Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
What if your favorite comfort food could get even better? Imagine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup combined with a classic meatloaf, all topped with gooey, melted Swiss cheese. This recipe takes an ordinary meal and turns it into something unforgettable!
Cooked in a crockpot, this meatloaf is incredibly tender and infused with the caramelized onion goodness you love. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the cheesy topping makes every bite extra special.
Picture slicing into this hearty dish, the melted cheese stretching with every piece, while the rich onion flavor fills your home. Whether it’s dinner with family or a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ready to try this irresistible dish? Grab your crockpot, gather the simple ingredients, and let’s make this mouthwatering meal together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Savory: This dish combines the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with hearty meatloaf for a one-of-a-kind comfort meal.
- Set It and Forget It: Let your crockpot do the work while you tackle your day.
- Melted Cheese Bliss: The final touch of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese creates an indulgent, creamy topping.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and cook it when you’re ready.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A surefire hit for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Crockpot: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe.
- Large Skillet: For caramelizing onions.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the meatloaf ingredients.
- Spatula: To scrape every flavorful bit.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures perfect doneness.
Ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
Here’s everything you’ll need (detailed measurements are in the recipe card below):
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large sweet onions, sliced thin
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
- 3/4 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 (1 oz.) package French onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon cooking sherry
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For Topping:
- 8 oz. Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese (sliced or shredded)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional garnish)
Variations for French Onion Meatloaf
- Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Use Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try sharp cheddar or a smoky gouda if Swiss isn’t your favorite.
- Add Herbs: Mix fresh parsley or rosemary into the meatloaf for extra flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Caramelizing onions is the secret to achieving that rich, sweet flavor that makes this dish shine.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and deeply caramelized.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, French onion soup mix, sherry, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Fold in half of the caramelized onions for added flavor.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
- On a sheet of parchment paper, shape the meat mixture into a loaf.
- Transfer the loaf to the crockpot. Use non-stick spray or a liner for easy cleanup.
4. Cook in the Crockpot
- Spread the remaining caramelized onions over the top of the meatloaf.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
5. Add the Cheese
- Once cooked, top the meatloaf with sliced or shredded Swiss cheese.
- Cover and let the cheese melt (about 5-10 minutes).
6. Rest and Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to scoop up the extra caramelized onions and melted cheese.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through. Add extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 450 | 28g | 30g | 15g |
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and caramelized onions up to a day in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works well, but adjust the cooking time as they cook faster than beef.
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is 160°F.
Conclusion
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is everything you love about comfort food: hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. With caramelized onions and melted cheese, every bite is a little taste of heaven. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Recipe Card
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Total Time: ~7 hours
Ingredients:
- 3 large sweet onions, sliced
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 oz. French onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp cooking sherry
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 8 oz. Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
- Caramelize onions in butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, soup mix, sherry, and Worcestershire sauce. Fold in half the onions.
- Shape mixture into a loaf; place in crockpot.
- Top with remaining onions; cook on LOW 6-7 hours.
- Add cheese and let melt. Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy masterpiece!
