Ingredients
1 and a half pounds of ground beef, or a combination of beef and pork
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of bread crumbs
1/4 cup of milk
1 small onion, chopped into small pieces
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 egg, whisked
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/2 cup of tomato sauce (optional for topping)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and milk.
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, whisked egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a medium-sized slow cooker.
If desired, top the meatloaf with a little tomato sauce for added flavor and moisture.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Once done, carefully remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Variations and Tips
For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats for the regular breadcrumbs. If you like a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Finally, incorporating finely chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots can add sweetness and extra nutrition to the meatloaf.
