Crockpot Meatloaf: Juicy Slow Cooker Recipe

A tender, flavorful Italian meatloaf the whole family will enjoy. This easy crockpot meatloaf takes just 15 minutes of prep and slow cooks to perfection.

Save this Crockpot Meatloaf recipe to try later!

I don’t care for meatloaf that’s simply drowned in ketchup. I prefer a meatloaf that’s packed with Italian-inspired flavors and finished with a bright tomato sauce. This slow cooker version is especially convenient — mix it up in about 15 minutes, set it in the crockpot, and come home to a juicy, tender loaf. If you like Italian meatloaf, you’ll love this crockpot meatloaf recipe.

🧾 Grocery List

This recipe comes together with just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. It’s quick to prepare and full of savory Italian flavor.

Gather these ingredients:

• Lean ground beef — 1 ½ lb
• Roasted red bell peppers — 2 (from a jar), diced
• Italian-style bread crumbs — ¾ cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese — 1 cup
• Large eggs — 2
• Marinara sauce — 1 cup

If you can’t find Italian-style bread crumbs, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to regular breadcrumbs. I originally developed this recipe for Pillsbury years ago, and it has consistently been a favorite for its simple preparation and dependable results.

The prep takes about 15 minutes. After forming the loaf and placing it in a lined slow cooker, cook on low for about 5 to 6 hours. In the last 15 minutes, spoon the marinara over the top to warm through. Remove the loaf using the foil lining, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

🥩 Meatloaf Variations

This Italian-style meatloaf is versatile. Leftover slices reheat beautifully, and they make an excellent meatloaf sandwich with a little extra marinara and melted cheese. Serve slices alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or a simple pasta for a complete Italian-inspired meal.

For extra savory depth, add ½ cup diced onions or a clove of minced garlic to the mixture. You can also fold in a handful of chopped fresh herbs — basil or parsley work well — for brighter flavor. If you prefer a leaner loaf, substitute part of the ground beef with ground turkey, keeping in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

👩🏽‍🍳 Best Tips for Slow Cooker Meatloaf

• Line the slow cooker with foil and lightly grease it to make removing the meatloaf easy and to simplify cleanup.
• Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly. Use clean hands to combine the beef, peppers, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and eggs until evenly distributed.
• Form the loaf to a moderate thickness — about 12 inches long and 4 inches high is a good guideline — so it cooks evenly without drying out.
• Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the center. In the final 15 minutes, add the marinara and cover to heat through.
• Make it ahead: shape the loaf, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, place the chilled loaf in the slow cooker and set on Low so it’s ready when you return home.
• If you prefer, this meatloaf can also be baked in the oven at 350°F for about 50–60 minutes; check for an internal temperature of 160°F and add marinara in the last 10–15 minutes to warm the sauce.

🥘 More Crock Pot Recipes

Try other slow cooker favorites like slow-cooked pot roast, beef barbacoa for tacos, chicken tortilla soup, shredded chicken for tacos, or even a slow cooker lemon poppy seed cake when you want hands-off cooking.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out — share a photo or note your favorite variation when you try it.

This recipe was originally developed in September 2015 and updated with new photos and tips in September 2020.

Recipe Card

Crockpot Meatloaf Recipe

A tender and flavorful Italian meatloaf made in the slow cooker. Prep in 15 minutes and let the crockpot do the work.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lb lean ground beef
• 2 roasted red bell peppers (from a jar), diced
• ¾ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Line the bottom and sides of a 6-quart slow cooker with foil and lightly grease the foil with nonstick spray or a little oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, diced roasted peppers, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and eggs. Mix gently but thoroughly with clean hands until evenly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F.
5. Uncover and pour the marinara sauce evenly over the cooked meatloaf. Cover and cook on Low for an additional 15 minutes to heat the sauce through.
6. Use the foil to lift the meatloaf from the slow cooker onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Nutrition information is an estimate.
• If Italian-style bread crumbs are not available, substitute regular breadcrumbs plus 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.