If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed dinner that basically cooks itself, this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is for you. Juicy, tender meatloaf infused with the rich, savory goodness of caramelized onions and topped with gooey melted cheese—this is comfort food at its finest. Best of all? Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
- Hands-off cooking: Let your slow cooker work its magic while you relax.
- Deep, rich flavor: Slow-cooked onions bring a sweet and savory depth.
- Cheesy goodness: Melted Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone make this irresistible.
- Perfect for busy nights: Prep in the morning, and dinner is ready by evening!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3-4 large sweet onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 oz. package French onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Slice onions and spread them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Add butter and olive oil on top of the onions.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 12 hours, until onions are golden and caramelized. (Yes, it’s a long wait, but trust me—it’s worth it!)
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or oval loaf.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Meatloaf
- Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the caramelized onions in the slow cooker.
- Place the meatloaf directly on top of the onions.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Place slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese over the meatloaf.
- Cover and continue cooking for 20-30 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Slice the meatloaf and serve it with a generous spoonful of the onions and sauce from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Meatloaf
- Shortcut Tip: If you’re short on time, caramelize the onions in a pan on the stove over low heat for about 45 minutes instead of slow cooking for 12 hours.
- Cheese Swap: Don’t have Swiss or Gruyère? Provolone, mozzarella, or even white cheddar will work beautifully.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Just be aware that turkey tends to be leaner, so consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it moist.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the onions in a skillet, then bake the meatloaf in a 375°F oven for about 45 minutes, adding cheese in the last 10 minutes.
What should I serve with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious onion sauce!
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a game-changer for comfort food lovers. It’s packed with deep, rich flavors, made effortlessly in the slow cooker, and topped with melty cheese that ties everything together. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend meal for the family, this recipe is guaranteed to impress!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy meatloaf? Let me know in the comments!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
Juicy, tender meatloaf infused with caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese—slow-cooked to perfection for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3-4 large sweet onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 oz French onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese for topping
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Slice onions and spread them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle onions with salt, pepper, and sugar, then add butter and olive oil on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 12 hours until onions are golden and caramelized.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or oval loaf.
- Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the caramelized onions in the slow cooker.
- Place the meatloaf directly on top of the onions.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Place slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese over the meatloaf.
- Cover and continue cooking for 20-30 more minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Slice the meatloaf and serve with a generous spoonful of the onions and sauce from the slow cooker.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before serving.
Notes
For a faster version, caramelize the onions on the stovetop over low heat for about 45 minutes instead of slow cooking for 12 hours. Swap the cheese with mozzarella or white cheddar for a different twist. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3.5mg
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