Italian Meatloaf

Has your sweet tooth been over stimulated by all of the holiday yummies!?  This recipe is a fun take on meatloaf that just might be a welcomed break from what you have been eating!  To me, it tastes kind of like a sliced meatball...yummy!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup bread crumbs
5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons basil
1/2 tablespoon parsley
1 to 2 teaspoons onion powder--or you could just dice up a small onion and add it to the meat
2 tablespoons garlic--more or less to taste
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 pounds of ground meat--I like to use half turkey and half ground beef, but don't tell The Hubbs!!
2 eggs
ketchup--to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients except ketchup
Mix well, and use your hands for this, they work the best!
Put meat mixture into a loaf pan
Top with Ketchup
Bake at 350 for 70 minutes
**I try to take my meatloaf out about half way through the cooking time to drain the excess fat out of the pan.**

Do you have a busy day ahead?  Did you know that if you have one of the oval crock pots, you can cook your meatloaf in the crock pot while you are out and about!?  You can even throw a foil packet of potatoes on top, so that you almost have a complete meal!!  Here's what I do:

Find a loaf pan that will fit inside of your crock pot--you might even be able to use an aluminum one and bend it slightly to fit.
Make your meatloaf as usual and put it into the pan
Top with ketchup if desired
Place the entire loaf pan into the bottom of your crock pot
If you want to add a foil packet of potatoes, quarter some red new potatoes and season them with salt, garlic, olive oil, and rosemary.
Use foil to completely enclose the potatoes and seasonings in a pouch
Place the foil pouch on top of your loaf pan in the crock pot.
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours
Come home, throw together a salad, and dinner is served!  :0)

Hey you didn't know you would get two recipes in one today did you?  Ha ha I just hope it helps make your life a little bit easier!  Enjoy!