This Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes recipe is your ticket to a stress-free dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and practically cooks itself. It’s one of my favorite slow cooker meals for family nights—minimal prep, maximum comfort food vibes.

I’m all about keeping things efficient in the kitchen, and this recipe is the definition of hands-off. Instead of juggling a meatloaf in the oven and baking potatoes separately, your trusty crockpot handles both at once. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights or when you need a set-it-and-forget-it meal the whole family will love.

Why This Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes Is a Game-Changer

Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it for 8 hours. No babysitting required!
Dual-purpose magic: Your slow cooker handles the meatloaf and baked potatoes at the same time, saving you from using multiple appliances.
Perfectly tender results: The low, slow cooking ensures a juicy meatloaf and fluffy baked potatoes every single time.
Time-saving shortcut: Traditional oven-baked meatloaf and potatoes can take over an hour, but this streamlined approach lets you reclaim that prep time.
One pot = easy cleanup: Fewer dishes to wash means more time to relax after dinner.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

Before you dive into this recipe, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand:

Slow cooker: I use a 6-quart crockpot, but anything in the 5–7 quart range will work perfectly. Bonus points if yours has a removable insert for easy cleaning.
Mixing bowl: You’ll need this for combining the meatloaf ingredients before shaping it.
Aluminum foil: For wrapping the potatoes—this traps in steam and ensures they cook evenly.

Pro Tip: If your slow cooker has a timer function, use it. That way, you can prep this in the morning and return home to a perfectly cooked meal.

Simple Ingredients for Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

This recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples and fresh ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what makes it shine:

Ground beef: I go for 7% fat ground beef—it’s lean enough to stay healthy but still juicy. Swap in ground turkey for a lighter twist!
Saltine crackers: These are the secret to a tender meatloaf. If you’re out, breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work too.
Vegetables: Diced onion and green bell pepper add flavor and moisture. Feel free to use pre-chopped veggies to save time.
Russet potatoes: Small to medium-sized work best in this recipe. Sweet potatoes are a fantastic alternative if that’s more your style.

Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes at a Glance

Servings: 5
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes

Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes Ingredients

2 lbs. 7% fat ground beef
3 large eggs
1 small white onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
25 saltine crackers, crushed
5 small Russet potatoes

How to Make Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, diced onion, diced bell pepper, ketchup, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed saltines. Mix everything together with a spoon or, better yet, clean hands until well blended.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and gently place it in your slow cooker.
Wash and dry your potatoes, then wrap each one in aluminum foil to seal in the steam.
Arrange the foiled potatoes around the edges of the meatloaf, resting on top slightly if needed.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 8 hours without lifting the lid—it’s important not to release the heat!
When done, carefully lift out the meatloaf and slice it. Serve alongside the baked potatoes with your favorite toppings like sour cream, butter, or shredded cheese.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes

Consistency matters: If your meat mixture feels too wet, add more crushed crackers. If it’s too dry, a little extra ketchup does the trick.
Foil-free option: Want to skip the aluminum foil? Go for it! Just nestle the potatoes directly on top of the meatloaf—they’ll still cook beautifully.
Make ahead: Prep the meatloaf mixture the night before and pop it in the fridge. In the morning, just shape it and load up the crockpot.
Leftovers: Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slices of meatloaf and potatoes in the microwave for a quick meal.
Batch cooking tip: Double the recipe and freeze half of the uncooked meatloaf for another busy day.

Easy Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes Variations

Mexican twist: Swap the ketchup for salsa and season the meatloaf with taco seasoning. Top your potatoes with guacamole and queso.
Cheesy upgrade: Add shredded cheese into the meatloaf mixture and sprinkle some over the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Veggie-packed: Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for an easy way to sneak in extra veggies.

Crockpot Meatloaf and Baked Potatoes FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works perfectly, though you may want to adjust the seasonings slightly for added flavor.

Do I need to flip the meatloaf halfway through?

Nope! Let the slow cooker do its thing—no flipping required. The meatloaf cooks evenly without any extra effort on your part.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?

Yes, but I’d recommend sticking to low for the best, most tender results. If you’re in a time crunch, you can cook on high for about 4–5 hours.

What toppings work best for the baked potatoes?

Anything goes! Classics like butter, sour cream, and chives are always a hit, but you can get creative with cheese, bacon bits, or even chili.

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

Make sure your mixture holds together before placing it in the crockpot. If needed, tweak the consistency by adding more crackers or ketchup.

There you have it—an easy, hands-off dinner that feels as cozy as a hug on a plate. I can’t wait to hear what shortcuts and variations you try! What’s your go-to slow cooker recipe? Drop a comment and share below!