Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf combines tender ground beef with flavorful caramelized onions cooked low and slow in a slow cooker, topped with melted Swiss Gruyère cheese for a comforting, hearty meal perfect for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 hours
- Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Prepare the Onions: Place the sliced sweet onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar. Dot with salted butter and drizzle with olive oil. Cook on LOW heat for 9 hours until the onions become deeply caramelized and sweet.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian herb bread crumbs, milk, egg, and the French onion soup mix. Mix in the cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce. Gently fold in the caramelized onions once they are ready, blending all ingredients thoroughly but without overmixing.
- Assemble and Cook the Meatloaf: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it atop the caramelized onions inside the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 3 hours or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Add the Cheese and Melt: Once cooked, top the meatloaf with slices of Swiss Gruyère or provolone cheese. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt for about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish the melted cheesy meatloaf with fresh thyme sprigs and carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Slice the meatloaf and serve warm, pairing well with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- Using a 6-quart slow cooker is optimal for even cooking of the onions and meatloaf.
- Be patient with the caramelization process; 9 hours on LOW unlocks the sweet depth of the onions.
- Feel free to substitute Swiss Gruyère with provolone cheese for a milder flavor.
- Ensure the meatloaf reaches 160°F internally to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- The cooking sherry adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the meatloaf but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
