Meat Loaf with Chili Sauce Recipe
I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe. Everyone asked for it. I adapted the recipe so I could make it in my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too.
I used to serve this meat loaf in my cafe. Everyone asked for it. I adapted the recipe so I could make it in my slow cooker at home, where it's quite popular, too.
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 1 small green pepper chopped
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
- additional chili sauce optional
- Carbohydrate 11.0902403139739 g
- Cholesterol 207.093760125 mg
- Fat 15.5041258126217 g
- Fiber 1.10053126405229 g
- Protein 29.0123541252388 g
- Saturated Fat 5.800578343675 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (187g)
- Sodium 413.403709773441 mg
- Sugar 9.9897090499216 g
- Trans Fat 2.04080993913329 g
- Calories 306 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut four 20x3-inch strips of heavy-duty foil; crisscross so they resemble spokes of a wheel. Place strips on the bottom and up the sides of a 5-quart slow cooker. Coat strips with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the first 10 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into a 9-inch round loaf. Place loaf in the center of strips in the slow cooker.
- Cook, covered, on low 3-4 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160 degrees. If desired, spoon additional chili sauce over meat loaf; let stand 10 minutes.
- Using foil strips as handles, remove meat loaf to a platter.
- Freeze option: Securely wrap and freeze cooled meat loaf in plastic wrap and foil. To use, partially thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Unwrap meat loaf; reheat on a greased shallow baking pan in a preheated 350-degree oven until heated through and a thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 degrees.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Meat Loaf
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" I need meals that are quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy my family's hungry bellies. That's where this slow cooker meat loaf comes in. It's become my absolute go-to comfort food, a lifesaver on those chaotic evenings.
I discovered this recipe a few years ago, adapted from a cafe's popular dish. The original recipe was made in a conventional oven, which was fine, but my busy schedule demanded a simpler, more hands-off approach. The slow cooker was the perfect solution. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal prep time, and the slow cooker does all the work while I focus on other tasks. The result is a juicy, flavorful meat loaf that's incredibly tender, a far cry from the dry, crumbly ones I've encountered in the past. Even my picky eaters clean their plates every time. I've tweaked the recipe slightly over the years, adding a touch more chili sauce for a deeper flavor, and it’s become a true family favourite.
The aroma that fills the house as it simmers is pure comfort. It's a scent that evokes warm memories of family meals, cozy evenings, and the simple joy of shared food. And the best part? Leftovers are just as good, if not better, the next day. I often slice it up for lunches, or serve it alongside a simple salad for a quick and satisfying meal. This meatloaf isn’t just a dinner; it’s a culinary hug, a comforting presence in the midst of our busy lives. It’s a taste of home, a reminder that even amidst the chaos of everyday life, there's always time for a delicious, home-cooked meal.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this meatloaf recipe also boasts versatility. I’ve experimented with different additions over time—sometimes swapping the green pepper for bell peppers, or adding finely diced mushrooms for an earthy twist. The possibilities are endless! And it's perfect for meal prepping; make a double batch and enjoy it throughout the week. This recipe is a cornerstone of our family's meal routine, a testament to the power of simple, comforting food.
This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating memories. The scent of the slow-cooking meat loaf becomes a familiar comfort, a signal that dinner is on its way and family time is just around the corner. It’s a dish that connects us, bringing warmth and happiness to our table. It's more than just a meal; it's a symbol of love, care, and the simple pleasure of gathering together around a delicious, home-cooked meal. And that, in my book, is priceless.
So, if you're looking for a simple yet satisfying dish that will impress your family and free up your time, give this slow cooker meat loaf a try. It’s a recipe that's as easy as it is delicious, a true testament to the power of simple, heartwarming cooking. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
