Slow Cooker Meat Loaf with Shiitake Mushrooms

Transform your comfort food game with this hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Meat Loaf with Shiitake Mushrooms. This elevated twist on a classic combines a mix of ground beef and pork, enriched with the earthy umami of finely diced shiitake mushrooms and a medley of aromatics like sautéed onions and garlic. Gently flavored with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and parsley, every bite bursts with depth and warmth. The slow cooking process ensures a perfectly tender and moist meatloaf, while a tangy-sweet glaze featuring ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar caramelizes beautifully during the final minutes. With just 20 minutes of prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for an unforgettable meal that’s as comforting as it is elevated. Keywords: "slow cooker meat loaf," "shiitake mushrooms," "easy comfort food," "moist meatloaf recipe," "homemade meatloaf glaze."

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:240 mins

Total Time:260 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds Ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 0.5 pounds Ground pork
• 1 cup Fresh shiitake mushrooms, finely diced
• 0.5 cup Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.75 cup Breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup Whole milk
• 2 large Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 0.33 cup Ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Ketchup (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar (for glaze)
• 1 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar (for glaze)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, shiitake mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2

In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb.

Step 3

Add the ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and mushrooms, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to the bowl with the breadcrumbs. Gently mix with your hands until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 4

Shape the mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker without touching the edges.

Step 5

Place the meatloaf into the slow cooker and carefully position it in the center.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients: ketchup, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Spread half of the glaze over the top of the meatloaf.

Step 7

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).

Step 8

Fifteen minutes before the meatloaf finishes cooking, spread the remaining glaze over the top and re-cover the slow cooker.

Step 9

Once cooked, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker using two wide spatulas. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1650.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3393.4

Total Fat 216.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 79.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 1065.1mg	0%
Sodium 4455.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 154.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.3g	0%
Total Sugars 70.5g
Protein 205.1g	0%

Vitamin D 382.0IU	0%
Calcium 458.3mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 3187.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 57.5%

Protein: 24.2%

Carbs: 18.3%