Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes: 6-Hour Comfort Food

Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes is a quintessential comfort food that’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. This recipe combines tender meatloaf with creamy, garlic-infused potatoes, all cooked together in a slow cooker. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—mix the ingredients, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a meal prep option, this slow cooker meatloaf and potatoes recipe is guaranteed to satisfy.

What Makes Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes So Special?

One of the key reasons Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes stands out is its incredible convenience. The combination of tender, juicy meatloaf and garlic butter potatoes allows you to prepare a full meal in just one pot. Plus, the slow cooking process enhances the flavors, making it easy to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker method ensures that the meatloaf stays moist, and the potatoes become perfectly soft and flavorful. It’s a great meal to prepare for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you don’t feel like spending too much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf
• Ground Beef: The main protein in this recipe, providing rich flavor and texture.
• Egg: Binds the meatloaf mixture together and helps keep it moist.
• Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the meatloaf.
• Crushed Saltine Crackers: Used as a binder and gives the meatloaf a slight crunch.
• Onions: Finely chopped onions add flavor and moisture to the meatloaf.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the meatloaf.
• Rubbed Sage: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the meatloaf.
• Dried Dill Weed: Provides a subtle, fresh herbal flavor.

For the Potatoes
• Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes cook well in the slow cooker, becoming creamy and tender.
• Butter: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the potatoes.
• Garlic: Infuses the potatoes with a fragrant, savory flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes.

For the Sauce
• Ketchup: Provides a tangy sweetness to the sauce that complements the savory meatloaf.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the ketchup.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Gives the sauce depth and umami flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
• Gluten-Free Crackers: Use gluten-free crackers if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
• Vegan Butter: For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan butter in the garlic butter potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the foil: Start by spraying a large piece of foil with cooking spray and set it aside. This will help prevent sticking when cooking the meatloaf.
2. Mix the meatloaf ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, milk, crushed saltine crackers, onions, salt, sage, and dill weed. Mix everything until just combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
3. Shape the meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a rustic loaf shape on the prepared foil. Gather the sides of the foil up around the loaf to create a “dish” that will contain the cooking juices and keep the meatloaf moist.
4. Add potatoes: Place the meatloaf in one side of the slow cooker. On the other side, add the baby potatoes. Drizzle the melted butter over the potatoes and toss them with garlic and salt.
5. Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to cook for 6-8 hours on low. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check for doneness. The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 170°F, and the potatoes should be fork-tender.
6. Make the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Spoon this sauce over the meatloaf, cover, and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes to heat through.
7. Serve: Once everything is cooked, serve the meatloaf with the garlic butter potatoes and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Keep the meatloaf moist: The foil “dish” helps trap the juices, which keeps the meatloaf tender. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to maintain the ideal texture.
• Don’t rush the cooking time: Slow cookers vary in temperature, so be patient. The dish is typically done at the 6-hour mark, but some slow cookers may need a little longer.
• Customize the potatoes: If you like extra flavor, consider adding bacon, cheese, or even ranch seasoning to the potatoes for a fun twist.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad. If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, try topping the meatloaf with crispy fried onions for a crunchy contrast. For a spicy version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the meatloaf mix. You can even make this dish ahead of time—simply store the meatloaf and potatoes in airtight containers and reheat when ready to serve.

Seasonal & Health Benefits

This Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes recipe is not only a satisfying dish for year-round comfort but also provides a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The addition of garlic butter potatoes offers flavor while delivering beneficial antioxidants, making it a wholesome choice for family meals.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes is the perfect recipe for busy days when you need a comforting and delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring a tender, juicy meatloaf paired with creamy, garlic-infused potatoes. This one-pot meal is not only simple to prepare but also customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. The best part? It’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and makes clean-up a breeze!

FAQs About Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes

More Relevant Recipes

• Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: Easy Comfort Food: This slow cooker recipe offers a cozy, hearty dish of tender chicken and fluffy dumplings. It’s an excellent choice for a comforting family meal with minimal effort, similar in convenience to Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes.
• Slow Cooker Beef Curry: This slow cooker beef curry is a flavorful and rich meal, perfect for those who love a spicy, tender meat dish. It’s a great alternative for those who enjoy slow-cooked meals with a bit of heat and complexity in flavor.
• Slow Cooker Garlic Herb Pot Roast: This recipe offers a savory and aromatic pot roast cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. The garlic and herbs infuse the meat with flavor, much like the tender, flavorful qualities of the Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes.

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