As written, using extra lean ground beef (I used 96% lean) this meatloaf does not really release a lot of excess fat when it cooks. However if you are using a higher fat percentage ground beef or other ground meats that have a higher fat content (such as pork or sausage) it may. In that case you may want to raise your meatloaf up a little bit off the bottom of the slow cooker using a rack or balled up aluminum foil to help drain away the excess fat and keep it off the bottom of your meatloaf.