Creamy Cheddar Slow-Cooked Meatloaf
This Creamy Cheddar Slow-Cooked Meatloaf is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, inspired by the 1975 edition of Crockery Cookery. With a rich blend of cheese and savory spices, this meatloaf is incredibly easy to prepare. Simply mix the ingredients, form a loaf, and let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. The result is a tender, cheesy meatloaf that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. It’s the perfect dish for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cheese crackers
18 (crushed)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
green peppers
2 tablespoons (minced)
chili sauce
1/4 cup (none)
milk
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
lean ground beef
2 lbs (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by crushing the cheese crackers using a rolling pin or blender until finely crushed.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed cheese crackers, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, minced green peppers, chili sauce, milk, slightly beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3
Carefully add the lean ground beef to the mixture and use your hands to combine until uniformly mixed. Shape the mixture into a round loaf, approximately 7 inches in diameter.
4
Place the formed meatloaf into the crock pot. Ensure it fits snugly but comfortably.
5
Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatloaf to become tender and juicy.
6
Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheddar Slow-Cooked Meatloaf?
It is a tender, cheesy twist on classic meatloaf inspired by the 1975 Crockery Cookery cookbook, designed for slow cooking.
How long does it take to cook this meatloaf?
The meatloaf needs to cook on the low setting for 8 hours in a crock pot.
What kind of meat is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
What type of cheese is used?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used to provide its signature creamy flavor.
How do I prepare the cheese crackers?
You should crush 18 cheese crackers using a rolling pin or a blender until they are finely crushed.
What are the primary seasonings in this meatloaf?
The seasonings include salt, pepper, chili sauce, finely chopped onion, and minced green peppers.
How many eggs are required for the mixture?
Two slightly beaten eggs are used as a binding agent for the meatloaf.
What size should I form the meatloaf into?
Shape the mixture into a round loaf that is approximately 7 inches in diameter.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This meatloaf provides 27.5g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Creamy Cheddar Meatloaf?
There are 27.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
Should I let the meatloaf rest after cooking?
Yes, let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes after removing it from the crock pot before slicing.
Can I use a blender for the vegetables?
The recipe suggests finely chopping the onion and mincing the green peppers, but a blender can be used for crushing the crackers.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead.
How much chili sauce is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chili sauce.
Do I need to add milk?
Yes, 1/2 cup of milk is included in the mixture to help maintain moisture.
What size onion should I use?
One small onion, finely chopped, is recommended.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
What is the origin of this recipe's inspiration?
It was inspired by a classic recipe from the 1975 edition of Crockery Cookery.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
The recipe specifies cooking on low for 8 hours to ensure the meatloaf remains tender and juicy.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include crock pot, meatloaf, cheesy, slow-cooked, comfort food, and family-friendly.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal for easy cleanup.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How do I mix the ingredients?
Mix the base ingredients in a bowl first, then add the beef and combine by hand for a uniform mixture.
Does the meatloaf fit in any crock pot?
It should fit snugly but comfortably once shaped into a 7-inch round loaf.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe because the slow cooker does most of the work.
What is the preparation time for the crackers?
Crushing the 18 crackers takes only a few minutes with a rolling pin or blender.
Can I use different types of ground meat?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could experiment with other ground meats, though flavor and fat content will vary.