Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Meatloaf is a classic comfort food, but when you add the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and top it with gooey melted Swiss cheese, it becomes a dish you won’t forget. This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is an effortless meal that brings together tender ground beef, caramelized onions, and a deliciously cheesy topping. By slow-cooking the meatloaf, it remains juicy and absorbs all the deep flavors, making it a perfect dinner option for busy families.

Not only is this dish incredibly flavorful, but it’s also simple to prepare with minimal hands-on effort. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of crusty bread, this French Onion Meatloaf will be a new favorite in your home. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Onion Topping:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cheese Topping:

• 6 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and French onion soup mix.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the meat mixture and mix until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough.

Step 2: Shape and Place in Crockpot

4. Line your slow cooker with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
5. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook the Meatloaf

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Caramelized Onions

7. While the meatloaf is cooking, heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
8. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt, then stir to coat the onions evenly.
9. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized.
10. Stir in the balsamic vinegar (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Onions

11. When the meatloaf is done cooking, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a baking sheet.
12. Spread the caramelized onions over the top of the meatloaf.
13. Layer Swiss cheese slices on top of the onions.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

14. Place the baking sheet under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

15. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
16. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.

Additional Tips

• For extra juiciness, you can mix in 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the meatloaf mixture.
• If you love a crispy crust, sear the meatloaf in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side before placing it in the slow cooker.
• Make it a freezer meal! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time, shape it into a loaf, and freeze it. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the cooking instructions.

 

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a game-changer for meatloaf lovers. The slow-cooked tenderness, combined with the savory onion flavor and gooey cheese topping, makes every bite absolutely delicious. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also fills your kitchen with the rich, comforting aroma of caramelized onions and beef.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this meatloaf pairs well with any of your favorite sides and makes excellent leftovers. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, this recipe is bound to impress!

So, the next time you’re looking for a hearty and irresistibly cheesy meatloaf recipe, give this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf a try. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you!