Best 7 Healthy Slow Cooked Meat Loaf Recipes

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Meatloaf, a traditional American comfort food, is a delectable dish featuring ground meat, seasonings, and various other ingredients, all harmoniously combined and baked to perfection. This versatile dish offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing home cooks to explore different flavor combinations and dietary preferences. In this article, we present a collection of healthy slow-cooked meatloaf recipes that cater to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and wholesome culinary experience. From the classic all-beef meatloaf to turkey and vegetarian meatless options, each recipe offers a unique twist on this beloved dish. Whether you're seeking a gluten-free, low-carb, or simply a healthier version of meatloaf, our curated selection guarantees a delectable and nutritious meal for every palate.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CROCKPOT MEATLOAF



The Best Crockpot Meatloaf image

The Best Crockpot Meatloaf is a great way to enjoy classic comfort food, with less stress, and dinner is ready when you get home!

Provided by The Chunky Chef

Categories     Main Course

Time 6h15m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 lbs. ground beef
1 large yellow onion, finely minced (divided)
2 boxes (6 oz each) dried stuffing mix (I like the savory herbs variety)
1 1/3 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp glaze (see below)
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 1/2 cups ketchup
1/4 cup light brown sugar
2 Tbsp finely minced onion
1 Tbsp yellow mustard
2 tsp white vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper

Steps:

  • Tear off a large strip of aluminum foil (heavy duty works well), and press it into the bottom and up two of the sides of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker. Spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray, then set aside.
  • Combine all ketchup glaze ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • Add ground beef, all but 2 Tbsp of the minced onion, stuffing mix, milk, eggs, 2 Tbsp glaze, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix until just combined.
  • Shape into an oval-like shape and place into the foil lined crockpot. Top with ½ cup of the glaze, cover, and cook on LOW for 6 hours.
  • When finished cooking, carefully lift out the meatloaf, using the foil overhang, and place on a baking sheet. Top with 2/3 cup of the glaze and broil until glaze is sticky and bubbly.
  • Serve sliced, with remaining glaze sauce served on the side for drizzling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 396 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 22 g, Fat 24 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 133 mg, Sodium 822 mg, Sugar 17 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CROCKPOT MEATLOAF



Crockpot Meatloaf image

Just set it and forget it! You can "bake" a classic comfort food dinner in your slow cooker with this easy crockpot meatloaf recipe.

Provided by Blair Lonergan

Categories     Dinner

Time 4h10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 lbs. lean ground beef (I use 85%-93% lean) or a "meatloaf mix" consisting of ground beef, ground veal and ground pork
1 cup finely diced onion
2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs ((I used Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, but any variety will work))
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ teaspoons salt
¾ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Spray slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Gently combine all ingredients (except ketchup) in a large bowl. Just be careful not to over-mix, or the meat will be tough. I like to use my hands for this!
  • Shape beef mixture into a loaf and place in the prepared slow cooker.
  • Spread a thin layer of ketchup over the top of the meatloaf.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center of the meatloaf reads 160°F.
  • Remove meatloaf from slow cooker. Place on a cutting board, slice and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8 of the recipe, Calories 236.9 kcal, Carbohydrate 12.7 g, Protein 24.9 g, Fat 9.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 116.5 mg, Sodium 863.4 mg, Fiber 0.6 g, Sugar 2.1 g, UnsaturatedFat 0.8 g

SLOW-COOKER MEATLOAF



Slow-Cooker Meatloaf image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 8h30m

Yield 4 servings (with leftovers)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 1/4 pounds ground meatloaf mix (a combination of beef, pork and veal)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4 scallions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for topping
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces small fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise
3 carrots, sliced 1 inch thick
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

Steps:

  • Combine the meatloaf mix, panko, eggs, 3/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, the scallions, parsley, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl; mix with your hands until just combined. Form into a 5-by-9-inch loaf.
  • Transfer the meatloaf to a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the potatoes and carrots over and around the meatloaf. Pour in the chicken broth. Cover the slow cooker and cook 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
  • When the meatloaf is done, skim off any excess fat from the juices in the slow cooker. Combine the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and the brown sugar in a small bowl, then whisk in 1/4 cup juices from the slow cooker. Brush the top of the meatloaf with the ketchup mixture. Cover the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest, 10 minutes.
  • Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and slice in half. Serve half with the vegetables; top with more parsley. Reserve the remaining half for Meatloaf Quesadillas.

SLOW-COOKED MEAT LOAF



Slow-Cooked Meat Loaf image

What could be more comforting to come home to than moist and tender homemade meat loaf? "This one retains its shape in the slow cooker and slices beautifully," reports Marna Heitz from Farley, Iowa. "Because potatoes and carrots cook along with it, the entire dinner is ready at the same time."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 8h10m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large egg
1/4 cup milk
2 slices day-old bread, cubed
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped green pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/4 cup ketchup
8 medium carrots, cut into 1-inch chunks
8 small red potatoes

Steps:

  • In a bowl, beat egg and milk. Stir in the bread cubes, onion, green pepper, salt and pepper. Add the beef and mix well. Shape into a round loaf. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker. Spread ketchup on top of loaf. Arrange carrots around loaf. Peel a strip around the center of each potato; place potatoes over carrots. , Cover and cook on high for 1 hour. Reduce heat to low; cover and cook 7-8 hours longer or until no pink remains in the meat and the vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 464 calories, Fat 17g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 160mg cholesterol, Sodium 1069mg sodium, Carbohydrate 39g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 39g protein.

CLASSIC SLOW-COOKER MEATLOAF



Classic Slow-Cooker Meatloaf image

Our favorite meatloaf recipe does great in the slow cooker. Made with familiar flavorings that have stood the test of time, this meatloaf is as classic as it gets. And it's about as easy as it gets, too-just toss together the ingredients, set your loaf in a foil-lined slow cooker and forget it! Your meal will be ready in 3 to 4 hours, and you don't need to be stuck in the kitchen in the meantime. And lucky you if there are leftovers-we love using this for meatloaf sandwiches the next day!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 3h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 1/2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage leaves or 1/4 teaspoon dried sage leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped, or 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 egg
3 slices bread, torn into small pieces
1 small onion, chopped (1/4 cup)
1/2 cup ketchup

Steps:

  • Line 4 1/2- to 5-quart slow cooker with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.
  • In large bowl, mix all ingredients except ketchup. Shape mixture into loaf, and place in center of slow cooker. Spread ketchup over top.
  • Cover; cook on Low heat setting 3 to 4 hours or until meat thermometer inserted in center of loaf reads 160°F. Remove meatloaf from slow cooker to serving platter. Cut into pieces to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 290, Carbohydrate 15 g, Cholesterol 105 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 560 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1 g

SLOWER COOKER MEATLOAF



Slower Cooker Meatloaf image

A really easy recipe for meatloaf that anyone could pull off. For a spicier meatloaf, use chili sauce or even salsa in place of the ketchup.

Provided by cinnamon

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatloaf Recipes     Beef Meatloaf Recipes

Time 6h10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 eggs, beaten
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons dry onion soup mix
3 tablespoons steak seasoning
3 tablespoons ketchup

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the ground beef, eggs, 3 tablespoons ketchup, onion soup mix and steak seasoning using your hands. Pat lightly into the bottom of a slow cooker. Spread remaining ketchup over the top. Cover, and cook for 6 to 8 hours on Low, or 4 hours on High.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 449.5 calories, Carbohydrate 6.5 g, Cholesterol 175.5 mg, Fat 33.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.1 g, Sodium 1823.7 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

SLOW COOKER MEATLOAF (HEALTHY)



Slow Cooker Meatloaf (Healthy) image

I am able to have my favorite comfort food and have it fit into my eating program. This is so easy to prepare. And with the crockpot, it is all the more comforting to come home to this cooking. I have only cooked this with ground turkey, but I'm sure you could use ground sirloin. This is another recipe from Joanna Lund. I don't know the calories right now, I'm using my hand written copy. Each serving is only 2 Protein, 1/2 Vegetable and 1/2 Starch diabetic exchanges. Posted for my friends at WLB2006.

Provided by Doing it Right

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 8h10m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

24 ounces lean ground turkey
1 cup onion, finely chopped
4 pieces white low-calorie bread (lite, under 80 calories)
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Splenda granular (sugar substitute)
1 teaspoon parsley flakes
1 cup tomato sauce, divided (8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Spray a slow cooker container with butter flavored cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine meat, onion, bread pieces, mustard and 1/2 cup tomato sauce.
  • Mix well to combine.
  • Form into a large ball.
  • Place in prepared slow cooker container.
  • Stir the Splenda and parsley flakes into the remaining tomato sauce and spoon mixture evenly over meat loaf.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.
  • Divide into 8 servings.
  • When serving, evenly spoon sauce over top.
  • Freezes well.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146, Fat 7.2, SaturatedFat 1.9, Cholesterol 67.5, Sodium 246.3, Carbohydrate 4.3, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.2, Protein 15.5

Tips:

  • Use lean ground meat for a healthier meatloaf.
  • Add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
  • Cook the meatloaf on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion:

This healthy slow-cooked meatloaf is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is made with lean ground meat, vegetables, and healthy seasonings, and it is cooked in a slow cooker for several hours until tender and flavorful. Serve the meatloaf with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

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