This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a warm, cozy dish packed with flavor. With juicy meat mixed with savory French onion soup and topped with gooey Swiss cheese, it’s a real treat!
Making it in the crockpot means dinner is virtually hands-off, and the smell while it cooks is heavenly! I love serving it with mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80% lean ground beef gives you a juicy meatloaf. You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option, but check the cooking time since they may be done sooner.
French Onion Soup: Canned soup works great and is super convenient! If you prefer homemade, just sauté onions in butter and add beef broth for richness. You can also skip the soup if you want to do a meatloaf without it; just add some beef broth for moisture.
Onions: Sweet onions are great for a milder taste. If you’d like a touch of spice, try red onions instead. You can also use a mix of both for added flavor!
Swiss Cheese: It melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it out with provolone or even mozzarella if Swiss isn’t available. If you want a stronger flavor, try Gruyère.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be tricky but it’s worth it for the flavor! The key is to go slow and let them cook evenly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with a little salt to draw out moisture.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and soft—this will take about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key here!
Once caramelized, you’ll notice the sweet, deep flavor that really brings the meatloaf to life. Don’t rush it, and you’ll be rewarded!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for caramelizing onions)
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 6-7 hours for cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). It’s a great meal to set before heading out for the day, and you’ll come home to a delicious dinner ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. You want them to slowly become soft and golden brown—this should take about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re caramelized, set them aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and half of your caramelized onions. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything gently until just mixed—avoid overmixing; this keeps the meatloaf tender!
3. Shape and Place in Crockpot:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits the base of your crockpot. Carefully place it inside, making sure it’s snug but not squished.
4. Add French Onion Soup:
Pour the French onion soup evenly over the meatloaf. This will add incredible flavor and moisture to the dish.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or turn up the heat to high for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and the juices run clear.
6. Add Cheese and Remaining Onions:
About 15 minutes before serving, carefully take off the lid. Place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf and spoon the remaining caramelized onions over the cheese. Cover it again and let everything melt together.
7. Serve:
When it’s all melted and delicious, carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter. Drizzle some of the flavorful onion and soup sauce from the crockpot over the top. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm.
Enjoy this savory, cheesy French onion meatloaf that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy family dinners!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef?
Yes! You can use leaner ground beef, but keep in mind that a lower fat content might result in a drier meatloaf. To counteract this, you could add a little extra milk or finely chopped vegetables to help retain moisture.
Can I Substitute the French Onion Soup?
Absolutely! If you don’t have French onion soup, you can use beef broth with a bit of caramelized onions and some onion powder for flavor. This will give you a similar taste profile without losing the essence of the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
What Can I Serve with This Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a simple salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors!
