🩷CROCKPOT MEATLOAF W/POTATOES & VEGGIES🩷
Mouthwatering yumminess! Meatloaf is a weakness of mine!!!!!😋😋😋 RECIPE ⬇️ 🌸🌸🌸 #meatloaf #meatloafrecipe #easyrecipes #crockpotrecipe #fyplemon8
Ingredients
Potatoes & Veggies
1 bag baby potatoes
½ bag baby carrots
1 cup green beans, optional
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Meatloaf
2 Ibs ground beef
½ sweet onion, chopped
2 tbsp parsley
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1 packet Lipton Onion Soup Mix
2 eggs
½ cup ketchup
½ cup milk
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tbsp Italian seasoning
½ tbsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
Topping
¾ cup ketchup
3 tbsp brown sugar
Directions
1. Add the baby potatoes, carrots, and optional green beans to the bottom of your slow cooker. Season with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, then toss to coat.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, parsley, crushed Ritz crackers, Lipton onion soup mix, eggs, ketchup, milk, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the slow cooker, arranging the potatoes and vegetables around it.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for about 5 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup and brown sugar. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
6. Carefully remove the meatloaf and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the potatoes and veggies.
Using a slow cooker to make meatloaf not only simplifies the cooking process but also infuses incredible flavor into both the meat and the vegetables. The beauty of this crockpot meatloaf recipe is how it combines convenience with wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying, family-friendly meal. One tip I've found useful when preparing this dish is to ensure all your ingredients are fresh, especially the ground beef and vegetables, to maximize flavor. Also, layering the potatoes and veggies directly on the base of the slow cooker allows them to absorb the juices from the meatloaf as it cooks, resulting in tender, flavorful sides. The inclusion of crushed Ritz crackers and Lipton Onion Soup Mix in the meat mixture adds a subtle richness and savory depth that really elevates the classic meatloaf taste. For those who enjoy a bit of extra zest, the Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning help create a well-rounded flavor profile. When adding the topping of ketchup and brown sugar, try spreading it during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. While this recipe suggests applying the topping after cooking, allowing it to gently caramelize on top in the final stage can enhance the texture and bring out a delightful sweetness. For variation, you can experiment by swapping out baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or adding other slow-cooker friendly vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. This allows you to customize the dish based on your family's preferences or what you have on hand. During my experience cooking meatloaf in the slow cooker, I always let it rest before slicing, as mentioned in the recipe. This resting time helps the juices redistribute within the meatloaf, making each slice moist and tender rather than crumbly. Lastly, to check doneness, make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F as per food safety guidelines. Investing in a good meat thermometer helps ensure perfectly cooked meatloaf every time. Overall, this crockpot meatloaf with potatoes and veggies is not only a comforting and easy meal but also a great way to enjoy a balanced dish straight from the slow cooker with minimal cleanup. It's a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a busy day.