Here is the recipe for the slow cooker meat loaf that some blogger friends wanted to try. Hope you like it, we do.
Sausages & Mince
Good Old Meat Loaf
You may be surprised to find how well your slow cooker will cook meat loaves. The carrot and zucchini hidden in this meat loaf add extra nutrients and give it a light texture that often appeals to young children. Adults find it particularly delicious when served with a spicy plum sauce.
For 6-8 servings:
500g minced beef
500g sausage meat
1 large carrot, grated
2 medium zucchini, grated
1 x 45g packet tomato and onion soup mix
Turn the slow cooker on to HIGH and coat the bowl with non-stick spray.
Put all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl, then using wet hands, mix everything together (or if you prefer to keep your hands clean, put all the ingredients together in a large, unpunctured plastic bag and knead or squish the bag until well mixed).
Shape the mixture into a loaf or ball that will fit in your slow cooker. For a browner loaf, brush the top and sides with dark soy sauce. Tear off a strip of baking paper, about 10cm longer than twice the height of the bowl, and fold it in half lengthwise (or use a Teflon liner. Put the loaf crosswise on the centre of the baking paper strip or liner and, holding the ends, lower it into the prepared cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours. Serve with mashed potatoes and lightly cooked vegetables or coleslaw. Serve leftovers reheated or cold.
NOTE: To check whether the centre of a loaf is cooked, lift it onto a board and cut it in half crosswise. If the centre looks as if it needs more cooking, replace the loaf in the slow cooker, turning each half 180° so the cut surfaces touch the sides of the cooker. Cook for 30 minutes longer.
