This easy slow cooker Italian meat loaf is made with lean ground sirloin, freshly grated zucchini, and zesty Italian spices & herbs. Your family will LOVE this, and your kids will never know they're eating healthy vegetables!
Olive oil in a spritzer bottleor olive oil cooking spray
2poundsextra lean ground sirloinor ground bison
2largeeggs
1zucchinigrated and excess liquid squeezed out
½cupfreshly grated Parmesan cheese
½cupfresh parsleyfinely chopped, plus extra for garnish
4clovesminced garlic
3Tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
1Tablespoondried oregano
2Tablespoonsminced dry onionor onion powder
½teaspoonsea saltor Kosher salt
½teaspoonground black pepper
FOR THE TOPPING
¼cupno sugar added tomato sauceor no sugar added ketchup
¼cupshredded mozzarella cheeseor 2-3 slices
2Tablespoonsfresh chopped parsley
Instructions
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.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cooking spray and the topping ingredients. Mixture WILL BE loose/wet. This is expected.
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.
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.
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!