SLOW COOKER SPICY TACO MEAT LOAF

INGREDIENTS

3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 (28 oz) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes
3/4 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 finely chopped medium onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
1/2 cup Monterey Pepper Jack shredded cheese
Corn tortillas, warmed
1 recipe Smoky Tomato Salsa (recipe below)*
Sliced avocado, green onions, whole kernel corn,
and cilantro (optional)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Lime wedges (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl combine eggs, 1/2 cup of the crushed tomatoes (reserve remaining tomatoes for Smoky Tomato Salsa)* and crushed tortilla chips. Stir in onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, 1/2 tsp each salt and black pepper. Add beef, pork and corn; mix well. Shape mixture into a round loaf or oblong loaf to fit the slow cooker.

2. Crisscross three 18-inch strips of foil, folded to double thickness. (see Cooking Tip**, below). Place meat loaf in center of strips. Bring up foil strips to lift and transfer meat and foil to a 3 1/2 or 4 quart slow cooker. (If needed, push meat away from side of slow cooker to avoid burning).

3. Cover and cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours or HIGH 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the center of loaf reads 160 F.

Yield: 8 servings

Smoky Tomato Salsa:*

In medium bowl combine reserved tomatoes; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/3 cup chopped green onions; 1 /4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 minced, seeded jalapeno peppers; 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/4 tsp salt.

COOKING TIP:**

To place meat loaf in and lift out of a slow cooker while keeping it
intact, make a foil sling. Tear off three 18 inch strips of foil folded to double thickness. Crisscross the strips in a spoke like fashion. Place the loaf in the center of the spokes. Lift the ends of the foil strips to transfer the loaf to the cooker, leaving the foil in place during cooking. Use the foil again to lift the loaf from the cooker to a serving platter. Gently pull foil strips away from the loaf and discard.

OPTIONAL_

OVEN DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place shaped loaf in shallow baking pan.
Bake 1 1/4 hours or until an instant read thermometer inserted into center of loaf reads 160 F. Sprinkle with cheese and serve as directed in main recipe.

Nutrition Information

Calories405
Total Fat (g)25
Saturated Fat (g)9
Monounsaturated Fat (g)10
Polyunsaturated Fat (g)3
Cholesterol (mg)159
Sodium (mg)598
Carbohydrate (g)20
Total Sugar (g)5
Fiber (g)3
Protein (g)25
Vitamin C (DV%)47
Calcium (DV%)8
Iron (DV%)17
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.