Crockpot Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf

This tender slow cooker meatloaf blends lean ground beef with savory seasonings and a cheesy touch, cooked low and slow for maximum juiciness. It’s finished with a glossy sweet chili glaze that adds the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang—ideal for effortless weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll adore this recipe because it transforms a classic comfort dish into something special without extra effort. The slow cooker ensures the meatloaf stays incredibly moist and tender—no dry, overbaked results like traditional oven versions.

The sweet chili glaze brings a delightful sweet-heat kick that elevates every bite, making it more exciting than plain ketchup glaze. It’s hands-off cooking: mix, shape, set it, and forget it while you go about your day. Perfect for busy families, it yields plenty for leftovers, reheats beautifully, and pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, veggies, or rice. Plus, it’s customizable and foolproof—even beginner cooks get restaurant-quality results!

Yield: 8 servings

Crockpot Sweet Chili Glazed Meatloaf

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Juicy slow cooker meatloaf topped with sticky sweet chili glaze—easy, flavorful comfort food for busy days.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (85/15)
• 1 cup finely diced onion (sweet or yellow)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or stuffing mix)
• 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)

For the Sweet Chili Glaze:

• ¾ cup sweet chili sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Get everything ready and cozy up to your slow cooker! Grab a 6-quart or larger crockpot and line it with a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil (or use a slow cooker liner). This makes lifting out the meatloaf a breeze and cleanup effortless. Lightly spray with cooking spray if needed.
2. Mix up the flavor base like a pro. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and diced onion until everything is happily combined and fragrant.
3. Add the binders for that perfect texture. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs (or stuffing mix) and let them soak up the liquid for a minute—this keeps your meatloaf super tender and juicy.
4. Bring in the star: the ground beef. Add the ground beef (and cheese if using) to the bowl. Using your clean hands, gently mix everything together just until combined—overmixing makes it tough, so keep it light and loving!
5. Shape it into a gorgeous loaf. Turn the mixture out onto the foil-lined slow cooker. Gently form it into an even oval or loaf shape, about 2 inches thick in the center. Make sure it's not touching the sides too much for even cooking.
6. Whip up that irresistible sweet chili glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the sweet chili sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and vinegar until smooth and glossy. This is the magic that turns good into amazing!
7. Start the slow magic. Reserve about half the glaze for later. Spread a generous layer of the remaining glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf—it'll soak in as it cooks.
8. Set it and forget it! Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The low setting gives the best tenderness—your house will smell incredible!
9. Finish with caramelized perfection. In the last 30-60 minutes, spread the reserved glaze over the top. If you like extra stickiness, bump to HIGH for the final stretch. Cook until the internal temperature hits 160°F.
10. Rest, slice, and serve with joy! Carefully lift the foil sling to remove the meatloaf to a cutting board. Let it rest 10 minutes—this locks in all those delicious juices. Slice thickly, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and dig in!

Notes

This glaze can be spicy depending on your sweet chili sauce brand—taste and adjust heat with more sugar if needed. Always use a thermometer for doneness. Leftovers make epic sandwiches!

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 602Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 9gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 167mgSodium 868mgCarbohydrates 54gFiber 2gSugar 27gProtein 43g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

• Line your slow cooker with heavy-duty foil or a slow cooker liner for easy removal and cleanup—no sticking or crumbling.
• Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to avoid excess grease pooling in the crock.
• Don’t overmix the meat mixture; gentle handling keeps it tender.
• Shape the loaf slightly smaller than the crock to allow even cooking and glaze coverage.
• For extra flavor, add the glaze in the last 30-60 minutes on high to thicken and caramelize without burning.
• Check internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety—use a meat thermometer.
• Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Ingredients Notes:

Ground beef forms the hearty base—opt for 85/15 lean for ideal moisture and flavor without greasiness. Sweet chili sauce (like Thai-style) delivers that signature sweet-heat; it’s garlicky, mildly spicy, and sticky when reduced. Ketchup adds tang and helps the glaze cling. Brown sugar boosts sweetness and aids caramelization.

Eggs and breadcrumbs (or panko/stuffing mix) bind everything while keeping the texture light and moist. Onions and garlic provide aromatic depth—finely dice or grate for even distribution. Worcestershire sauce brings umami richness. Milk tenderizes the meat and softens binders. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and optional Italian herbs round out the classic profile. For a cheesy twist, mix in shredded cheddar or Parmesan.

Variations and Substitutions:

Switch to ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—add extra binder like an egg if needed for moisture. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for gluten-free diets. Swap sweet chili sauce for sriracha mixed with honey if unavailable, adjusting heat to taste. For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar or use low-sugar chili sauce.

Add veggies like finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini into the mix for hidden nutrition and extra moisture. Make it cheesier by folding in 1 cup shredded cheese. For a smoky twist, add liquid smoke or smoked paprika. If you prefer bolder spice, mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Serve with Asian-inspired sides like stir-fried veggies for a fusion meal.

Storage Options:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze sliced portions wrapped in foil and in a freezer bag for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat slices in the microwave (1-2 minutes) or oven at 350°F until warmed through.

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