Serves 8 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Total time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Phase 1, 2, 3

 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
• 3 egg whites
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped white button mushrooms
• 3/4 cup finely minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons tamari or coconut aminos
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 4 slices nitrate-free turkey bacon
• Cracked black pepper

Directions

1. Mix the first eleven ingredients (everything but the bacon and cracked black pepper) in a large bowl. Shape the mixture into a flattened ball, and place it in the slow cooker.
2. Top with the turkey bacon, and sprinkle generously with cracked black pepper.
3. Cook on low for 4 hours, or until a thermometer inserted into the center of the meatloaf reads 160 degrees.