5 hours (or low 7 to 8 hours.)
- Top with additional ketchup and broil for 3-5 minutes, then serve with chopped parsley, if desired.
