SLOW COOKER: ITALIAN MEATLOAF (click here to print)

SLOW COOKER ITALIAN MEATLOAF
WHAT'S NEEDED
•Olive oil in a spritzer bottle, or non-stick cooking spray
•2 pounds extra lean ground sirloin (or bison)...
•2 large eggs
•1 cup (about 1 medium size) zucchini, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
•1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
•1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
•4 cloves freshly minced garlic
•3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
•1 Tablespoon dried oregano
•2 Tablespoons minced dry onion or onion powder
•1/2 teaspoon sea or Kosher salt
•1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
•
FOR THE TOPPING
•1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce (sugar free)
•1/4 cup shredded or 2-3 slices mozzarella cheese
•2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
HOW TO MAKE IT
1.Line a large (6 quart or larger) slow cooker with strips of aluminum foil. Spray the foil with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cooking spray and the topping ingredients. Mixture WILL BE loose/wet. This is expected.
3.Carefully transfer mixture into the slow cooker and form into an oblong shaped loaf, setting it on top of the aluminum foil strips. Place lid on top of slow cooker.
4.Cook on high power for 3 hours or low power for 6 hours. 15 minutes before the end of the cook time, turn the heat off and unplug the slow cooker. Remove the lid and spread ketchup over the top of the meatloaf. Place cheese on top of ketchup and replace the lid onto the slow cooker. Allow the meat loaf to sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
5.To remove loaf from the slow cooker, remove lid, hold each end of the strips in each hand , and carefully lift. Transfer the loaf to serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!

Nutritional values for this recipe:     https://www.verywell.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4129594