How Long to Cook Ham Loaf in a Crockpot for Maximum Flavor

Cooking ham loaf in a crockpot is a great hands-off way to prepare this classic comfort food. The slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld together while infusing the meat loaf with delicious flavor. But exactly how long should you cook a ham loaf in the crockpot to get the best results? Follow this guide to learn the ideal crockpot ham loaf cook times.

Benefits of Cooking Ham Loaf in a Crockpot

There are several advantages to using a crockpot or slow cooker for ham loaf rather than baking it in the oven:

• Moist and tender texture The moist, enclosed environment of the crockpot prevents the ham loaf from drying out, resulting in a tender, juicy interior

• Intensified flavor The long cook time allows the ingredients to mingle together, producing a meat loaf packed with flavor.

• Easy to make: Simply assemble the ingredients, pop it in the crockpot, and let it cook. No need for complicated recipes or techniques.

• Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the crockpot, you don’t have to monitor it or worry about burning. Just set it and forget it.

• Serves a crowd Crockpot ham loaf yields a large hearty entree perfect for feeding family or groups.

Ideal Cook Times for Crockpot Ham Loaf

Crockpots vary in their wattage and power levels, so there’s no one perfect cook time for ham loaf. However, here are some general time ranges to follow:

• Low setting (200°F): Cook for 6-8 hours on low. This slower cook time allows the flavors to develop fully.

• High setting (300°F): Cook for 4-5 hours on high. The shorter time prevents the texture from becoming mushy.

• Convert setting: If cooking on high for half the time, then switching to low for the other half, cook for 2-3 hours on high and 4-5 hours on low.

• Small or mini crockpots: For smaller 1-3 quart crockpots, check for doneness after 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high.

• Extra-large crockpots: Larger 6+ quart crockpots may need 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high.

How to Tell When Ham Loaf is Done

Because crockpots heat unevenly, a food thermometer inserted in the center should read:

• 160°F for ground pork: The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends cooking pork to 160°F to destroy harmful bacteria.

• 165°F for ground turkey or chicken: Ground poultry needs to reach 165°F for food safety.

The internal temperature is the best way to determine doneness. However, additional signs include:

• The center is set and firm to the touch, not jiggly.

• A knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

• The top appears browned and slightly crispy.

• The edges have pulled away from the sides of the crockpot insert.

If after the maximum cook time it still seems underdone, continue cooking and checking it every 30 minutes until fully cooked.

Tips for Crockpot Ham Loaf Success

Follow these tips for foolproof ham loaf made in the crockpot:

• Grease the crockpot insert well before adding the meat mixture to prevent sticking.

• Form the ham loaf mixture into an oval shape to fit the crockpot before placing it inside.

• Lay two sheets of foil in a crisscross shape under the lid to catch drips and moisture.

• Resist lifting the lid during the cook time to allow it to heat efficiently.

• Use a quick-release meat thermometer to conveniently check the internal temperature.

• Allow the cooked ham loaf to rest 10 minutes before slicing for easy cutting.

• Mix up the recipe by adding cheese, vegetables, herbs or other mix-ins to the meat mixture.

• Serve ham loaf with savory sauces like mushroom gravy, barbecue sauce, or warm chili sauce.

• Transform leftovers into sandwiches, omelets, salad toppings, or ham loaf hash for another meal.

Sample Crockpot Ham Loaf Recipes and Cook Times

To give you an idea of cook times, here are some example crockpot ham loaf recipes and the cook times they suggest:

Classic Crockpot Ham Loaf

• 3 cups ground cooked ham
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 egg
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• Spices and seasonings

Cook 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.

Cheddar Crockpot Ham Loaf

• 2 lbs ground ham
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 onion, diced
• 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 egg

Cook 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Italian Herb Ham Loaf

• 1 lb each ground ham and pork
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1⁄4 cup tomato sauce
• 1⁄2 cup breadcrumbs

Cook 7-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

Glazed Pineapple Ham Loaf

• 2 lbs ground ham
• 1 egg
• 8 oz crushed pineapple, drained
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar glaze

Cook 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.

Cooking ham loaf in the crockpot produces a moist, tender meat loaf brimming with flavor. For best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 160-165°F. Add cheese, spices, fruit, and other mix-ins to customize your recipe. Ham loaf is a versatile entree to feed a crowd or stock up your freezer with easy meals. The crockpot does the work for you, delivering fork-tender ham loaf every time.