Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Looking for a hearty, flavorful dinner option that requires minimal effort? Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect solution! This recipe takes the classic meatloaf and infuses it with the savory, sweet flavors of French onion soup, all while being cooked in the convenience of a slow cooker. With a tender and juicy interior and a rich, onion-infused glaze, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

• Hands-off cooking: Using a Crockpot (slow cooker) means you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors develop while you go about your day.
• Flavorsome twist: The French onion soup adds depth, richness, and sweetness to the meatloaf that makes it stand out from traditional recipes.
• Perfect for meal prep: This meatloaf is great for leftovers, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time for busy weeknights or meal planning.

Ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can use lean or fatty beef depending on your preference)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or substitute with crushed crackers for a different texture)
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet of dry French onion soup mix (for that signature flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional, for extra onion flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

this recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, dry French onion soup mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding extra onions, fold them in as well. Mix everything until it is well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.

Step 2: Shape the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan that fits inside your Crockpot, or you can shape the meat into a loaf shape directly on a piece of parchment paper. Ensure it is compact and even for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth. This glaze will give your meatloaf a tangy-sweet finish with a hint of umami flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Meatloaf

Place the prepared meatloaf into the Crockpot. Spoon a generous amount of the glaze over the top, making sure to coat it evenly. Set your Crockpot on low heat and cook for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meatloaf moist.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

• Use lean beef for a healthier version: If you prefer a lower-fat meatloaf, opt for lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
• Add extra flavor: You can enhance the flavor by sautéing the onions before adding them to the meatloaf mixture. This will bring out their sweetness and add depth to the dish.
• Customize the glaze: Feel free to tweak the glaze by adding hot sauce for a kick or more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Resting time is key: Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to avoid it falling apart.

Why Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a Family Favorite

The comforting taste of French onion soup mixed with the traditional meatloaf recipe makes this dish both nostalgic and exciting. Cooking it in the Crockpot ensures it’s always tender and juicy without the need for constant attention. Plus, the savory and sweet onion glaze complements the meat perfectly, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your household.

By incorporating this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf into your dinner rotation, you’re guaranteed a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Let the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy the savory aromas filling your home!

Serving and Storage Tips for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Serving Tips:

1. Pair with Classic Sides: Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf pairs perfectly with traditional side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple side salad. The rich flavors of the meatloaf complement starchy sides like mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese.
2. Top with Extra Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle additional glaze over each slice of meatloaf before serving. This will enhance the sweetness and tanginess that complements the savory meatloaf.
3. Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: If you’re a fan of cheesy goodness, sprinkle shredded cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let the cheese melt into the meatloaf for a deliciously indulgent touch.
4. Make Meatloaf Sandwiches: Leftovers from this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf are perfect for making sandwiches the next day. Layer slices of meatloaf on a sandwich bun with a little more ketchup or your favorite mustard for a hearty lunch.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerating Leftovers: After your meal, allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing it. Place the leftover slices in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store the glaze separately to prevent the meatloaf from becoming too soggy.
2. Freezing Leftovers: Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf freezes well for future meals. Wrap the leftover meatloaf slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, and then warm up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
3. Reheating Tips: To reheat the meatloaf, place individual slices in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake covered in foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices.

Tips for Meal Prep:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just assemble it in the Crockpot and let it cook as directed when you’re ready to enjoy.
• Pre-portioned Servings: For easy meal prep, slice the meatloaf into individual servings before storing. This makes it simple to grab a slice for a quick lunch or dinner during the week.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make sure your Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf stays delicious and convenient for days to come!

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a substitute for ground beef in this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf recipe. While ground turkey is leaner and will result in a slightly lighter meatloaf, it still works well with the French onion flavor and glaze. Just keep in mind that turkey may cook slightly faster, so monitor the cooking time to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

2. Can I make this meatloaf without the French onion soup mix?

If you don’t have French onion soup mix, you can make your own by combining dried onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and some beef bouillon granules to mimic the flavor. Use about 1/4 cup of your homemade seasoning mixture in place of the packet of soup mix. This will still give your meatloaf that savory, onion-infused flavor without the pre-packaged mix.

3. How can I ensure the meatloaf doesn’t fall apart when slicing?

To help keep the meatloaf together, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can make it dense and crumbly. Additionally, letting the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, which helps it stay intact when slicing. You can also use a loaf pan inside the Crockpot to help maintain the shape.

4. Can I cook the meatloaf on high heat in the Crockpot instead of low?

Yes, you can cook the meatloaf on high heat, but the cooking time will be shorter. If you choose the high setting, plan on cooking for about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the meatloaf. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

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