Many meatloaf recipes use the oven to cook. This meatloaf recipe is a bit different in that it actually uses the slow cooker instead! If using a slow cooker to make meatloaf sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, you haven't read our recipe yet! We've carefully crafted this recipe to ensure the meatloaf turns out just right.
Some of the ingredients for this meatloaf recipe are common ones for any meatloaf recipe. Onion, garlic, and tomato paste are common ingredients for meatloaf. Some of the ingredients are a little less common, like black beans, chili powder, and cheddar cheese. If we're going to take a unique approach by making this meatloaf in the slow cooker, we might as well go all the way!
You'll have to use the microwave for this recipe as well. We use a microwave to help speed up the cooking process, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen. There's little point to using a slow cooker if you'll have to spend a lot of time prepping the recipe! Slow cookers are supposed to take time away from the kitchen so you can spend it with family.
We've got dozens of other slow cooker recipes for you to take a look at. All of our slow cooker recipes are delicious! Some of them are for classic slow cooker meals, while others are more unique like this one right here. Regardless of what you want out of your slow cooker meals, we've got a recipe for you!
Santa Fe Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Vegetable oil spray
1 onion, minced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or ½ teaspoon dried
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 slices high-quality white sandwich bread, torn into quarters
½ cup whole milk
2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
¾ cup frozen corn
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper
½ cup barbecue sauce
Directions:
1. Line slow cooker with aluminum collar, then line with foil sling and coat with vegetable oil spray. Microwave onion, bell pepper, oil, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and chili powder in bowl, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Mash black beans, bread, and milk into paste in large bowl using potato masher. Mix in onion mixture, ground beef, cheddar, corn, eggs, cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper using hands.
3. Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker and press into even layer. Brush meatloaf with ¼ cup barbecue sauce. Cover and cook until meatloaf is tender, about 4 hours on low.
4. Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Using sling, transfer meatloaf with foil rimmed baking sheet, allowing juice to drain back into slow cooker. Press edges of foil flat, brush meatloaf with remaining ¼ cup barbecue sauce, and broil until caramelized, about 5 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/LauriPatterson.