Slow Cooked Meat Loaf and Potatoes

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Slow Cooked Meat Loaf and Potatoes

Slow Cooker Meatloaf 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

  1. Place potatoes in bottom of a 3-1/2-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
     
  2. 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.
     
  3. 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

Cheesy Stuffed Meatloaf

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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Would love to try this but are they any adjustments for high altitude? (6800 ft) Thank you!

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!

Hello, Can I cook on high for half the time?

Hi there! Yes, you can cook this on HIGH for 3-4 hours or until the meat is no longer pink in the center. Enjoy!

Hello, Can i set cooker on high and cook half the time?

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.

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!

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.

RBJ, what a great idea!

Best meatloaf ever! I have served it to dinner guests as well as my family, everyone loves it.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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.

I get repeat request to make this. If (rarely I have any left, it make terrific meatloaf sandwiches.

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!

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.

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.

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.

What a fantastic all-in-one dinner recipe! Can't wait to try it out.

Leave a comment...Sounds good. I save leftover bread and dice it into small cubes in place of breadcrumbs or crackercrumbs.

Aren't the potatoes mushy after cooking 6-10 hours?

Hello! - By cutting them in large chunks, you prevent them from getting mushy. Enjoy!

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.

We have made this a go to recipe at our house.

what size slow cooker?

Hi there! - We suggest using a 3-1/2 quart (or larger) slow cooker for this recipe. Enjoy!

Would this be a candidate to make in a pressure cooker? If so, about how long would you do it?

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!

When I make my meatloaf in the oven I use salsa instead of ketchup, would it work here also? My family likes spicy foods.

Hi there! Yes, you can absolutely use salsa instead of ketchup if that is what your family prefers. :) Enjoy!

If i double the recipe is is the same cooking time??

Hey there. The Test Kitchen has not tried doubling the recipe. But since the cook time is 6-10 hours on low, we think a double recipe should be done by 10 hours.

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!

Can you use frozen meat loaf pattys in the crock pot to cook all day

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.

I make meat loaf pattys and freeze them can I put the frozen patty in the slow cooker and let them cook all day

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.

Yes, you can make the meat mixture the night before, then cook in the morning. Enjoy!

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/

How can I find out the carbs in this recipe.

How can I print the comments as well as the recipe?

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. :)

I use my "snipping tool" to print specific comments or hints, OR copy paste in the "notes" section. Thank you for this WONDERFUL website!

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?

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. :)

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.

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.

very tasty,

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I meant to say crockpot potatoes.

Yum! Next time leaner meat and more potatoes!

Delicious

This was awesome and so easy to make! keep em coming.

Sounds yummy!!

I'm new to the site, and this recipe sounds great! The comments are hilarious-they should be made into a book!

I have signed up for the recipipe box and created folders but all that comes up is shows no record. roland.dorn@cox.net

I have singed up for the

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)

Can I use ground turkey instead of the ground beef?

Yes, you can. Enjoy!

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.

Great website, very informative & great recipes!

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!!!!

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?

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.

This is so good and easy. Love slow cooker recipes. I put more potatoes and carrots on the bottom.

I just made the meat loaf and potatoes for dinner, its so good my daughter and her hubby loved it

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.

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.

Forget the potatoes on the bottom. Much too greasy. Put some bacon on top. Use breakfast sausage instead of Italian sausage.

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...

Absolutely great tasting meatload!!! Next time I will add more potatoes :) Thank you for sharing this yummy recipe!!!

This is an excellent tasting meatloaf

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.

Do you place the aluminum foil over the potatoes? If so won't potatoes stick to pot?

Has anyone tried substituting ground turkey, for the ground beef, in this recipe? I don't eat red meat.

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.

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.

if i half this recipe and use a smaller slow cooker-do i cook it the same amount of time?

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!

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.

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.

Can't go wrong with meatloaf and potatoes to keep a good man satisfied. Congratulations on the 54 yrs. of marriage!

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!

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!

Hey every one lighten up its all good there probaly are a million ways to make the fantastic meatloaf just try them all & enjoy.

Where are all you people from?? Where is the celery,& bell pepper ??????

Celery in a meatloaf?? Where are you from?

I sometimes put a paper towel under the cover of my slow cooker to catch the moisture it works pretty good!!

sounds great, I will make it tomorrow...

Can you sjubstitue panko bread crumbs for the crackers?

I was making meatballs and I didn't feel like having a mess with bread crumbs and my meatballs weren't any different

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.

I sometimes substitute oatmeal for panko. It seems to work out okay..better than having to run off to the store.

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!

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.

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!

Ritz crackers or Keebler club crackers

Club crackers or Waverly crackers are buttered crackers.

I always use Keebler Town House crackers ... have a great buttery taste.

I made this and we loned it, will make it often.

Oh that's good to know! Did you have to vent the lid of your crock pot or was the steam/moisture not an issue? Can't wait to try it. Thanks for posting. Happy Holidays.

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?

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!

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

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!

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.

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!

The recipe says 6-10 Hours...

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.

Really??? Probably just shouldn't make it again.

very sorry for your loss

Maybe the recipe should say that the lid should be vented to let the steam out.

Learn how to spell!!

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.

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'...

Uh-h-h...What was that again?

sounds very good for very busy days.

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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