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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
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This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a hearty, soul-warming meal that combines tender, flavorful meatloaf infused with caramelized onions, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, and topped with gooey melted Swiss cheese. It’s perfect for an effortless weeknight dinner that delivers rich, savory flavors and a moist, tender texture everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds lean to medium ground beef
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 large onions slowly cooked)
  • 4–6 slices Swiss cheese
  • ¾ cup bread crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional spices: ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Slowly cook thinly sliced onions in 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until they turn deep golden and sweet. This slow cooking process develops the authentic French onion flavor essential for the dish.
  2. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, caramelized onions, bread crumbs, eggs, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any optional spices you desire. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined to avoid making the meatloaf dense.
  3. Shape the Meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape that fits comfortably inside your crockpot. Press it firmly so it holds together during cooking.
  4. Slow Cook: Place the shaped meatloaf in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method ensures a tender texture and allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
  5. Add the Swiss Cheese: About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, place Swiss cheese slices evenly on top. Cover with the crockpot lid and allow the cheese to melt perfectly during the last part of cooking.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and make slicing easier.

Notes

  • Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the meatloaf tender instead of tough.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
  • Caramelizing the onions fresh adds a richer, sweeter flavor than pre-made versions.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; aim for 160°F for safe consumption.
  • Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing for better shape and juiciness.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot meatloaf, French onion meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, comfort food, Swiss cheese meatloaf

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/crockpot-french-onion-meatloaf-with-melted-swiss-cheese/