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This isn’t just your classic meatloaf recipe; it’s a special, Mississippi-style creation that’s packed with flavor and incredibly tender. This Crock Pot Meatloaf is basically life-changing.

crock pot meatloaf on a white plate with gravy

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that will change the way you think about meatloaf: Crock Pot Meatloaf.

Yep, you heard that right. We’re taking the traditional meatloaf and bringing it to the modern world. Crock Pot Meatloaf is my new favorite dinner option!

You should have heard Jeremy and Lily at the dinner table when we had this. All I heard was hums of satisfaction, haha!

I used to think meatloaf was just a busy weeknight dish, but this Mississippi version is something awesome. It’s just so dang tasty!

The pepperoncini peppers and juice do amazing things to the flavor of this meatloaf. Turns out, those peppers are perfect for this dinner and a great way to level things up.

It’s not only delicious but also super easy to make. And let’s not forget the scrumptious gravy – it’s the cherry on top!

So, let’s jump right into why this crockpot meatloaf recipe is a total game-changer and how you can make it yourself.

Some of our other favorite slow cooker recipes we have on our site include: Best Slow Cooker Chicken Tinga Recipe, The BEST Mississippi Pot Roast Recipe (Slow Cooker), and The BEST Sticky Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Recipe.

sliced crock pot meatloaf on serving plate

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy days. Just prep, set your slow cooker, and go about your day. There is a good reason why we all love the crock pot!
Juicy and Flavorful: Slow cooking ensures the meatloaf stays moist and absorbs all the flavors. Trust me, the whole family will love this stuff.
Ideal for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for a quick and delicious meal. It’s another reason I love crockpot recipes!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Whole milk
Large eggs
Granulated sugar
Au jus gravy mix
Ranch seasoning mix
Panko breadcrumbs
Lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
Pepperoncini juice
Pepperoncini peppers
Cornstarch
Water

ingredients needed for crock pot meatloaf

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT MEATLOAF:

In an 8-quart slow cooker, add a large piece of foil to the bottom and up the sides, spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, sugar, 1 packet au jus gravy mix, 1 packet ranch seasoning mix, and the breadcrumbs until smooth.
Add the ground beef and mix everything with your hands until well combined, but try not to overmix.
Add the meat mixture to the slow cooker and shape it into an oval.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the cold water, pepperoncini juice, the remaining packet of au jus gravy mix, and the remaining packet of the ranch seasoning mix until well combined.
Pour the gravy over the meatloaf and around the sides.
Add the pepperoncini peppers on top.
Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. It is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Carefully lift out the meatloaf and place it on your serving dish. I like to get two spatulas underneath, and lifting it out like this seems to be the easiest way. You could use the foil to help, but with all the gravy, it could get messy.
Strain the gravy into a medium-sized sauce pot and place over medium heat.
Stir together the cornstarch and the water in a small bowl.
Once the gravy comes to a simmer, slowly stream in the cornstarch slurry while whisking constantly. Allow to simmer for 1 minute until thickened.
Slice and serve the meatloaf, and add the gravy over each portion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

CAN I MAKE THIS IN THE OVEN?

Yes, you can. Just follow similar steps and bake it in a loaf pan or on a baking sheet at the recommended temperature until it reaches the correct internal temperature.

Trust me when I tell you, though, the best meatloaf is made in the slow cooker!

WHAT KIND OF MEAT IS THE BEST TO USE?

Lean ground beef (85/15) works great, but you can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.

Just be sure that whatever you use doesn’t have too high a fat content. You don’t want your delicious meatloaf turning out to be a meat soup or falling apart!

gravy being poured over crock pot meatloaf

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HOW LONG DOES THIS COOK FOR?

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

If you have the time, I highly recommend using the low setting. The longer it takes to cook, the more it transforms into a true comfort meal!

ANY ADDITIONS?

As with all delicious recipes, there are options.

Chopped onions or green beans for extra veggies
Minced fresh garlic for a flavor boost
A sweet glaze made with brown sugar and apple cider vinegar
Worcestershire sauce for a tangy twist
Slices of bacon on top for a smoky flavor
Chopped mushrooms for a savory touch
Grated cheese for a cheesy surprise inside
Chopped bell peppers for color and crunch
A can of tomato soup for a richer sauce
Barbecue sauce for a Southern-style meatloaf

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

For sure! I know it’s nice to have subs when cooking meatloaf.

Gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version
Almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option
Oatmeal or crushed crackers instead of panko for a different texture
Soy sauce instead of Worcestershire for a different umami flavor
Ground pork combined with beef for a richer taste

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
Use a meat thermometer to check for the right internal temperature.
Adding a foil sling in the crock pot makes removal easier.
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Add a little water when reheating to keep it moist.
Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor profile.

This Crock Pot Meatloaf is more than just a meal; it’s a delicious adventure. It’s perfect for those nights when you want a hearty, comforting meal but don’t have the time to stand over the stove.

This easy crockpot meatloaf recipe is sure to become a family favorite, and the best part is, it’s so simple to make.

So, grab your ingredients, get that crock pot ready, and let’s make some mouthwatering meatloaf that will have everyone at your dinner table asking for seconds!

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If you’ve tried this CROCK POT MEATLOAF, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

Mississippi Style Crock Pot Meatloaf Recipe