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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf With Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese for a comforting and flavorful dinner. Slow-cooked to juicy perfection, this meatloaf is infused with classic French onion soup mix and topped with savory cheese and fresh thyme, making it an easy yet impressive meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cooking sherry (optional)

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Half of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)

For the Topping:

  • 6–8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the sliced onions along with sea salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until the onions are deep golden brown and fully caramelized. Optionally, deglaze the pan with cooking sherry, then remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the caramelized onions reserved from the first step. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the meat.
  3. Shape and Place Meatloaf in Crockpot: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on parchment paper or foil inside your crockpot, ensuring it holds its shape during cooking.
  4. Slow Cook the Meatloaf: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW heat setting for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf is done when its internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If any excess liquid accumulates, carefully drain it before adding the cheese topping.
  5. Add the Cheese Topping: Spread the remaining caramelized onions evenly over the top of the cooked meatloaf. Lay the slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese on top of the onions. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt for about 5-10 minutes.
  6. Optional Broiling for Golden Top: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, transfer the meatloaf carefully to an oven-safe dish and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Once melted and ready, garnish the meatloaf with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a juicy and flavorful meatloaf due to the fat content.
  • The cooking sherry in the caramelized onions is optional but adds depth to the flavor.
  • You can substitute the cheese with Gruyère or provolone for different flavors.
  • If you don’t have a crockpot, this recipe can be adapted to bake in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
  • Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing helps maintain its shape and juiciness.

Keywords: French onion meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker recipe, caramelized onions, Swiss cheese meatloaf

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/crockpot-french-onion-meatloaf-with-melted-swiss-cheese-recipe/