Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese: A Comforting Delight

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, look no further than this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese. This dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of meatloaf, all cooked to perfection in your crockpot. The result is a tender, juicy meatloaf topped with rich, caramelized onions and gooey melted Swiss cheese—a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Onion & Broth:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup beef broth

Topping:

  • 8 slices Swiss cheese

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
  2. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your crockpot.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, which should take about 15 minutes.
  3. The key to perfect caramelized onions is to cook them slowly over medium heat until they reach a rich, golden-brown color.

Step 3: Cook the Meatloaf

  1. Pour the caramelized onions and beef broth over the meatloaf in the crockpot.
  2. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-7 hours. The meatloaf should be fully cooked and tender by the time it’s ready.
See also  Casserole de Poulet à l'Italienne

Step 4: Add the Cheese

  1. About 15 minutes before serving, place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf.
  2. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt over the meatloaf.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and slice it into portions.
  2. Serve each slice with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onions and broth from the bottom of the crockpot.

Nutritional Information

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 7 hours
  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Calories: Approximately 470 kcal per serving
  • Servings: 6 servings

Tips for Perfect French Onion Meatloaf

  • Mixing Meat: For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and ground pork.
  • Caramelization: Take your time caramelizing the onions; this step adds a deep, savory flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Serving Suggestions: This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of green beans, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is more than just comfort food—it’s a culinary experience that brings together the best of classic French onion flavors and the homey appeal of a well-made meatloaf. The slow cooking process ensures a tender, juicy loaf, while the caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese add layers of rich, savory goodness. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Leave a Comment