Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions with tender ground beef, slowly cooked to perfection. Topped with melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese, it’s a comforting and easy meal that fills your home with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking sherry (optional)
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Half of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)
• 6-8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add thinly sliced onions, sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
2. Step 2: Deglaze the pan with cooking sherry if using, then remove from heat. Set aside half of the caramelized onions for mixing into the meatloaf, and reserve the rest for topping.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently until just combined.
4. Step 4: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on parchment paper or foil inside the crockpot.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Step 6: Drain any excess liquid from the crockpot before adding the topping.
7. Step 7: Spread the remaining caramelized onions evenly over the meatloaf, then layer the cheese slices on top. Cover the crockpot and let the cheese melt for 5-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, optionally transfer the meatloaf to an oven-safe dish and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of Gruyère and Swiss cheese for a richer flavor and gooey texture.
• If you prefer, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a beef-pork blend.
• For a deeper onion flavor, slowly caramelize the onions over low heat without rushing the process.
• Adding a splash of beef broth to the crockpot before cooking can help keep the meatloaf moist.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Cover with foil for the first 45 minutes, then add onions and cheese topping during the last 15 minutes.

What can I use instead of French onion soup mix?

If you don’t have French onion soup mix, use a combination of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar to mimic its flavor.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 116 reviews

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, caramelized flavors of sweet onions with classic meatloaf ingredients, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Topped with melted Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese and fresh thyme, this comforting dish is an effortless twist on a family favorite, perfect for hearty weeknight dinners.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cooking sherry (optional)

Meatloaf

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
• ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Half of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)

Topping

• Remaining half of caramelized onions
• 6–8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese
• Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions, sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for 30-40 minutes until the onions turn a deep golden brown and are beautifully caramelized. Deglaze the pan with the cooking sherry if using, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, whole milk, large egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the caramelized onions you prepared earlier. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Shape and Place in Crockpot: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on parchment paper or foil inside your crockpot base, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
4. Slow Cook the Meatloaf: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf is done when an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is reached. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess liquid from the crockpot before proceeding to the topping step.
5. Add the Cheese and Onion Topping: Spread the remaining caramelized onions evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Next, layer 6-8 slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese on top. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt for 5-10 minutes.
6. Optional Broiling for Golden Finish: For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, transfer the meatloaf to an oven-safe dish and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the meatloaf with fresh thyme sprigs for an aromatic finish. Serve warm and enjoy this savory, comforting dish.

Notes

• Cooking sherry is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the caramelized onions.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• If preferred, you can substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for added richness.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Leftover meatloaf slices reheat well in a microwave or oven.
• The broiling step is optional but highly recommended for a melted, browned cheese topping.

Keywords: French Onion Meatloaf, Crockpot Meatloaf, Slow Cooker Meatloaf, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner