Description
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with a juicy, tender meatloaf slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 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
French Onion Topping
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced (to melt on top)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Set aside.
- Mix the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly but gently to combine all ingredients without overworking the meat.
- Assemble meatloaf in crockpot: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot. Spoon half of the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Slow cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and is cooked through.
- Add cheese and remaining onions: About 30 minutes before serving, carefully top the meatloaf with sliced Swiss cheese and the remaining caramelized onions. Cover and allow the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the meatloaf from the crockpot, slice, and serve hot, spooning some of the onion and cheese topping over each slice.
Notes
- For best flavor, caramelize onions slowly to develop sweetness without burning.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for different flavors.
- If you don't have a crockpot, the meatloaf can be baked in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.
- The Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth, but you can omit it for a milder taste.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.