Name: Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 h
Total time: 7 h 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred); 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for extra crunch); 2 large eggs, beaten; ½ cup milk; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus ½ cup more for topping); 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Optional: ½ tsp chili powder for a kick

This tender slow cooker cheesy BBQ meatloaf blends seasoned ground beef with gooey cheddar cheese inside and a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce glaze on top. It stays incredibly moist thanks to the gentle crockpot method—no dry edges like oven versions—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

You’ll adore this recipe because it transforms a classic comfort food into something even more irresistible and effortless. The slow cooker locks in all the juices, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful without the risk of drying out like traditional oven-baked meatloaf.

The melted cheddar cheese creates delicious pockets of gooey goodness in every bite, while the tangy-sweet BBQ sauce glaze adds that irresistible smoky barbecue kick. It’s a one-pot wonder that frees up your oven and stove, fills your home with mouthwatering aromas all day, and pleases picky eaters and comfort-food lovers alike. Plus, it’s forgiving—if you’re running late, it can hold on warm without overcooking. It’s hearty, crowd-pleasing, and feels like a hug on a plate!

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Meatloaf

Tender, cheesy, BBQ-glazed meatloaf cooked low and slow for juicy perfection—easy comfort food everyone craves!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 7 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 7 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers for extra crunch)
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup milk
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup BBQ sauce (plus ½ cup more for topping)
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: ½ tsp chili powder for a kick

Instructions

Get everything ready — Grab a large mixing bowl and your slow cooker. Lightly grease the crock or line it with foil/parchment for easy lifting later. This little step saves so much cleanup!
Sauté for flavor — In a small pan, quickly sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in a drizzle of oil until softened (about 3-4 minutes). This builds amazing depth—don’t skip it if you can!
Mix the magic — In your big bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, sautéed onion-garlic, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, Worcestershire, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and ½ cup BBQ sauce.
Mix gently — Use your hands (clean, of course!) to mix everything just until combined—overmixing makes it tough. It should feel cohesive but not dense.
Shape the loaf — On a piece of foil or parchment, form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits your slow cooker snugly (about 8-9 inches long). Make a shallow well down the center and sprinkle in the remaining ½ cup cheddar for that gooey surprise!
Seal it up — Fold the cheese in and reshape into a smooth loaf. Place it carefully into the slow cooker.
Start cooking — Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The slow magic makes it incredibly tender!
Glaze time — In the last 30-60 minutes, brush or spoon the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce generously over the top. This creates that sticky, caramelized finish we all love.
Check doneness — Use a meat thermometer—aim for 160°F in the center. If it’s there, you’re golden!
Rest and serve — Carefully lift out the loaf (foil helps!), let it rest 10-15 minutes, then slice thickly. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or on buns for epic sandwiches. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

Notes

If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the lower end of cook time.
For crispier edges, broil slices for 2-3 minutes after.
Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches with extra BBQ sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 518Total Fat 24gSaturated Fat 9gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 154mgSodium 845mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 38g

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

Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) to keep it juicy without excess grease pooling in the slow cooker.
Line your slow cooker with foil or parchment for easy removal and cleanup—shape the meatloaf on the foil first.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture; gentle handling prevents a tough texture.
Add the final BBQ glaze in the last 30-60 minutes to avoid burning or getting too sticky.
Let the meatloaf rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts and better flavor distribution.
Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety—use a meat thermometer.
For extra flavor, mix some BBQ sauce into the meat mixture too.

Ingredients Notes

Ground beef forms the hearty base—opt for 80/20 for the best moisture and flavor balance without being greasy. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully inside, creating cheesy pockets; sharp or extra-sharp gives the most punch. Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) act as a binder and keep things tender—panko works for lighter texture.

Eggs help hold everything together. Onion and garlic provide essential savory depth—fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch. Milk adds moisture to prevent dryness. Your favorite BBQ sauce is key for that signature tangy-sweet glaze—choose one with honey or brown sugar for caramelization. Seasonings like Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika elevate the taste to barbecue perfection.

Variations and Substitutions

For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken—add extra milk or an egg for moisture since leaner meats can dry out. Make it bacon-loaded by mixing in cooked, crumbled bacon or wrapping strips around the loaf before cooking.

Try different cheeses like pepper jack for spice, mozzarella for milder melt, or a cheddar blend. Gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers. Spice it up with diced jalapeños or hot sauce in the mix. For a smoky twist, add liquid smoke or use hickory BBQ sauce.

Vegetarian option: substitute plant-based ground meat and vegan cheese. Add veggies like grated carrots or bell peppers for hidden nutrition and extra moisture.

Storage Options

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave (covered, with a splash of water) or oven at 325°F until warmed through. Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Great for meal prep sandwiches or reheated dinners.