Whimsical Crockpot Recipe

I thought I would experiment in the kitchen...I love doing that!  I really wanted pizza and meatloaf (at the same time).   I threw in some ingredients and hoped that the flavor would turn out well. Here's hoping!

Pizza Loaf
inspired by: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/meatballs_with_ricotta_in_tomato_sauce/ & http://douglicious.blogspot.com/2012/04/slow-cooker-turkey-meatloaf.html

1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
1/2 pound ground beef
10oz ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 bell pepper, diced
1 T olive oil
1 T butter
1 t dried thyme
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1 t dried oregano
1/2-6oz can tomato paste
1/4 cup water or red wine
1/3 shredded Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 cup bread crumbs (I used crushed croutons and Goldfish crackers)
1 (14.5oz) can Italian diced tomatoes
1(+) cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded

In a skillet, saute onions and peppers with butter and olive oil.  Stir in thyme, garlic, onion and oregano. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, mix together sausage, ground beef and ground turkey.  Add remaining ingredients; knead slightly (except Mozzarella & tomatoes).  Knead in onion and pepper mixture.  Put in a greased crockpot (should look like a deflated football - away from sides).  (Note: my 3 1/2 quart crockpot only was able to hold about half of the mixture - freezing the other half for another meal.)  Cook on low 7hours.  Before the last hour is up, dump on a can of Italian diced tomatoes and generously sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.  Serve with garlic bread.