Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner? This Classic Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a game-changer! Infused with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup mix and slow-cooked to perfection, this meatloaf is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and served with fresh parsley, it’s the ultimate comfort food for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal. Plus, the crockpot does all the work for you, leaving you free to relax while the flavors develop over time. Whether served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad, this meatloaf will become an instant favorite at your dinner table!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup diced onions (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheese Topping:
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
For the Cooking Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, diced onions (optional), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf, so gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape and Place in the Crockpot
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it carefully in the bottom of your crockpot. Once the meatloaf is shaped, pour the beef broth around the sides of the loaf in the crockpot. This will keep the meatloaf moist while it cooks and add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The long cooking time on LOW will result in a more tender and juicy meatloaf, but both methods will produce a delicious result.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done cooking, place 6 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer. If you prefer a cheesier option, feel free to add more cheese!
Step 5: Serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the loaf from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Slice the meatloaf into portions, then garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Cooking Notes:
- Browning Option: If you prefer a slightly browned crust on your meatloaf, you can sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to the crockpot. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meatloaf, though it’s entirely optional.
- Onion Variation: If you’re looking for an extra burst of flavor, try adding caramelized onions on top of the melted cheese. The sweet, rich flavor of caramelized onions pairs wonderfully with the savory French onion seasoning in the meatloaf.
- Cheese Substitution: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a milder or sharper flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions:
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is wonderfully versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside fluffy mashed potatoes for a traditional comfort food pairing.
- Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans make a crunchy and healthy side that balances the richness of the meatloaf.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic and olive oil add a hearty, savory element to the meal.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will bring freshness and cut through the richness of the meatloaf.
Tips:
- Freezing Instructions: This meatloaf freezes beautifully! Simply make the meatloaf as directed, then cool it completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
- Add More Flavor: You can customize the seasoning by adding your favorite herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder, to the meat mixture for an extra punch of flavor.
- Moisture Check: If you find your meatloaf is too dry, add a bit more milk or beef broth to the mixture before cooking. The addition of milk keeps the loaf tender and moist.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:6-7 hours (LOW)
Total Time:6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How do I know when my meatloaf is cooked?
The best way to ensure your meatloaf is fully cooked is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (70°C) to be safe to eat.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just shape it into a loaf and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Conclusion
This Classic Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at the dinner table. With the slow cooking process, the flavors blend perfectly to create a savory and juicy meatloaf, while the melted Swiss cheese adds a rich, creamy finish. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation!
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Classic Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup diced onions (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheese Topping:
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
For the Cooking Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, diced onions (optional), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf, so gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape and Place in the Crockpot
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it carefully in the bottom of your crockpot. Once the meatloaf is shaped, pour the beef broth around the sides of the loaf in the crockpot. This will keep the meatloaf moist while it cooks and add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The long cooking time on LOW will result in a more tender and juicy meatloaf, but both methods will produce a delicious result.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done cooking, place 6 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer. If you prefer a cheesier option, feel free to add more cheese!
Step 5: Serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the loaf from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Slice the meatloaf into portions, then garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Browning Option: If you prefer a slightly browned crust on your meatloaf, you can sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to the crockpot. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meatloaf, though it’s entirely optional.
- Onion Variation: If you’re looking for an extra burst of flavor, try adding caramelized onions on top of the melted cheese. The sweet, rich flavor of caramelized onions pairs wonderfully with the savory French onion seasoning in the meatloaf.
- Cheese Substitution: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a milder or sharper flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW)
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Protein: 28g