Print

Lighter Crockpot Meatloaf with Brown Sugar Ketchup Glaze

lighter crockpot meatloaf - featured image
Print Recipe

This lighter crockpot meatloaf with brown sugar ketchup glaze is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s incredibly moist and flavorful. The slow cooker does all the work, creating a tender meatloaf with a sticky, caramelized glaze that tastes like you fussed.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark), packed
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Line your slow cooker with a large sheet of parchment paper (about 18 inches), crumpling it gently to make it flexible. Press it into the bottom and up the sides of your crockpot.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground turkey, 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 beaten eggs, ¼ cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup of finely diced onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix with your hands until evenly distributed, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Dump the mixture onto the parchment-lined crockpot. Shape it into a loaf shape with your hands, leaving about an inch of space around the edges for airflow. Don’t press it too firmly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of ketchup, ¼ cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (if using). Spread about half of this glaze evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the rest for later.
  5. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours. About 30 minutes before it’s done, carefully spread the remaining glaze over the top.
  6. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the meatloaf. It should read at least 165°F. If not, cook for another 20-30 minutes and check again.
  7. Turn off the slow cooker and let the meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift the whole loaf out onto a cutting board. Slice with a sharp knife.

Notes

Don’t skip the rest time—it helps the meatloaf hold together when slicing. The parchment paper prevents sogginess by lifting the meatloaf above released liquid. For best texture, cook on LOW, not HIGH. If using 99% lean ground turkey, add an extra tablespoon of ketchup to the mix to keep it moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, lighter meatloaf, ground turkey meatloaf, brown sugar ketchup glaze, slow cooker meatloaf, easy meatloaf, healthy meatloaf

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/lighter-crockpot-meatloaf-with-brown-sugar-ketchup-glaze/