Name: Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488374H13M22S
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 packet dry French onion soup mix; 1 cup bread crumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 6–8 slices Swiss cheese; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, packed with rich onion flavor and topped with gooey, melty cheese. The slow cooker makes it incredibly tender, and the layers of savory French onion seasoning give it a depth that makes this meatloaf feel special. I love serving it on cozy nights when I want comfort food with a little extra flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it transforms a basic meatloaf into something totally crave-worthy. The French onion soup mix gives the meat extra savoriness, the crockpot keeps it juicy, and the Swiss cheese adds that perfect creamy finish. It’s easy to throw together and makes a delicious dinner with almost no effort. Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Dry French onion soup mix
Bread crumbs
Eggs
Milk
Worcestershire sauce
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Sliced Swiss cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

In a large bowl, I combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
I mix gently until everything is just combined—being careful not to overwork the meat.
I shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of my greased slow cooker.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, I layer slices of Swiss cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt.
Once done, I let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. I sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving if I want a little color.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high)
Total time: About 6.5 hours (hands-off)

Variations

Sometimes I mix in sautéed onions for extra richness or swap Swiss cheese for provolone or Gruyère. I’ve even added a layer of caramelized onions under the cheese for that true French onion soup experience. If I want a spicier version, I add a pinch of crushed red pepper or mix in some Dijon mustard.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave slices gently or warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For freezing, I wrap slices individually and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this with ground turkey?

Yes, I’ve made it with ground turkey and it turns out just as moist. I just make sure to add enough seasoning since turkey is milder.

Can I bake this instead of using a slow cooker?

Definitely. I bake it in a loaf pan at 375°F for about 50–60 minutes, then top with cheese and broil for 2–3 minutes to melt.

What sides go well with this?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or green beans. A side of buttered noodles works great too.

Does it hold its shape in the crockpot?

Yes, as long as I shape it firmly and don’t add too much liquid. I sometimes line the crock with foil to lift it out more easily.

Can I use fresh onions instead of soup mix?

I’ve tried both! If I have the time, I caramelize fresh onions and mix them into the meat—just keep the seasoning balanced.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is an easy, comforting meal that brings bold flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture to the table. It’s a great way to upgrade classic meatloaf without much extra effort, and the cheesy topping makes it feel indulgent and special. Whether I’m feeding family or meal prepping for the week, this one’s always a hit.