Pour ketchup glaze over raw ground beef mixture, thrown in with 4 ingredients,

For a bit more savoriness, add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder to the meat mixture without changing the ingredient count too much; these are common pantry seasonings in many Amish-inspired kitchens.

If your family prefers a slightly firmer texture, reduce the eggs to 1 and add an extra 1/4 cup breadcrumbs. To lean sweeter, increase the brown sugar in the glaze to 2/3 cup, or for more tang, stir 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar into the glaze. You can also line the bottom of the slow cooker with a sling of parchment paper to help lift the loaf out in one piece. Leftovers, if you manage to have any, make excellent meatloaf sandwiches the next day—serve cold or gently rewarmed, tucked into soft bread with an extra swipe of ketchup.