Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker

Serves 8 in about 4 hours. The pot starts with ground beef, then tsp liquid smoke.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup milk
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp thyme
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• ½ onion, finely diced or grated (optional)
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 tbsp real maple syrup (or 2 tbsp brown sugar)
• ½ cup ketchup
• 1 tsp liquid smoke

Method

1. Stir the meatloaf ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Don't overwork the meat as it will yield a denser meatloaf.
2. Form a loaf that is of even thickness, and doesn't touch the edges of the crock.
3. OPTIONAL: Make a sling from a long piece of foil folded 3 times lengthwise. Lay the sling in the bottom of the crock and place the meatloaf over it. This will help you get the meatloaf out of the crock easily.
4. Set the meatloaf in the crock (use optional sling, if you want it) not letting the loaf touch the edges of the crock.
5. Stir together the sauce topping ingredients.
6. Smooth half of the sauce topping over the top of the loaf.
7. Simmer on Low for 6-7 hours or on High for 3-4 hours, or until the center reads 160° F.
8. Smooth the remaining sauce topping over the meatloaf.
9. Lift out the meatloaf to a serving dish and let stand 5-10 minutes before slicing.
10. Plate with veggies and/or mashed potatoes.

More slow cooker ideas are in the slow cooker collection.