If you’re looking for a comforting yet hands-off dinner, I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe enough. It combines juicy, tender meatloaf with buttery, savory potatoes—cooked low and slow together for flavor that truly melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to slow cooker meals, especially on busy nights when you want something homemade without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and dinner magically cooks while you relax.
- Layered Flavors: The meatloaf and potatoes cook side by side, soaking up all the delicious seasonings and juices.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It hits all the cozy dinner vibes with minimal effort and maximum reward.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this meal – it’s simple enough for little ones but satisfying for adults too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this slow cooker meatloaf with potatoes recipe come together perfectly, I stick to simple, classic ingredients that work in harmony. You’ll find that the seasoning is just right to keep things flavorful without overpowering those comforting flavors.
- Ground Beef: I use 10% fat for juiciness without too much grease—feel free to swap for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Eggs: These help bind the meatloaf together so it doesn’t fall apart while cooking.
- White Onion (Diced and Sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and depth both inside the meatloaf and with the potatoes.
- Ketchup: For moisture in the meatloaf and a tangy topping after it’s cooked.
- Saltine Crackers (Crushed): A great binder that keeps the meatloaf tender without needing breadcrumbs.
- Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder): Simple, classic, essential for flavor balance.
- Russet Potatoes: Perfect for softening nicely and soaking up buttery flavor.
- Butter (Melted): Coats the potatoes for unbeatable richness.
- Sharp Cheese (Shredded): Added on top for melty, gooey finish—trust me, it’s a must!
Variations
I love to switch things up sometimes, and this Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to add your favorite twists to make it truly your own meal.
- Alternate Meats: I’ve swapped in ground turkey or chicken when I wanted something lighter – just be sure to not overmix for juicy results.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms into the meatloaf mix for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the potatoes gives it a fun heat my family adores.
- Cheese Choices: Try smoked gouda or mozzarella instead of sharp cheddar for a different melty experience.
How to Make Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients Gently
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, ketchup, crushed saltine crackers, salt, pepper, and onion powder. I’ve learned not to overmix here—mix just until everything comes together to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy instead of dense.
Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf in the Slow Cooker
Form your meatloaf on one side of the slow cooker pot. I try to keep it away from the sides so it cooks evenly and the edges don’t dry out. Don’t worry about being perfect here—homemade is charmingly rustic!
Step 3: Prepare the Potato “Bowl”
Make a little bowl with a sheet of foil next to the meatloaf — this keeps the potatoes and onions cozy and helps separate flavors just enough while still mingling juices.
Step 4: Add and Season Potatoes and Onions
Layer sliced russet potatoes and sliced onions into your foil bowl. Toss gently with salt, pepper, onion powder, and melted butter. This step is key—you want every slice coated well for rich flavor and perfect tenderness.
Step 5: Slow Cook and Melt the Cheese
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Now, this is important: DO NOT open the lid during cooking. I learned the hard way that opening the lid lets heat escape and your potatoes won’t cook properly. After the cooking time is done, sprinkle shredded sharp cheese on top of the potatoes and cover again for about 5 minutes to melt that cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Spread ketchup on top of the cooked meatloaf before serving—it adds that perfect tangy glaze everyone loves. Dish it up and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing can make your meatloaf tough—mix just enough to combine ingredients.
- Skip Peeling the Potatoes: Leaving skins on adds texture and nutrients, plus saves prep time.
- Keep the Lid Closed: Resist the temptation to peek during cooking to ensure potatoes become tender.
- Use Foil Bowl for Potatoes: It helps keep the potatoes separate without missing out on juicy slow cooker magic.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping the meatloaf with a little extra ketchup for classic flavor, but chopped fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on the potatoes adds a fresh burst of color and light flavor that brightens this hearty dish.
Side Dishes
Honestly, with potatoes cooked right next to the meatloaf, you don’t need much else. But if you want to round out the meal, a green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans make lovely, light complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served slices of meatloaf topped with a dollop of homemade mushroom gravy alongside the cheesy potatoes plated neatly with a side of roasted carrots. It’s simple but elegant—your guests will think you spent hours!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once leftovers are cooled, I store the meatloaf and potatoes together in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 4 days and reheat nicely without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve also frozen fully cooked portions wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve moisture.
Reheating
For leftovers, I reheat in the microwave with a cover to keep it from drying out or warm gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil, to refresh the texture of the potatoes and keep the meatloaf juicy.
FAQs
-
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just remember not to overmix to keep the meatloaf moist, and you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth for added juiciness since turkey is leaner than beef.
-
How do I prevent the potatoes from being undercooked?
The biggest key is not opening the slow cooker lid during cooking—each time you lift it, heat escapes and slows down the cooking process. Also, slicing the potatoes thinly helps them cook through in the 5-hour low setting perfectly.
-
Can I add other vegetables to the potatoes?
Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots cut into thin slices work great. Just be mindful of cooking times—adding harder veggies might require slightly longer slow cooking.
-
Do I need to pre-cook the potatoes before adding them to the slow cooker?
Nope! Since the potatoes are sliced thin and slow-cooked for five hours, they get perfectly tender without any pre-cooking.
-
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
You can, but it won’t have quite the same slow-simmered flavor. In the oven, you’d want to bake the meatloaf at 350°F for about 1 hour and steam or roast the potatoes separately to get that tender, buttery texture.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe turns out every time—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. When I first tried it, I was amazed how easy it was to get such a flavorful, tender meal without much fuss. If you want a reliable, comforting dinner that disappears fast at the table (trust me, it happens!), this recipe is your new best friend. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be glad you did.
Print
Slow Cooker Meatloaf with Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Hobo Dinner recipe is a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring a flavorful meatloaf paired with tender sliced potatoes and onions, topped with melted sharp cheese. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner, it uses simple ingredients and slow-cooking to develop rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Meatloaf Ingredients
- 1 lb. 10% fat ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup white onion, diced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 15 Saltine crackers, crushed
Potatoes
- 4 small russet potatoes, sliced
- ½ cup white onion, sliced
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
- 1 cup sharp cheese, shredded (added at the end)
For Serving
- Ketchup for topping meatloaf
Instructions
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, diced white onion, ketchup, salt, pepper, onion powder, and crushed Saltine crackers. Mix gently to combine, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the meatloaf on one side of the slow cooker insert, ensuring it does not touch the sides to cook evenly.
- Create Foil Bowl: Form a bowl-shaped structure next to the meatloaf using a foot of aluminum foil, which will hold the potatoes and onions.
- Add Potatoes and Onions: Place the sliced russet potatoes and sliced white onion into the foil bowl beside the meatloaf.
- Season Potatoes and Onions: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and onion powder over the potatoes and onions, then toss by hand to evenly coat.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour melted butter over the seasoned potatoes and onions to add richness and aid in cooking.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time, as it will prevent the potatoes from becoming tender.
- Add Cheese: After 5 hours, sprinkle shredded sharp cheese over the potatoes and cover again for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Serve: Top the meatloaf with ketchup as desired and serve both components warm.
- Enjoy: Dig in to this hearty, slow-cooked Hobo Dinner fresh from the slow cooker.
Notes
- Store any leftover meatloaf and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be kept together or separately.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed throughout.
- Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
