Savory Slow Cooker Italian Meatloaf
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this savory slow cooker meatloaf, a dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This versatile recipe allows you to easily transform the meatloaf mixture into delicious meatballs, which can be frozen and later served with spaghetti for a quick weeknight meal. The combination of lean ground beef and aromatic seasonings ensures a moist and flavorful result every time. Let the slow cooker do the work while your home fills with inviting aromas, making this Italian-inspired dish a favorite at your table.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
2 lbs (fresh, uncooked)
fresh bread
2 slices (torn into small pieces (about 2 cups))
spaghetti sauce
1/2 cup (for mixture, plus 2 tablespoons for topping)
large egg
1 (beaten)
dried onion flakes
2 tablespoons
garlic salt
1 teaspoon
dried Italian herb seasoning
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Prepare your slow cooker by folding a 30-inch long piece of aluminum foil in half lengthwise. Place the foil in the bottom of the slow cooker, allowing both ends to hang over the top edges for easy removal later.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, torn bread pieces, spaghetti sauce (excluding 2 tablespoons), egg, dried onion flakes, garlic salt, Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf, ensuring it is compact. Carefully place the formed meatloaf on top of the foil in the slow cooker.
4
Spread the reserved 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce evenly over the top of the meatloaf for added moisture and flavor.
5
Cover the slow cooker with its lid, making sure it fits tightly to retain heat and moisture. Cook on the high setting for 2.5 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
6
Once cooking is complete, use the ends of the foil to carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
19g
Fat
13.3g
Carbs
20.8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cooking method for the Savory Italian Meatloaf?
The meatloaf is prepared using a slow cooker for a moist and flavorful result.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long does it take to cook the meatloaf on the high setting?
On the high setting, the meatloaf takes between 2.5 to 3 hours to cook fully.
How long does it take to cook the meatloaf on the low setting?
On the low setting, the meatloaf takes between 5 to 6 hours to cook.
What is the target internal temperature for a fully cooked meatloaf?
The meatloaf is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
How many calories are in a serving of this meatloaf?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What amount of protein does this dish provide?
The Savory Slow Cooker Italian Meatloaf provides 20.8g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 19g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
This recipe contains 13.3g of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I prepare the slow cooker for easy removal of the meatloaf?
Fold a 30-inch long piece of aluminum foil in half lengthwise and place it in the bottom, letting the ends hang over the edges to act as handles.
What ingredients are used for the meatloaf mixture?
The mixture includes lean ground beef, torn fresh bread pieces, spaghetti sauce, a beaten egg, dried onion flakes, garlic salt, Italian herb seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed for the topping?
Reserve 2 tablespoons of spaghetti sauce to spread over the top of the meatloaf before cooking.
Can I use this recipe to make meatballs?
Yes, the meatloaf mixture can be transformed into meatballs, which can be frozen and served with spaghetti later.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
How should the bread be prepared for the mixture?
Two slices of fresh bread should be torn into small pieces, totaling about 2 cups.
What seasonings give it an Italian flavor?
The Italian flavor comes from spaghetti sauce, dried Italian herb seasoning, garlic salt, and garlic powder.
Should the egg be beaten before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 large egg that has been beaten.
How much dried onion flakes are required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes.
What should I do after the meatloaf has finished cooking?
Use the foil ends to lift the meatloaf out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
How much garlic salt is in the recipe?
One teaspoon of garlic salt is used in the mixture.
Is black pepper included in the seasonings?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper is included.
What type of herb seasoning is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian herb seasoning.
Can I freeze the results of this recipe?
Yes, especially if you form the mixture into meatballs, they are described as freezable.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is preparing the slow cooker with a long piece of aluminum foil to facilitate easy removal.
How should the meat mixture be shaped?
Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf before placing it on the foil in the slow cooker.
Does this recipe require fresh onion?
No, it uses 2 tablespoons of dried onion flakes instead of fresh onion.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is the lid necessary during the cooking process?
Yes, cover the slow cooker with its lid and ensure it fits tightly to retain heat and moisture.
What makes this meatloaf moist?
The combination of spaghetti sauce within the mixture and on top, along with the slow cooking process, ensures a moist result.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this Savory Slow Cooker Italian Meatloaf.