This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a real winner! Packed with juicy beef, sweet onion flavor, and topped with gooey Swiss cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
I love how easy it is to make—just mix the ingredients and let the crockpot do all the work! Plus, the melted cheese bubbling on top makes it extra tasty. What’s not to love? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: The 80/20 blend strikes a nice balance between flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, go for ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind they may be less flavorful.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing due to their sweetness. You could substitute with sweet onions or even shallots for a milder flavor.
French Onion Soup: Canned or homemade works! If you’re watching sodium, consider low-sodium soup or use beef broth adjusted with some caramelized onions instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but if you can’t find it, Gruyère or provolone would be great substitutes.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing your onions is key for adding depth to the meatloaf. The process might seem long, but it’s well worth the wait. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by heating the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally. Allow them to turn golden brown, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes.
- To speed things up, you can sprinkle a little salt, which helps draw out moisture. In the last two minutes, add in the minced garlic for flavor.
Remember, patience is key! If you rush this step, you’ll miss those sweet, rich flavors that make this dish shine.
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup French onion soup (prepared or canned)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes for preparation and cooking time ranges between 3-8 hours depending on your setting (low or high in the crockpot). You’ll spend some time caramelizing the onions and mixing the meatloaf, but the crockpot does the heavy lifting. Set it and forget it while you enjoy your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and caramelized, roughly 20-25 minutes. In the last 2 minutes, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Once done, take them off the heat and set aside a bit for the topping.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, the majority of the caramelized onions (not the reserved bit), panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and half of the French onion soup. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture!
3. Shape the Meatloaf:
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Make sure it fits nicely in your crockpot for even cooking.
4. Cook in the Crockpot:
Carefully place the meatloaf into your crockpot. Pour the remaining French onion soup around the sides and over the top. This will keep it moist as it cooks.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
6. Add Swiss Cheese:
About 15-20 minutes before cooking is complete, add the thin Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover again and let the cheese melt beautifully over the meatloaf.
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with the reserved caramelized onions and fresh herbs if you wish. Spoon some of the delicious juices from the crockpot over each slice for extra flavor!
Enjoy this tender, juicy meatloaf, packed with rich French onion flavors and topped with melted Swiss cheese! It’s a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey is a leaner option, but be aware that it may be less moist than beef. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a little extra seasoning or incorporating some olive oil into the mixture.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko. If you want a gluten-free option, just look for gluten-free breadcrumbs available in stores.
How Do I Know When the Meatloaf Is Fully Cooked?
The safest way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meatloaf; it should read 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the meatloaf is no longer pink in the center.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before placing it into the crockpot.
