This Crockpot Sloppy Joe Meatloaf is a fun twist on the classic meatloaf! It combines ground beef with zesty Sloppy Joe sauce for a tasty, easy dinner.
Cooking in a slow cooker means it gets super tender and flavorful. I love coming home to this meal ready and waiting for me—talk about a dinner win! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a nice balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind you’ll need to adjust cooking times a bit since they cook faster.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs work great, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Personally, I sometimes use crushed crackers for added flavor!
Sloppy Joe Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience. If you prefer homemade, the recipe provided is a snap! I love using a bit of barbecue sauce mixed in for a sweet twist. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste.
Fresh Garnish: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Other herbs like cilantro or chives could also be excellent choices to add different flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Your Meatloaf is Juicy?
The key to a juicy meatloaf is not to overmix the meat mixture! Mix gently until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that. Here’s my foolproof method:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, but stop as soon as everything is mixed.
- Shape it gently into a loaf without compacting it too much.
- Cooking in the slow cooker also helps it stay moist, so don’t worry about it drying out.
Using a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 160°F (71°C) ensures it’s perfectly cooked, too!
Crockpot Sloppy Joe Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Sloppy Joe sauce (prepared or homemade – see notes below)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Sloppy Joe Sauce (if homemade):
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by either 6–7 hours of slow cooking on low or 3–4 hours on high. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat!
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably in your crockpot. Don’t worry about it being a perfect loaf—just make it look good!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Carefully transfer the shaped meatloaf to the slow cooker insert.
4. Add the Sauce:
Pour half of the Sloppy Joe sauce over the top of the meatloaf, spreading it out evenly so that it covers the loaf.
5. Cook the Meatloaf:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Warm the Sauce:
About 15–20 minutes before serving, spoon the remaining Sloppy Joe sauce on top of the meatloaf to warm it up and enhance that delicious flavor.
7. Serve:
When it’s ready, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and slice it up. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and green beans, or your favorite sides, for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite of this tender, flavorful dish!
**Sloppy Joe Sauce**: If you want to make your own sauce, just mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until they are smooth and ready to use. This adds a personal touch and extra flavor!
Dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors of this slow-cooked delight! 🍽️
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as lean meats tend to cook faster than beef. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or extra Sloppy Joe sauce to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and form the loaf a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. You may need to add extra time to the cooking process if it’s chilled when you start.
What Can I Serve with Crockpot Sloppy Joe Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it on a bun for a fun Sloppy Joe sandwich twist!
