Crock-Pot Italian Zucchini Meatloaf
Here’s a healthy recipe for crock-pot meatloaf with an Italian twist from guest blogger Olena of iFOODreal.com. Shredded zucchini is added to help to lighten-up this slow-cooker meatloaf recipe which means it’s gluten-free and low-carb. The best part? It’s topped off with ketchup and a blanket of melty cheese.
We originally shared this Crockpot Turkey Meatloaf on February 4th, 2014. We have updated some of the text today.
My guest blogger this month is Olena from iFOODreal. I have been checking in on her blog regularly and I really love what she is doing. She has great clean and simple recipes, photos and a lot of super helpful tips for food bloggers that are not to be missed! She recently worked her tail off and published her very first e-cookbook! I am so in awe of her and really want to know where she finds all her energy! Today she’s sharing a wonderful meatloaf recipe, and if you’ve tried my Turkey Meatloaf you’ll definitely be a fan.
Please help me welcome Olena and be sure to follow her on social media. Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest
Why We Love This Recipe For Zucchini Meatloaf
Hi, guys. I’m so excited to be here and share my “different” recipe with you today. Just wait, I promise it works!
About me: I’m Olena, an author of iFOODreal – clean and simple recipes blog. I’m a mom to 2 little boys, wife and an avid fitness enthusiast. My life is busy or, to be perfectly honest, it’s crazy. If you are a mom and wife, I’m sure you can relate. As I like to say, I refuse to be unhealthy and support pharmaceutical companies. Therefore, I cook a lot. And it’s all clean and simple food, just like this gluten-free crock pot meatloaf.
When Katie offered me to do a guest post at Healthy Seasonal Recipes, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I stumbled across Katie’s blog last year. I was blown away with her amazing healthy recipes and mouthwatering photography. The fact that she is a contributor to EatingWell magazine (a National magazine I read every month), and she is real and talking to me?! Whoa. It was pretty cool to meet you, Katie!:)
Anyways, back to the recipe. First of all, I never thought it was possible to make a meatloaf in a slow cooker. So, I understand how you might feel. Turns out it’s easier than you think. The key is to line the bottom of your crock pot with double or triple aluminum foil strips. This step ensures an easy meatloaf removal after it’s cooked.
To give the meatloaf an Italian flare, I used simple seasonings that you most likely have in your pantry/fridge – dried herbs, balsamic vinegar and fresh Parmiggiano Reggiano (or simply Parmesan cheese). Lastly, the ketchup and cheese topping is optional but truly makes this meatloaf exceptional. Skip it to further reduce the amount of calories. I personally do not mind a tiny bit of organic ketchup once in a while!
I hope you enjoy this Crock Pot Italian Zucchini Meatloaf and let me or Katie know how it turns out. This recipe comes from my new 30 Clean Quick Dinner Recipes eBook that contains plenty of crock pot, vegetarian and gluten-free recipes. It is also 20% off for a limited time.
Ingredients For This Recipe
Ground beef or bison
Despite the most recent turkey trend, my meat choice was extra lean ground beef. Also lately, I have been cooking with ground bison and venison a lot. Any game meat like elk, moose or deer will work. Yes, you can use ground turkey in place of red meat. The meatloaf will be more delicate, so be careful when handling. Not that it will fall apart, just saying. And another note, I always buy organic or local and humanely raised meat. Better for you and the environment.
Zucchini
Recently, I discovered the power of shredded zucchini using as a binder and moisturizer in place of breadcrumbs. I know, who would think?! Just make sure to squeeze the liquid out really well with your hands. Works like magic in meatloaf and meatball recipes. It makes the meat moist and holds it together, without adding extra calories. And your kids won’t even know they are eating vegetables.
Other Ingredients
For Meatloaf:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 eggs, large
- 1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp oregano, dry
- 2 tbsp minced dry onion or onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking coconut oil spray
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup, low sodium (organic)
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, low fat
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
Step By Step Instructions To Make This Crock-Pot Italian Meatloaf
Step 1: Prepare Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, zucchini, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, vinegar, oregano, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix or knead thoroughly with your hands to combine.
Step 2: Prepare Crock-Pot
Line the bottom of a large slow cooker/crock-pot with double folded aluminum foil, criss cross. Make sure to leave flaps on the side, so you can easily lift the meatloaf out once it’s ready. Spray the bottom with cooking spray.
Step 3:
Place the meatloaf mixture in the crockpot and use your hands to shape it into a meatloaf. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours (alternatively, cook on high for 3 hours).
Step 4: Top Meatloaf & Serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked through, remove the lid and spread ketchup evenly over top of meatloaf. Sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover and cook until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove meatloaf from the slow cooker, garnish with parsley, and cut into 10 slices. Serve warm with whole wheat spaghetti or quinoa. Any whole grain side would work.
FAQs and Expert Tips
If properly stored in an airtight container in the fridge, meatloaf will stay good for 3 to 4 days. You can also extend its shelf life by freezing the slices individually.
If using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should read 160ºF once it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
To make sure you’re getting as much water out of the zucchini as possible, spread the shredded zucchini out on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle all of the zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes (salt helps draw moisture out). Squeeze water out from zucchini and pat dry. If it’s too salty, rinse under cold water first.
Additional Recipes To Try
- If you love this meatloaf recipe, you should also check out this Easy Low Carb Paleo Meatloaf.
- My 5 Spice Meatloaf with Apricot Ginger Glaze is also a big winner in our house.
- This Healthy Zucchini Casserole is one of my favorites.
- My Easy Sautéed Zucchini makes for the perfect side dish.
At Healthy Seasonal Recipes, we specialize in cooking with fresh veggies and creating weeknight meals. Sign up HERE to get more produce-forward dinner ideas for FREE! If you make this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review. I would love to hear what you thought! Happy Cooking! ~Katie
PrintCrockpot Italian Zucchini Meatloaf
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Healthy and simple CrockPot Italian Meatloaf recipe with shredded zucchini in it, gluten-free, low carb and grain free.
Ingredients
For Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs ground beef or bison, extra lean
- 2 eggs, large
- 1 cup zucchini, shredded and liquid squeezed out (with hands)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp oregano, dry
- 2 tbsp minced dry onion or onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Cooking coconut oil spray
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup ketchup, low sodium (organic)
- 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, low fat
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients for meatloaf and mix thoroughly with your hands to combine.
- Line the bottom of a large slow cooker with double folded aluminum foil, criss cross. Make sure to make the flaps, so it will be easy for you to lift the meatloaf once it’s ready. Spray the bottom with cooking spray.
- Place the mixture in crockpot and using your hands shape it into meatloaf. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or on High for 3 hours.
Top Meatloaf:
- Spread ketchup on top of meatloaf and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Remove meatloaf from the slow cooker, garnish with parsley, cut into 10 slices and serve warm with whole wheat spaghetti or quinoa. Any whole grain side would work.
Notes
Storage Instructions:
Refrigerate covered for 3-4 days or freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
• Cholesterol: 97.5 mg
• Sodium: 310.9 mg
• Total Carbs: 3.4 g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 20.7 g
• WW Points+: 5
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 meatloaf, 1 slice
- Calories: 214
- Fat: 12.4
This recipe and images were published with the permission of and belong to Olena Osipov of iFOODreal, www.ifoodreal.com. Copyrighted and all rights reserved. Please do not republish any content on this post without the permission of the author.
This looks so wonderful! Love the idea of an Italian twist on meatloaf, and I know my kids would love this! Can’t wait to try it out
Would love to make this with Korean zucchini. It is a bit sweeter. Not sure how it may turn out but I am excited!
Such a unique and unexpected dish that did not disappoint! Easily, a new family favorite dish; my whole family loved it!
Thanks for sharing! I like it.
I just had a look in the crock pot and it is very runny… It still has 3 more hours to cook – but is this normal?
This may be that the zucchini was still holding a little moisture. Once it finishes cooking, use a slotted spatula to leave all the liquid behind in the crockpot.
I don’t know if it was the grass fed beef I got but I had to throw this out. It was nasty and not edible.
Grass-fed beef does have a stronger flavor. So sorry that you didn’t like it.
If I am going to cook this as a pan dish rather than casserole, would the bake time just be like a regular meatloaf about and 1.5 hours at 350???
Yes that would work!
I usually eat meatloaf with a ketchup sauce on top. However, with this being Italian I don’t see how the flavor of ketchup would mix well. Is it possible to use tomato sauce on the top instead?
Tomato sauce would work well! Enjoy!
Hi, Christine
I really like this recipe and cannot wait to make it for my family. And I love zucchini, too.
It is really a delicious recipe! And I will try it. I like the idea of zucchini instead of bread crumbs too.
What a wonderful meatloaf. Looks tasty! Great post Katie & Olena.
Aww thanks Andrew. So glad you came by for a visit.
looks awesome, I love zucchini!
Thanks Christine. It is such a chameleon isn’t it? I love the way Olena used it here, and her tip to squeeze out the moisture is great.
Now that I sat down after making 2 cauliflower crust pizzas (not a walk in the park, at all) I realize it must be huge LOVE for cooking. And besides that lots of coffee, workout and beauty sleep from 10PM. Thanks for hosting me and my “crazy” recipe, Katie!:)
I can’t stop and think about it much either, because I feel just as crazy too. Cauliflower crust pizza sounds great, can’t wait to see that one! Thanks for guest posting Olena. I love my copy of the book.
I love the idea of using zucchini instead of bread crumbs. Thank you so much for sharing.
I think it is a great tip too. Thanks for coming by Veranika.
Such a delicious, easy recipe! Thanks for sharing – awesome guest post!
Thanks Shashi:) So glad you stopped by, and I agree.