This comforting meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic, cooked slowly in a crockpot. It features rich French onion soup flavor and is topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese—yum!
Who doesn’t love a cozy dinner with minimal fuss? I enjoy letting this cook all day while I’m busy with other things. It’s the perfect way to make dinner magic happen with no stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 for a juicy and flavorful meatloaf. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken work, but they might yield a drier meatloaf.
French Onion Soup: The condensed version adds amazing flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use beef broth mixed with caramelized onions and a splash of soy sauce for a similar taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a nice texture to the meatloaf. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but you might want to reduce the amount slightly since they absorb less moisture.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully on top. If you prefer a stronger flavor, Gruyère or provolone can be used instead. For a dairy-free option, try a non-dairy cheese you enjoy.
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions takes some patience but yields sweet, rich flavors. Start with medium heat, not too high, to avoid burning. Here’s how:
- Heat oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, stirring to coat. Cook in the oil or butter.
- After about 5 minutes, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally for about 20-30 minutes.
- They should become golden brown and soft. Remove half for the topping and keep the rest for the meatloaf.
Keeping an eye on them while they cook will ensure they turn out perfectly sweet and flavorful!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup French onion soup, condensed (or homemade equivalent)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Topping:
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing onions)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced (for caramelized onions topping)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and then cooks in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. Make sure to give it a little extra time for the Swiss cheese to melt right before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Then, add the thinly sliced onion. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, which takes about 20-30 minutes. Once done, reserve half of the caramelized onions for topping later.
2. Mixing the Meatloaf Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, the finely chopped onion, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the French onion soup. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly until everything is just combined.
3. Shaping the Meatloaf:
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits comfortably into your crockpot. This is where you want it to be sturdy but not too tight—just enough to hold together!
4. Cooking in the Crockpot:
Place the meatloaf in the crockpot and pour the remaining 1/2 cup of French onion soup over the top. Spread it evenly for maximum flavor. Then, top the meatloaf with the reserved caramelized onions.
5. Slow Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Melting the Cheese:
About 20-30 minutes before you plan to serve, arrange the Swiss cheese slices over the meatloaf in the crockpot. Cover again and let the cheese melt into gooey perfection!
7. Serving the Meatloaf:
Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter. Spoon some of the delicious onions and sauce from the crockpot over the top before garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Slice and serve while warm for a delightful and comforting meal!
This recipe yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful meatloaf that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the richness of melted Swiss cheese. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, all thanks to your handy crockpot!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey! Just note that turkey is leaner, so your meatloaf may be a bit drier. Adding an extra tablespoon of milk or some grated parmesan can help maintain moisture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, covering it to retain moisture. You might want to add a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out during reheating.
Can I Prepare This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the meatloaf ingredients the night before and keep the mixture in the fridge. Just shape it and cook it in the crockpot the next day. This makes for a super convenient meal!
What Can I Serve with This Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or simply a fresh garden salad. It’s great for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
