This delicious Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Tender meatloaf slowly cooks over a bed of sweet caramelized onions, then gets topped with rich, melty Swiss cheese. It’s a “set it and forget it” recipe that fills your home with an irresistible aroma and your plate with flavor. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty dinner without much effort, this slow-cooked meatloaf delivers every time. The French onion soup mix gives it a deep savory kick, and the cheese finish adds the perfect creamy touch.
🛒 Ingredients
For the caramelized onions:
- 3–4 large sweet onions, sliced
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp coarse black pepper
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
For the meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 oz French onion soup mix
- ½ cup cooking sherry
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
Topping:
- 4 oz Swiss cheese (or Gruyère/provolone)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Caramelize the onions
Layer sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
Top with butter and drizzle with olive oil.
Cook on LOW for 9 hours, stirring once or twice, until onions are golden and soft.
2️⃣ Prepare the meatloaf
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix until well combined.
Shape into a loaf.
Pour the cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the onions.
Carefully place the meatloaf on top of the onions.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
3️⃣ Melt the cheese
Top the hot meatloaf with cheese slices.
Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4️⃣ Serve
Slice the meatloaf and serve over the caramelized onions.
Spoon some of the flavorful juices on top and garnish with fresh thyme.
⏱ Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12–12.5 hours
- Total time: 12 hours 15–30 minutes
This slow cooker meatloaf brings all the cozy flavors of French onion soup into a satisfying main dish. Would you try this with mozzarella or cheddar for a twist? Or maybe spice it up with chili flakes or smoked paprika? Let’s get creative!
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