Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese combines rich, slow-cooked caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef, topped with gooey Swiss cheese. It is an effortless, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful and family-friendly twist on classic meatloaf.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6.5 to 8.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free breadcrumb substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add thinly sliced yellow onions. Cook slowly for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn golden brown and sweet. This step brings out the rich sweetness essential for the dish.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add half of the caramelized onions to this mixture and mix gently to keep the texture tender.
- Shape and Layer: Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits into your crockpot. Place the loaf inside the crockpot, then spoon the remaining caramelized onions evenly over the top to infuse the meatloaf with additional onion flavor.
- Add Broth and Cook: Pour beef broth around the loaf, avoiding pouring directly on top, to maintain moisture. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked and tender.
- Add the Swiss Cheese: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, layer the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover and allow the cheese to melt perfectly over the meat and onions.
Notes
- Don’t skip caramelizing the onions as it is the flavor backbone of this recipe.
- Use a crockpot liner for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Check meat temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 160°F for food safety.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture in advance to save time on busy days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of meatloaf
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: meatloaf, crockpot, slow cooker, French onion, Swiss cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal