Slow Cooked Meat Loaf and Potatoes
- SERVES
- 6
- COOK TIME
- 6 Hr
This Slow Cooked Meat Loaf and Potatoes couldn't be any easier! It's mixed in one bowl, and cooked up in a slow cooker, so you can just throw it together and forget about it until it's ready.
What You'll Need
- 5 potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch chunks
- 2 pounds ground beef (see Notes)
- 1/2 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cup ketchup, divided
- 3/4 cup crushed butter-flavored crackers
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
What to Do
-
Place potatoes in bottom of a 3-1/2-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
-
In a large bowl, combine beef, sausage, onion, 3/4 cup ketchup, cracker crumbs, eggs, and salt; mix well. Place over potatoes and shape to form a loaf.
-
In the same bowl, combine brown sugar, mustard, and the remaining ketchup; mix well. Spread over top of loaf, cover, and cook on the low setting 6 to 10 hours. Drain off excess liquid, and serve.
Notes
- We recommend using lean ground beef to minimize the amount of excess fat.
- If you're a fan of this slow cooker meatloaf recipe, then check out How to Cook with Your Slow Cooker, Plus 11 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes!
If you're looking for something different, try out our recipe for Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf or browse through Our Best Meatloaf Recipes collection.
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gailtabb
May 30, 2017
Would love to try this but are they any adjustments for high altitude? (6800 ft) Thank you!
Test Kitchen Team
May 31, 2017
Hello! While we haven't tried this recipe at a high altitude, we do have a couple of tips if you'd like to give it a try - 1) Cook on a higher setting for 4 to 6 hours or until meat is no longer pink in center; 2) Do not remove the lid during cooking time. We'd love to hear how this turns out for you!
KathyMoore
Apr 13, 2017
Instead of the crock pot, can I bake this in the oven? I loved this recipe when cooking in the crock pot but I don't always have time on the weekdays to make this.
Test Kitchen Team
Apr 14, 2017
Hi there! The Test Kitchen says that you can bake this in the oven at 350 degrees F with the meat loaf in the middle of a pan and the potatoes around it (rather than under it). Since the Test Kitchen has not made this recipe in the oven before, we can't guarantee how long to bake it for. However, we think that 60-70 minutes, or until no pink remains in the meat loaf should be enough. Enjoy!
RBJ
Mar 13, 2017
Great meatloaf. The first two times I made it I also had trouble getting meatloaf out intact. I put some heavy duty foil on top of the veggies and poked a few holes to let the juice out. When it was done I very carefully lifted the loaf out. Wooked good.
catsmom
Aug 01, 2016
Best meatloaf ever! I have served it to dinner guests as well as my family, everyone loves it.
strikermj
Jul 25, 2016
Made this last night and it was delicious except for one thing... like someone previously said, I had problems getting the meat out without if falling apart because I couldn't get the spatulas underneath because of the potatoes. I may try putting the meat on a small rack next time.
tiz4tggr 3912822
Feb 27, 2022
Another review added that they placed some heavy foil with holes poked in it on top of the veggies so it was almost like a sling. Easy to pull the meatloaf out in one piece.
onalawrence 109585 4
May 24, 2016
Your recipe says to place the meat mixture over the potatoes and then form a loaf. Does that mean I incorporate the 1 inch cubes of potato into the loaf, or do I form the loaf first, then place it over the potatoes? And wouldn't 1 inch potato cubes melt away over long cooking? Wouldn't I be better with larger pieces like in your photo?
Test Kitchen Team
May 24, 2016
Hi there! Thank you for your question. We've gone ahead and changed the amount and size of the cut potatoes in this recipe. When making this recipe, do not incorporate the potatoes into the meat. Place your potatoes in the bottom of your slow cooker and after forming your meat mixture, place that on top of the potatoes that are already arranged in the bottom of your slow cooker. Enjoy!
Kamicat
May 23, 2016
Re the brown sugar Please re-read the recipe. The brown sugar is for the glaze/topping, not the meatloaf mixture. Omit it if you like. Surprised no one responded to the brown sugar query before as this recipe has been shown many times.
Edwinz
Jan 31, 2016
I get repeat request to make this. If (rarely I have any left, it make terrific meatloaf sandwiches.
Tuellz
Jan 22, 2016
Why do I need sugar in my meatloaf? what am I, 4 years old"? "1/3 cup packed light brown sugar". "We recommend using lean ground beef to minimize the amount of excess fat." Sugar kills, not fat!
steinert 5714632
Jun 13, 2016
The sugar gets mixed in with the ketchup mustard fro a glaze. If you don't want it, don't add it. How simple is that? I, for one, am 47. And I think it sounds delicious.
catsmom
Aug 01, 2016
So, you don't ever use BBQ sauce? Read labels, sugar is an ingredient in all of them. This recipe is perfect as is, and is the best meatloaf I have ever made.
andy2845 4357860
Jan 02, 2016
I made this for our dinner last night and it was delicious. I used half the amt. of both meats with just the 2 of us. Used shallots instead of onion. I used all of the rest of the recipe. Put the potatoes on the bottom with carrots. It all came out perfect except taking it out of the slow cooker. How do you do it without it falling apart ? It was well worth trying it . It was yummy good.
jthelander1231
Dec 18, 2015
What a fantastic all-in-one dinner recipe! Can't wait to try it out.
brothersj1104 3872 423
Sep 16, 2015
Leave a comment...Sounds good. I save leftover bread and dice it into small cubes in place of breadcrumbs or crackercrumbs.
lap39 3787048
Aug 03, 2015
I would like to see comments about the brown sugar that is in the recipe. I don't usually like to put sugar in my meat or vegetables, so I was just wondering.
jsm42 2250298
May 01, 2015
Would this be a candidate to make in a pressure cooker? If so, about how long would you do it?
Test Kitchen Team
May 04, 2015
We haven't had a chance to make this meatloaf in a pressure cooker, so we're not sure if this would work. If you decide to give it a try, be sure to let us know how it turned out!
krisw24 9333100
Nov 23, 2014
Very good! My potatoes were still pretty raw after 8hrs so I'd boil them first before putting them in the crock pot next time!
tinamevans57 61636 30
Nov 19, 2014
Can you use frozen meat loaf pattys in the crock pot to cook all day
Test Kitchen Team
Nov 20, 2014
Yes, you can cook frozen meatloaf patties in the crock-pot. We have never done it at the Mr. Food Test Kitchen so not sure how long it will take to cook.
tinamevans57 61636 30
Nov 19, 2014
I make meat loaf pattys and freeze them can I put the frozen patty in the slow cooker and let them cook all day
ssuch
Nov 01, 2014
Mr. Food Kitchen Can I mix the meat the night before and put in the refrigerator then put in the Crock pot before I leave for work? That would also make a loner cooking time.
Test Kitchen Team
Nov 03, 2014
Yes, you can make the meat mixture the night before, then cook in the morning. Enjoy!
pjdxxxwa
Sep 06, 2014
To deanbutt3225561 This brings up the nutritional information on grocery story (and some prepared) foods - even certain brands. Just learn how to use it, figure out the math for the serving size listed on it nutritional information compared what to what you need for each recipe. http://www.calorieking.com/foods/
atteabarnes 558604 0
Aug 23, 2014
How can I print the comments as well as the recipe?
Test Kitchen Team
Aug 25, 2014
Hello Attea! At this time, we do not have this as an option under our standard settings. However, if you highlight the whole page and right-click 'Print,' you'll be able to print everything on the page as you see it. You can also log in to your account and copy/paste the comments into the notes for the recipe. When you print the recipe, your notes will appear under the title of the recipe. Thank you for your comment. :)
bsolara 9430484
Apr 26, 2016
I use my "snipping tool" to print specific comments or hints, OR copy paste in the "notes" section. Thank you for this WONDERFUL website!
Landry Mom7
Aug 11, 2014
What type of sausage can I use instead of the hot turkey? My family and I do not enjoy spicy foods. If I don't include a spicy ingredient will it change the flavor of the dish?
Test Kitchen Team
Aug 12, 2014
You can substitute with any sausage you like! Mild turkey, regular sausage, or even chicken sausage. Any substitute will work fine in this recipe and, while the flavors may change just a bit, your meatloaf will still taste delicious. :)
codcut
Aug 06, 2014
Delish. I went a little farther and layered some green peppers and onions in between the potatoes and meat. Slow cooked hamburger casserole. Now I make this a few times a month and it's great for leftovers.
cyemom1020 5717222
Jun 13, 2014
This turned out amazing!!! I followed the recipe exactly like it says except I added a few more potato's. Make sure u use lean hamburger meat. Thanks for the great recipes.
Beckysc64 5322528
May 25, 2014
This turned out really well. I added more potatoes and black pepper and the end result was delicious. My family enjoyed it very much. A keeper indeed.
Debbie Hughes
May 22, 2014
The flavor was out of this world BUT was disappointed that the meat loaf fell apart. I followed the recipe completely and yet it fell apart. Next time I would use the same recipe but put it in the oven.
Test Kitchen Team
May 23, 2014
Hi Debbie, We're sorry to hear your meatloaf fell apart! A helpful tip to keep it togeter would be to let it sit for 10 minutes before you slice. You can also add more crumbs to the mixture to firm it up. Thank you for your comment!
reedronni 5244458
Jul 25, 2014
I too had the same problem with the meat loaf falling apart. It looked more like meat with potatoes. I even had added more crackers at the start due to it would not form correctly into a loaf. I had cooked it longer as well, just to make sure it was cooked all the way through. It was not dry, just was not really appealing to eat either.
wskalenborn 907991 8
May 19, 2014
The one thing I would be nervous about is microwaved potatoes. Often they do not soften, as apparently some slow cookers do not get close enough to boiling temp. If so, zap them first for about ten minutes. The foil sling to lift it out is a good idea; America's Test Kitchen likes that. I can't see anything burning to the bottom of a slow cooker. Liquid would just go off the side of the sling to the potatoes on the bottom.
judyrferguson 4098 175
May 07, 2014
I'm new to the site, and this recipe sounds great! The comments are hilarious-they should be made into a book!
rolanddorn 8946510
May 07, 2014
I have signed up for the recipipe box and created folders but all that comes up is shows no record. roland.dorn@cox.net
brentlyk
Mar 04, 2014
EXCELLENT as is. For those of you that feel the need to "change" things.. go do it on your OWN SITE as you're OBVIOUSLY a much better cook. As for the excess liquid use a baster and remove some, easy fix. (had to do this using 80/20 beef instead of lean)
robbusch68 9503463
Aug 17, 2013
This recipe cooked the meatloaf perfectly. I used bread crumbs instead of the crackers and it tasted fine, but I will try the crackers on my next batch.
janwil 0311497
May 26, 2013
I use the Martha Stewart recipe with a sleeve of Saltine crackers, crushed with a rolling pin. The only vegetable I put in my meatloaf is onions and a clove of garlic. Martha has an amazing glaze too! Scrumptious!!!!
rhtiff 9482899
May 14, 2013
Do you really think 1/2 pound of Italian sausage with 2 pounds of ground beef will make a difference in the taste or is this to make an original receipt?
probenm 0531610
Jun 14, 2013
It is obvious that you buy name-brand Italian sausage at the supermarket. Try buying sausage at an Italian deli. Seasoned with fennel and maybe spicy will do wonders. The sausage in the recipe keeps it moist in the crockpot.
capuishis 1714722
May 14, 2013
This is so good and easy. Love slow cooker recipes. I put more potatoes and carrots on the bottom.
redruby1000 219711 4
May 14, 2013
I just made the meat loaf and potatoes for dinner, its so good my daughter and her hubby loved it
dvernille 3037863
May 13, 2013
My Mother use to make a meatloaf casserole by putting a can of corn on the bottom of casserole dish then layer sliced potatoes on top of the corn, then put the meatloaf on top. The flavor of the meatloaf seasoned the potatoes and made the whole dish delicious.
tomsbeach 8775347
Apr 21, 2013
I used half beef and half turkey and removed the fat as It was cooking l I also added some garlic to the mix. My family loved it will use again.
clmhillen 6057523
Apr 07, 2013
Forget the potatoes on the bottom. Much too greasy. Put some bacon on top. Use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage.
Bellerophon
Jun 27, 2013
But what if I LIKE greasy potatoes stewed in meat juices? What if I LOVE the flavor of Italian sausage? To each his own, I guess...
JudithIrene777
Feb 23, 2013
Absolutely great tasting meatload!!! Next time I will add more potatoes :) Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe!!!
einpas 3590621
Jan 20, 2013
Make 2 strips aluminum foil 1 1/2 inches wide, to use as an e-z 'lifter' for cooked meat loaf removal from inside pot. Add to pot before putting in meat loaf and do not remove til meat loaf is done.
Kats Korner
May 13, 2013
Do you place the aluminum foil over the potatoes? If so won't potatoes stick to pot?
st091347 7768631
Jan 19, 2013
Has anyone tried substituting ground turkey, for the ground beef, in this recipe? I don't eat red meat.
CountrygirlinOhio
Jan 29, 2013
st091347 - Not this particular recipe but I have made meatloaf with ground turkey and I have not found much difference in taste. Not to mention, healthier. I'm going to try this one. Love the crockpot.
dvandusen3 2239064
Jan 19, 2013
I tried this thinking two medium potatoes for a 6 serving recipe would not be enough and sure enough I was right. It was very tasty but, I would add at least two more potatoes, maybe 4 more.
jmassey
Jan 07, 2013
if i half this recipe and use a smaller slow cooker-do i cook it the same amount of time?
djhitchens 4888598
Nov 12, 2012
Yummy meal. This was the first time I have ever tried cooking meatloaf in a crockpot and it turned out great. I did use a crockpot liner and cut holes in the bottom so that I could drain the meatloaf before serviing and it worked like a charm. I also added a few baby carrots and a little bit of the chopped onion to the potatoes. This crockpot receipe is a keeper for our family!
K9screed
Aug 28, 2012
I made this last night and it was great. My first thought was that the potatoes would be too plain but from the juices of the meatloaf, they were very tasty. The next time I make it i am going to add chopped onion to the potatoes. I think that would enhance them but the recipie as is, is very, very good.
vermont connie
Aug 02, 2012
When ever I see a meat loaf receipt, I think of the first meal I cook for my new and still husband after 54 years. As my husband was eating he suggest things to put in the loaf, then I realized I used only meat. It is still his favorit meal, I have since learned to make better meat loaf. Connie in VT.
Linda McG
Aug 28, 2012
Can't go wrong with meatloaf and potatoes to keep a good man satisfied. Congratulations on the 54 yrs. of marriage!
renegade159 455036 9
Aug 01, 2012
In the slo-cooker is the only way I make my meatloaf!!! It is always moist and delicious! If I would have to do the oven, it would be low and slow!
miss melinda
Jul 24, 2012
Putting a glaze over the top of the meatloaf is WONDERFUL ! I make meatloaf and put the same on glaze on it , put I put it in the oven. I will be trying this for sure!
rickweier15 113489 0
Mar 20, 2012
Hey every one lighten up its all good there probaly are a million ways to make the fantastic meatloaf just try them all & enjoy.
msjude68 8594806
Feb 18, 2012
I sometimes put a paper towel under the cover of my slow cooker to catch the moisture it works pretty good!!
williamskathryn15 9318258
Jan 30, 2012
Can you sjubstitue panko bread crumbs for the crackers?
follett
Feb 26, 2012
I was making meatballs and I didn't feel like having a mess with bread crumbs and my meatballs weren't any different
jsm42 2250298
May 01, 2015
Follett, here is somethings I have been doing for about 40 years. If no one likes the "ends" of a loaf of bread, I pull them into fine pieces, place in a Zip Loc or bread wrapper. Then I put this into the freezer. Now, whenever bread crumbs/cubes are called I have them in an instant. I also do this with onions. Chop them and keep in the freezer until needed later. These 2 ideas save a lot of time.
Aunt Wendy
Apr 01, 2012
I sometimes substitute oatmeal for panko. It seems to work out okay..better than having to run off to the store.
renegade159 455036 9
Jan 08, 2012
I have never NOT done a meatloaf in the slo-cooker, but, I don't use crackers! I use breadcrumb...and no mustard or brown sugar! Good ole meatloaf will taste good on it's own!
hsoltwisch
Jan 07, 2012
I do not like ketchup or any kind of sugar in my meat loaf.For really old fashioned meat loaf, we always used crackers, chopped onions, and either canned tomatoes or tomato sauce,plus a little salt. It is delicious.
donnahwrd1 9642031
Dec 21, 2011
Sounds yummy and can't wait to try it. Not sure what 'butter flavored crackers' are? Any brand name I can look for?? Who would have thought to make meat loaf in the crock!! You guys are awesome!
blowery 0935504
Jan 09, 2012
I always use Keebler Town House crackers ... have a great buttery taste.
imikie 7505557
Nov 09, 2011
I made this last nite and was sorely disappointed. I had mushy meat loaf. So I drained off all the liquid, added dry oatmeal to salvage this dish. Tasted good but sooo mushy... It even cooked 10 hours. What did I do wrong?
Twisty
Dec 20, 2011
I've had this problem too, not with this recipe (haven't tried it yet) but with others... because I don't have a vent on the lip of my crock pot so I just turn the lid a little to the side so the steam/moisture can escape. My next crock will have some vents that I can open & close!
bingofly62yahoocom
Oct 13, 2011
i have a rivial crock pot,slow cooker,that has up to 10 hours on low setting,and a warmer,might try and use one like that ,my is great it turns off when timing is done,good luck
Crazeecook
Oct 02, 2011
READ DIRECTIONS! low setting SIX TO TEN HOURS!! So obviously you can leave it and go to work.. I want my money back for food cuz it sucked???!!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?? ROTFLMAO!! If a friend gave you a recipe and it "sucked" you would actually have the guts to ask for youre money back!!?? AGAIN.. Im beside myself with laughter!! In MY cooker it came out fine and we all loved it!
SamiB 8872910
Sep 25, 2011
These 6-hour cook time slow cooker recipes are perplexing. A big draw for using the slow cooker is for busy working women, and who can start the slow cooker and be home six hours later? Working women need a minimum of 9 hours to return from work -- some longer. So does the 6 hour recipe burn up by 9 hours? We need slow cooker recipes that can cook for 9 or 10 hours.
Twisty
Dec 20, 2011
I had the same problem. I bought an inexpensive timer at Lowe's. I plug my slow cooker into it, I set it to turn on and off at the right time... Works perfectly!
LOTTYDEAN
Aug 31, 2011
WELL TRIED THIS. SUCKED. REALLY UPSET THAT I HAD TO WAIST ALL THAT FOOD, NOT TO MIN: THE MONEY IT COST ME TO GET IT. I DIDN'T EVEN WON'T TO GIVE IT TO MY SIX DOGGIE'S THAT I'VE ADOPTTED. WOW!WOULD REALLY LOKE MY MONEIES BCK FR THE FOOD I HAD TO THROUGH AWAY. LET'S SEEEEEEEEE.
TenorsMom
Mar 15, 2012
Maybe the recipe should say that the lid should be vented to let the steam out.
iluveggs
Jun 18, 2012
Okay, sausage, ground beef, onions, eggs, ketchup, mustard, and brown sugar. How could this possibly taste so bad that you would have to throw it out? And even more hideous is the fact that your 6 dogs had to watch you throw good meat in the trash. Grow up a little.
nabela78 4960352
Aug 05, 2012
Good grief! Reading that review was almost painful! You think with spelling like that, perhaps this person misread the directions?? I can't imagine it was so bad that the dogs couldn't eat it. That's just lunacy. Maybe you should stick to Hamburger Helper? Just sayin'...
moonstone360 78346 13
Mar 06, 2011
In the summer, we try not to heat up the house with the oven. Taking the slow cooker outdoors to the patio is a nice alternative to grilling. This recipe sounds terrific but I don't usually have hot turkey sausage in the frig. Is there some combo of spices that could be used instead? And, more slow cooker recipes. please. Saves time, energy costs, and really makes the neighbors jealous with their great aromas wafting off the patio.
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