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: List of items needed to prepare a dish.
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 little onion, chopped into small pieces.
2 pieces of garlic, finely chopped
1 egg, whisked
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon of dried oregano
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 small spoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
1/2 cup of tomato sauce (you can add it on top if you want).
INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a big bowl, mix together the ground beef, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and milk.
2. Put the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper into the mixture. Stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and put it in a medium-sized slow cooker.
If you want, you can put a little marinara sauce on top of the meatloaf for more taste and juiciness.
Cover the meatloaf and cook it on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until it is fully cooked and reaches a temperature of 160°F inside.
6. When finished, take out the meatloaf from the slow cooker and allow it to sit for a few minutes before cutting it.
Serve the dish hot and add more fresh parsley on top if you like.
Different Types and Advice
For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also try using herbs like thyme or rosemary to give it a special touch. To make it without gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats instead of regular breadcrumbs. If you like your food to be more spicy, you can add a little bit of red pepper flakes to the mix. Finally, adding small pieces of vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots can give the meatloaf a hint of sweetness and more nutrients.