This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a cozy and tasty dish, packed with savory flavors and topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese. What’s not to love?
Making dinner in a slow cooker means you can relax while it cooks! I enjoy how simple it is to throw everything in and let the magic happen. It’s comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing because they get wonderfully sweet as they cook down. If you want a little kick, try using red onions – they also add a nice color!
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 beef gives great flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too – just be careful not to dry it out!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss adds a mild, nutty flavor when melted. If you can’t find Swiss, Gruyère or even provolone are fantastic substitutes that melt beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: For a gluten-free version, you can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. This keeps the texture without compromising on taste!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is lovely if you have it. Dry thyme works perfectly too, and most of the time, I just use what I’ve got on hand.
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is key for flavor in this meatloaf. It’s all about low and slow cooking! Here’s how I do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions, sugar, and a bit of salt. The sugar helps enhance the sweetness.
- Cook for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Tip: If they brown too quickly, lower the heat! You want them golden, not burnt.
Once caramelized, the onions will be soft and sweet, adding rich flavor to your meatloaf. Enjoy the aroma while they cook – it’s a winner!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup (optional, for mixing into meatloaf)
- 6-8 slices Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time in the crockpot, which is about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, you can set it and forget it while you go about your day, and come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and deliciously caramelized, which should take about 25-30 minutes. In the last few minutes, stir in the black pepper and thyme. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Gently mix everything together until combined, but be careful not to overmix—that can make the meatloaf tough!
3. Assemble the Meatloaf:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Start by placing half of the caramelized onions in the bottom of your slow cooker. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits well and place it right on top of the onions. Then, spread the rest of the caramelized onions over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Cook on low for about 6-7 hours or, if you’re short on time, on high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. Add Cheese and Melt:
About 15 minutes before the cooking time is up, layer the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover it back up and let it cook until the cheese has melted beautifully!
6. Serve:
When it’s done cooking, carefully remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker. Let it rest for a few minutes to make slicing easier. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy the incredible flavors!
This hearty French Onion Meatloaf is comfort food at its peak, filled with tender caramelized onions and gooey melted Swiss cheese. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as leaner meats may cook a bit faster.
How Do I Store Leftover Meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! You can bake this meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). You can cover it with foil to keep it moist if you like!
What Should I Serve with French Onion Meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or even crusty bread. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
