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.
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.
I like the edges of my meatloaf to be crispy/crunchy, slightly. I’ve never made meatloaf in the crock pot. Do the edges still come out harder than the inside? Either way, I’m going to have to try this recipe. Thank you for sharing it!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This recipe is wonderful! Everyone I’ve fed it to or shared it with has raved about it. I solved the whole stick-to-the-crockpot issue with parchment paper.
I purchase mine at a restaurant supply store (Gordon Foods in my asea.) It comes in rectangular single sheets called “full sheet” size in the bakery world with about 50 sheets for $3. I use a double layer, trace the shape of my crockpot lid and cut it out. I put a teaspoon of olive oil into the crockpot and evenly coat the bottoms using a paper towel, and about 1″ up the side. I put one cut out in and use the paper towel to just give it a quickie coat, I then put the second cutout in.
When it’s time to lift the meatloaf out it’s super easy with 2 sturdy spatulas. I make my meatloaf with a 2:1 blend of lean beef and pork ground meats. I have also substituted oatmeal and it’s just wonderful!
Thanks for this great recipe, and all the other things you give to us, Jillee!!
Beth in NE Ohio where it is cold and getting colder with a smattering of snow!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve ALWAYS put cubed boiled potatoes and a cubed up block of cheddar cheese in my meatloaf….it’s AMAZING. You want to boil the potatoes until they are 3/4 done, drain, and cool before working them in with the rest of the ingredients. The cheddar (small block) just makes it over the top! I never have leftovers.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Made this a couple of week ago and it was fabulous! The kids loved it as much as my husband and I did!
Has anyone done a double batch? I’m having family over next week and I think everyone would love it but the original recipe isn’t going to be enough
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use a turkey bag in mmy crock pot every time I make something. It is less clean up and it never stick to pot and my dish never sticks too it.. They make crock pot bags but turkey bags are cheaper..
Please log in or create a free account to comment.OMG – I made this tonight and it is DELICIOUS! I used bread crumbs and broken croutons (my small mixer died) and instead of catsup I used Catalina salad dressing. Yum. I also forgot to put in onions (a necessity). I was making them in a cupcake tin so I put a layer of meat in each space and then added the onions, pushing them down and in the process pushing some meat up the sides. I added the rest of the meat on the top. Oh oh I forgot the cheese! I put the cheese on top and poured more Catalina over the top and cooked it for approximately 20 minutes at 350 degrees. I put 4 cupcakes in the freezer and 4 in the fridge. I ate 4 of them because I forgot to cook the potato. For forgetting a lot they sure turned out good.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee,
I made this last Thursday and I have to tell you that this was the BEST meatloaf in the whole world. I brought a slice to my coworker for lunch and she is dying for the recipe so I recommended that she look at your site! Thank you so much for changing my kids opinion of Meatloaf!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Made this probably a week ago now, but I did it in the oven (crock pot is difficult for me on days that I’m working since I do 12-hr shifts). I didn’t have mozza so I used extra old cheddar. It was AMAZING, very cheesy, & the meat just melted in my mouth. My spouse loved it too (he’s pretty much a cheese addict, despite being lactose intolerant, haha). Thanks for a great recipe!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.This was great. We made it out of ground turkey and added spinach on top of the cheese. The whole family gave it rave reviews.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.so im making this tonight for dunner, i was curious about using tin foil in the crock pot so i looked it up and i read that the Aluminum leaches into food and it has been shown through research to cause Alzheimer’s disease. has anyone else heard this? i think i will just sit to coating the pot in oil first
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes, aluminum has been credited with Alzheimer’s. You’re better off worrying about your anti-perspirant though which is made with aluminum, as that sits on your skin and clogs your pores on a daily basis. I’m not saying you shouldn’t consider aluminum in food preparation but there are more dangerous practices that you may not be even aware of. I mostly gave up on store bought deodorant when I learned of this one in particular but continue to use foil and my aluminum cookie sheets because they’re the best.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have tweaked a bunch of recipies… here is our favourite version.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.1 lb hamburger
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 can tomato soup
1 cup oatmeal
1 onion, diced
1 tbsp wocestershire sauce
1/4 tsp sage
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground mustard
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
bbq sauce
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all the ingredients together well. Spread in a greased 8×8 pan. Spread bbq sauce on top. Bake for 1hr to 1 1/2 hrs.
I made this last night and it was superb. The hubby (who doesn’t like much of anything-especially meatloaf) asked if I had ever made meatloaf before (I had and apparently it wasn’t worth remembering!) and told me it was good! I used oats as the binder and used non-stick foil in the bottom of the crock-pot. 4 hours on low and it was awesome! Just had the leftovers for lunch. Thank you!!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ditto!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee! I made this right after I received your email on Sunday. It is fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used spray oil (like Pam spray) on aluminum on a cookie sheet and baked it in the oven because I wanted it fast (it sounded so good!) and I like the crusty tops and sides.
I don’t know how we did without you! You make our lives better. Thanks!
Parchment paper!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.My Mom used to add thin slices of italian ham under the cheese before rolling up…..was yummy!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How about just spraying the foil with Canola Oil Spray?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I used to have a meatloaf recipe that had cheese and it was some of the best meatloaf.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I will definately be trying this. Try using the non-stick type of foil (dull side is the
non-stick side). It is wonderful!
I will definitely try this, but am wondering how long you cook it for if it’s put into the muffin tins? I think my kids would love this idea :)
As for how I make my meatloaf I cook mine in the oven in a loaf tin, but press the top down to make a well on top of the meatloaf, then pour a combination of 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 TBSP brown sugar, 1 TBSP mustard, a dash or two of Worcestershire, and a sprinkling of salt (bring to a boil for 5 minutes first). Makes a delicious topping that thickens up once baked on the meatloaf!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’m making this for dinner tonight with mashed cauliflower. I love this website and all of the comments for inspiration.
Bon Appetite!
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