Introduction
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a comforting, flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, combining the savory depth of French onion soup with the rich taste of ground beef and melted Swiss cheese. The slow-cooked meatloaf is packed with flavor from caramelized onions and Worcestershire sauce, while the melted Swiss cheese adds a creamy, gooey topping that enhances the entire dish.
Using a crockpot ensures the meatloaf remains tender and juicy as it cooks low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Caramelizing the onions and cooking them with beef broth adds that iconic French onion soup flavor, making this dish both hearty and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal with minimal hands-on cooking time. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon, but be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of the crockpot. Set the crockpot aside while you prepare the onions.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the 2 large thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. The onions should become golden brown and caramelized. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
- Once the onions are caramelized, pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. This step infuses the onions with the rich flavor of beef broth, enhancing the French onion theme.
Step 3: Add Onions to the Crockpot
- Pour the caramelized onions and any remaining broth over the top of the meatloaf in the crockpot, spreading them evenly to cover the meatloaf.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Add Swiss Cheese
- About 10 minutes before serving, top the meatloaf with 8 slices of Swiss cheese. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt over the meatloaf. The Swiss cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor that complements the caramelized onions and beef.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of the French Onion Meatloaf with the caramelized onions on top, along with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Note:
- Onions: Caramelizing the onions properly is key to achieving the deep, rich flavor of this dish. Make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cheese Variation: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use provolone, gruyere, or cheddar as alternatives to Swiss cheese.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and caramelize the onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and cook in the crockpot when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair this hearty meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of warm garlic bread to enhance the savory flavors of the meatloaf and onions.
- Vegetables: Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Ground Beef Substitutes: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork if desired.
- Crockpot Temperature: If you are short on time, you can cook the meatloaf on high for about 3-4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours, but low and slow is ideal for the most tender meatloaf.
- Storage: Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time:
- 6 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 720mg
Conclusion
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that elevates traditional meatloaf with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. The combination of caramelized onions, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce creates a depth of flavor, while the melted Swiss cheese adds a creamy finish that ties everything together beautifully.
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a hands-off, slow-cooked meal that’s sure to impress your family or guests. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a comforting dinner that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor of this French Onion Meatloaf
Print
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon, but be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of the crockpot. Set the crockpot aside while you prepare the onions.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the 2 large thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. The onions should become golden brown and caramelized. Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the savory meatloaf.
- Once the onions are caramelized, pour 1 cup of beef broth into the skillet and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed. This step infuses the onions with the rich flavor of beef broth, enhancing the French onion theme.
Step 3: Add Onions to the Crockpot
- Pour the caramelized onions and any remaining broth over the top of the meatloaf in the crockpot, spreading them evenly to cover the meatloaf.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Add Swiss Cheese
- About 10 minutes before serving, top the meatloaf with 8 slices of Swiss cheese. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt over the meatloaf. The Swiss cheese adds a creamy and slightly nutty flavor that complements the caramelized onions and beef.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve slices of the French Onion Meatloaf with the caramelized onions on top, along with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
Cooking Note:
- Onions: Caramelizing the onions properly is key to achieving the deep, rich flavor of this dish. Make sure to cook them slowly over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cheese Variation: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use provolone, gruyere, or cheddar as alternatives to Swiss cheese.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and caramelize the onions ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, then assemble and cook in the crockpot when ready.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 32g