This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a hearty and comforting dish! Loaded with tasty flavors and topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese, it’s perfect for cozy nights in.
What I love most is how easy it is to make! Just mix, shape, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and dinner will simply melt in your mouth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: Yellow onions work best for caramelizing, bringing a natural sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, white onions can be a substitute, though they’re a bit sharper in flavor.
Ground Beef: I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy meatloaf. If you want a leaner version, ground turkey or chicken can be good substitutes, but consider adding a bit more fat (like olive oil) to keep it moist.
Breadcrumbs: Traditional breadcrumbs are great, but feel free to use crushed crackers or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. For extra flavor, seasoned breadcrumbs can add a tasty twist!
Swiss Cheese: This recipe shines with Swiss cheese, but you can replace it with provolone or even mozzarella if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure you choose a cheese that melts well.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Properly?
Caramelizing onions is the key to rich flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat and be patient. Add the sliced onions to melted butter and oil, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Cook them for about 25-30 minutes. The longer they cook, the sweeter and more flavorful they’ll become.
- Add garlic and thyme in the last few minutes for additional flavor, but be careful not to let the garlic burn.
With this method, your meatloaf will be bursting with that delicious caramelized onion goodness!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping, optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Swiss cheese slices
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meatloaf takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare plus 6 to 7 hours to cook on low or 3 to 4 hours on high in the crockpot. Just prepare the ingredients, assemble everything, and let it slowly cook while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by heating up the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook them, stirring often, until they are caramelized and golden brown. This should take around 25-30 minutes. Once they are ready, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to get that lovely garlic flavor. Remove from heat and set the onions aside.
2. Making the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Gently mix everything together using your hands or a spatula—just combine until all ingredients are moist. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatloaf might turn out tough!
3. Shaping and Cooking the Meatloaf:
Next, shape the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit inside your crockpot. Place it in the crockpot insert. Then, take about half of the caramelized onions and spread them evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
4. Slow Cooking:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until it’s fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C). This slow cooking method allows all those flavors to meld beautifully!
5. Melting the Cheese:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the crockpot lid. Layer the Swiss cheese slices over the top of the meatloaf, adding the remaining caramelized onions on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for about 15–20 minutes.
6. Serving:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot with a slotted spatula and place it on a serving platter. Spoon any extra onions and juices from the crockpot over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, slice, and serve warm!
Enjoy this savory, melt-in-your-mouth French Onion Meatloaf with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and creamy Swiss cheese!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey! Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be leaner than beef, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the meatloaf moist.
What if I Don’t Have a Crockpot?
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can still make this meatloaf in the oven! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the meatloaf in a greased loaf pan for about 1 hour or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I Use Different Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese complements the flavors wonderfully, you can use provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or water if they seem dry.
