Checks all the boxes (low carb meatloaf in slow cooker)

I have been trying to add some more things to the blog.  I want to add slow cooker meals for all my momma readers that have so much going on that the set it and forget it method is a necessity.  I also want to do cook once and eat three times meals for all of us who aren't that way and have happy hours to attend.  This recipe is the best of both worlds!  It is relatively easy to prep, cooks in a slow cooker and can be re-purposed very easily!  And it is low carb, hides veggies and tastes great to boot! If only I could find a man that checked all the boxes like this recipe I'd be set! 

Meatloaf gets a bad rap and I just don't know why, I really love it!  Hiding zucchini in here is great too.  You could see it in the finished product, but I wasn't trying to hide it.  If you are feeding picky kids you may want to be a bit more methodical when you form your loaf.

This tasted a bit sweet to me despite using reduced sugar ketchup.  There was lots of balsamic flavor as well as oregano.  I may cut those down next time, although I might have used less meat than the recipe called for, I didn't weigh the meat and I forgot how much had been in the original pack when I made meatballs.  Still this was delicious!  The only part that was a bit of a pain was shredding and draining the zucchini, but mostly because I was afraid of injuring myself or oversalting!  There's only a tiny portion shown because I had an impromptu event to go to and I just wanted a taste!  Full recipe after the montage! Linking up with Meal Plan Monday over at Southern Plate and others!

The cast of characters.  I was trying to get the last of the natural sunlight.
Hard to do when you live in a raised basement!

Wrap some foil into strips and line your slow cooker like this.  Spray it with non stick cooking spray or use a misto or something of that nature.

Grate your zucchini with a cheese grater and then put in a colander to drain.  Add a bit of salt but not too much! 

Place a paper towel over it and stack some stuff to weigh it down.

Meanwhile, chop your veggies

Put everything in the bowl.  This was after about 10 minutes so the zucchini had drained a bit.

Form it into a loaf and place on the foil.

Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 6.  Since it is meatloaf you can probably leave it on longer if yours doesn't have an automatic shut off.  its meatloaf!  Cook it to death!

When it is done, smear ketchup on top and throw some mozzarella on top.  Turn it off but put the top back on for 10 minutes.

Easily pull it out because of the foil.  That also allows a lot of the fat to drain!

Delicious!  Tender, flavorful and low carb!  I didn't even need a knife!

Low Carb Slow Cooker Meatloaf (borrowed from It's Yummi)
Ingredients:

non-stick cooking spray
2 pounds ground meat
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 onion
1/2 teaspoon sea or Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Topping:

1/4 cup ketchup or tomato sauce
1/4 cup shredded or 2-3 slices mozzarella cheese

Line a large (6 quart or larger) slow cooker with folded up strips of aluminum foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.  In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except for cooking spray and the topping ingredients. Mixture will be loose.  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.  Serve and enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

Missy