Name: Easy Meatloaf Recipe - Freezer Friendly
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 120 min
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lbs ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed chips); 1 medium onion (diced); 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp thyme; 1 pinch cinnamon

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Gluten Free

Here is a great low effort and low ingredient meatloaf recipe you and your family are going to love. BONUS: it is designed as a freezer meal so you can add it into your meal planning for the week, or month, and enjoy an easy comforting dinner when you need it.

I LOVE making some creamy garlic mashed potatoes, crispy green beans and meatloaf for an easy family dinner that gives us all the feels.

Is cooking with love a thing?

YES. Cooking with love is what food is all about. Being able to hand craft gifts, art, design, anything is a way to show people love.

My favorite way to do that is through food. Why are we talking about this on a meatloaf recipe? Because meatloaf can be the epitopy of an old school dish made with love.

Why you will love this easy meatloaf recipe

10 Minutes to Prep
Super Easy
Extremely Tasty
Healthy (Soy Free, Gluten Free)
Family Friendly

Easy Meatloaf Recipe – Freezer Friendly

A delicious and easy meatloaf freezer meal you can prep raw and then cook in the oven or slow cooker.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 2

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Equipment

Slow Cooker or Crockpot
1 gallon freezer bag
Aluminum foil

Ingredients

2 1/2 lbs ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed chips
1 medium onion diced
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 egg
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp thyme
1 pinch cinnamon

Instructions

Freezer Prep Directions

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix together.
Shape meatloaf and cover with aluminum foil, then wrap meatloaf again, this time in plastic wrap.
Place wrapped meatloaf into labeled gallon freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker Directions

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Remove plastic wrap from meatloaf, leaving the aluminum wrap on.
Place aluminum wrapped meatloaf into slow cooker.
Cook on low 5-6 hours.
Remove meatloaf from slow cooker and remove aluminum foil. Place unwrapped meatloaf back into slow cooker, top meatloaf with glaze, and cook on low an additional 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Instant Pot Directions

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Place trivot in base of instant pot, and unwrap meatloaf entirely. Remove both plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Place meatloaf uplon trivot in instant pot, add 1/2 cup water to base of instant pot.
Set to High Pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a 10-minute natural release followed by a quick release.
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the Instant Pot using the trivet handles. Spread your glaze over the top. Optional. Broil in the oven for a few minutes until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten-Free:

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free crushed chips.

Make it Dairy-Free:

This recipe is naturally dairy-free.

Freezer Labels

Meatloaf Freezer Meal Printable Label

Keyword easy freezer meals for new moms, easy meatloaf recipe with few ingredients, easy turkey meatloaf recipe, meatloaf freezer meal

Is meatloaf healthy?

Most people wouldn’t put meatloaf and healthy together in a sentence. But lets try challenging that thought for one moment.

What really makes something healthy?

Healthy has a standard but can also mean different things for different people. We live by an 80-20 mindset and make this recipe with as many all natural ingredients as possible.

So yes, I would say meatloaf can work in a healthy balanced 80-20 lifestyle and be considered healthy.

How long can I store meatloaf in the freezer?

If you wrap tightly, to prevent freezer burn, your meatloaf will last 4-6 months raw in the freezer.

One the recipe is cooked, your meatloaf, will last for 3-5 days in the fridge if stored properly.

How long to cook meatloaf?

Depending on how you choose to cook your meatloaf the cook time may very.

Slow Cooker: Cook on low 5-6 hours
Crockpot: Cook on low 5-6 hours
Instant Pot: HP 25 Min NR 10 Min
Oven: 375 for 45-55 Min

How to make meatloaf in the slow cooker or crockpot?

Meatloaf can be made very easily in the slow cooker or crockpot. The best way to do this is, wrap your meatloaf in foil and then bake it to prevent sticking or burning.

You can also finish off in the oven with a glaze by broiling the meatloaf for 5 min.

How to store meatloaf in the refridgerator?

After cooking store your meatloaf in the fridge for 3-5 day. Be sure it is in an air tight container.

Do I need a slow cooker for this freezer meal?

No you do not need a slow cooker for this easy meatloaf recipe. It can be made in the instant pot, slow cooker, crock pot or the traditional way in the oven.