I'm serious, my husband loves this dish!

 A new and tasty version of a traditional favorite dish, this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Herb Parmesan Meatloaf brings the cozy and fragrant tastes of the Mediterranean directly to your home. Mixing tasty ground meat with a balanced mix of herbs, spices, and parmesan cheese, this meal provides a flavorful and fulfilling dish that is both comforting and influenced by flavors from around the world. Ideal for busy days, using a slow cooker helps you save time while giving the meatloaf rich and intense flavors. This recipe is great for anyone who wants to give their regular meatloaf a Mediterranean twist.

This meatloaf with Mediterranean herbs and Parmesan cheese goes well with many side dishes that enhance its delicious flavors. You can also enjoy it with a simple Greek salad made with crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, salty feta cheese, and olives for a tasty combination. Cooked vegetables like red peppers, zucchini, and eggplant go well with the dish's fresh herb flavors. For a filling choice, you can pair your meal with either warm, buttery couscous or garlic mashed potatoes to create a well-rounded dish.

Meatloaf with Mediterranean Herbs and Parmesan Cheese Cooked in a Slow Cooker

Number of portions: 6

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.