Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatloaf

This tender slow cooker honey BBQ meatloaf blends lean ground beef with savory seasonings and a homemade honey-sweetened BBQ glaze that caramelizes beautifully during low-and-slow cooking. It’s hands-off comfort food at its best—perfect for busy weeknights, delivering classic meatloaf vibes with a sticky, finger-licking sweet and smoky twist the whole family will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

You’ll fall head over heels for this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy and forgiving—mix, shape, set it and forget it in the slow cooker while you go about your day.

The result is a melt-in-your-mouth tender meatloaf that’s never dry (thanks to the gentle, even heat and added moisture from milk/eggs), bursting with bold flavors from BBQ sauce infused right into the mix and topped with a glossy honey BBQ glaze that gets beautifully caramelized edges.

It’s a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adults alike, healthier than deep-fried alternatives, makes amazing leftovers for sandwiches, and requires minimal cleanup—just one bowl and your trusty crockpot!

Yield: 8 servings

Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatloaf

Print

Juicy slow cooker honey BBQ meatloaf with sweet-tangy glaze—easy, tender, and perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the meatloaf:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the honey BBQ glaze:

• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for extra tang)

Instructions

1. Get everything ready — Grab your slow cooker (6-quart works great) and line it with a long strip of aluminum foil (for easy removal later—like a little sling). Spray lightly with cooking spray if you like extra insurance against sticking.
2. Mix the wet goodies — In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and happy. This magic combo keeps your meatloaf super moist!
3. Sauté a quick flavor boost (optional but recommended) — In a small pan, soften the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. It mellows the raw bite beautifully.
4. Combine in a big bowl — Dump the ground beef, breadcrumbs, softened onion/garlic (or raw if skipping step 3), the milk-egg mix, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a large bowl.
5. Mix gently like a pro — Use your clean hands (or a fork) to mix everything just until combined—don't overdo it, or the meatloaf turns tough. Think tender hug, not aggressive knead!
6. Shape your masterpiece — Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits your slow cooker (about 8-9 inches long). Place it on the foil sling in the center.
7. Whip up the irresistible glaze — In another small bowl, stir together 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, honey, and ketchup (if using) until glossy and sweet-smelling. Taste and adjust honey if you want it sweeter!
8. Slather it on — Spread about half the glaze generously over the top and sides of the meatloaf—like frosting a cake, but way tastier.
9. Slow cook to perfection — Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature hits 160°F (use a thermometer for best results). In the last 30 minutes, brush on the remaining glaze for that sticky, caramelized finish.
10. Rest and serve with love — Carefully lift out using the foil sling. Let it rest 10 minutes (juices redistribute!), slice thickly, and serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or your favorite sides. Enjoy every sweet, smoky bite!

Notes

• Always cook to 160°F for food safety with ground beef.
• If your slow cooker runs hot, check at the lower end of time.
• Leftovers make epic sandwiches with extra glaze!

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 500Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 6gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 150mgSodium 974mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 39g

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 a loaf pan or shape the meatloaf free-form and place it on a foil “sling” (long strip of foil) in the slow cooker for easy lifting out—no crumbling!
• Don’t overmix the meat—gentle hands prevent a tough texture.
• Line the slow cooker with foil or use a slow cooker liner for zero scrubbing.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer (160°F internal) rather than time, as slow cookers vary.
• Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
• For extra caramelization, brush on more glaze in the last 30 minutes or broil slices briefly after.

Ingredients Notes:

Ground beef (lean 85-90%) provides rich flavor and stays juicy—avoid super-lean to prevent dryness. Breadcrumbs (or panko/oats) act as a binder and add lightness. Eggs and milk keep everything moist and help hold the loaf together.

Onion and garlic bring aromatic depth without overpowering. Your favorite BBQ sauce forms the base of the glaze—pick one with good tang. Honey adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, glossy finish. Worcestershire sauce adds umami richness, while basic pantry spices like salt, pepper, and paprika round out the classic taste. Everything is straightforward and easy to find—no fancy ingredients needed!

Variations and Substitutions:

Swap half the beef for ground pork or turkey for a lighter or richer twist (pork adds extra juiciness). Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats for a GF version. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika.

Try different BBQ sauces—hickory for smokiness, sweet baby rays for classic, or homemade. Replace honey with maple syrup or brown sugar if needed. Add shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) inside for a stuffed surprise. Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for hidden veggies and nutrition boost. For a low-carb option, use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Storage Options:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave (covered, with a splash of broth) or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze cooked meatloaf (whole or sliced) wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Great for meal prep sandwiches or tacos!

Dish Gallery

Please share this Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Meatloaf with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.

We will meet you on next article.

Until you can read, Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf