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This Crock Pot French Onion Meatloaf transforms a classic comfort food into a tender, flavor-packed meal with very little fuss. Slow cooking melds the rich caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese into the ground beef, creating juicy slices that are perfect for a cozy family dinner. The easy prep and hands-off cooking make this a weeknight hero you will want to keep coming back to.
I first made this on a chilly weekend and my family declared it an instant favorite. Now it’s in regular rotation, especially when I want something comforting without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Butter: one tablespoon helps caramelize the onions and adds a rich base flavor use real butter for best taste
- Yellow onion: one medium to get sweet, mellow flavor through caramelization choose firm smoothskinned onions
- Lean ground beef: two pounds provides a hearty, juicy base while avoiding excess grease look for freshly ground with bright red color
- Beefy onion soup mix: one envelope for deep, savory seasoning substitute dry onion soup mix if needed but the beefy version adds extra richness
- Italian bread crumbs: three quarters cup to bind the meatloaf and add texture use seasoned or plain, whichever you prefer
- Eggs: two large bind the ingredients together and help the loaf hold shape
- Milk: three quarters cup moistens the mixture and keeps the meatloaf tender whole milk works best but use what you have
- Worcestershire sauce: one tablespoon adds umami complexity and balances flavors
- Swiss cheese: eight slices divided use for melty pockets inside the loaf and a gooey topping gruyere or provolone can work if you want a different twist
- French onion soup: ten and a half ounce can brings classic French onion flavor to the top choose low sodium if you are watching salt
- Chopped parsley: optional garnish for a fresh pop of color and mild herbal note
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a medium skillet over medium high heat melt one tablespoon butter then add one sliced yellow onion. Cook the onions stirring occasionally until they caramelize and turn golden brown about ten minutes. Reduce heat if they start to burn. This develops deep onion sweetness that is key to the dish.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base:
- Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and spread them evenly across the bottom of a five to six quart slow cooker. This layer adds moisture and flavor while keeping the meatloaf from sticking.
- Mix the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl combine two pounds lean ground beef with one envelope beefy onion soup mix, three quarters cup Italian bread crumbs, two beaten large eggs, three quarters cup milk, and one tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Dice up five slices Swiss cheese into chunks and add to the mixture. Use clean hands to mix everything gently until just combined to avoid compacting.
- Shape and Layer:
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape using your hands. Carefully place the loaf on top of the caramelized onions in the slow cooker.
- Add Soup and Cook:
- Pour the entire can of French onion soup evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about five to six hours or on high for three hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit for safe eating.
- Finish with Cheese:
- About five minutes before serving, arrange the remaining three slices of Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Cover again and let the cheese melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness. Slice the meatloaf carefully and spoon some of the flavorful juices from the slow cooker over each serving.
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Swiss cheese is my favorite part because it melts beautifully without overpowering the other flavors. I remember making this for a family gathering, and everyone kept going back for seconds just to enjoy those gooey cheesy bites.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the meatloaf moist. You can also freeze cooked slices for up to three months wrapped tightly in foil and a freezer bag.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have beefy onion soup mix, regular dry onion soup mix works fine but the flavor will be a little lighter. Ground turkey or a mix of pork and beef can substitute the ground beef to change up the texture and taste. Feel free to swap Swiss cheese with provolone or gruyere for a different cheesy note.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatloaf over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside steamed green beans or roasted carrots. A simple side salad will also complement the richness of this dish. The flavorful juices from the slow cooker make a great drizzle over your plate.
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This Crock Pot French Onion Meatloaf is an easy, comforting weeknight meal that yields tender, flavorful slices. It’s perfect for feeding a family or making ahead and freezing for busy nights.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I skip caramelizing the onions?
Yes, caramelizing adds sweetness but you can substitute with French onion soup mix for flavor.
- → Is it possible to use less ground beef?
You can reduce to one pound but adjust other ingredients proportionally and monitor internal temperature carefully.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it a day before, refrigerate covered, and cook when ready.
- → What are good side dishes to serve with this meatloaf?
Steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles pair wonderfully with the dish.
- → Can this be cooked in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cooking on manual high pressure for 30 minutes is suggested; add caramelized onions on top to avoid burning.