This slow cooker 5-ingredient depression meatloaf is the kind of practical, no-fuss dinner that earns a permanent spot in a busy weeknight rotation. It leans on pantry basics and a simple method that feels wonderfully old-school, with crushed saltines helping bind the meatloaf into a tender, hearty meal without a long shopping list. I love recipes like this for those evenings when the fridge looks a little bare but you still want something warm and comforting waiting at dinnertime.
Serve this meatloaf with mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, corn, or simple roasted carrots for an easy family-style dinner. It also slices nicely for leftovers, so I like to pair extra portions with a side salad or tuck a cold slice into a sandwich the next day with a little extra ketchup.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Depression Meatloaf
Servings: 6
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
1 sleeve saltine crackers, finely crumbled
2 large eggs
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 packet onion soup mix
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or line it with a parchment slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
2. Add the ground beef to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the onion soup mix, add the eggs, pour in 1/2 cup of the ketchup, and crumble the saltine crackers evenly over the top.
3. Using clean hands or a sturdy spoon, gently mix everything together just until combined, then shape the mixture into a rounded loaf in the center of the slow cooker.
4. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup ketchup over the top of the loaf in an even layer.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
6. Let the meatloaf rest in the slow cooker for 10 minutes, then carefully lift out, slice, and serve.
Variations & Tips
Make it a little sweeter: If your family likes a classic sweet-tangy topping, mix a tablespoon or two of brown sugar into the ketchup before spreading it on top.
Keep it tender: Mix the meat just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make meatloaf dense, so a light hand really helps here.
Use a liner or sling: A strip of parchment paper under the loaf makes it much easier to lift the finished meatloaf from the slow cooker without breaking it apart.
Meal prep tip: You can mix and shape the loaf the night before, cover, and refrigerate it in the slow cooker insert if your insert is refrigerator-safe. In the morning, set it in the cooker, top with ketchup, and start cooking.
Try a different protein: Ground turkey works too, but because it is leaner, check it a little earlier and avoid overcooking so it stays moist.