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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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Looking for an easy and flavorful dinner option that will satisfy your family and guests? This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese recipe is a must-try! Combining the rich flavors of French onion soup with the comfort of a classic meatloaf, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, with the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

  • For the Meatloaf:
    • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 1 packet French onion soup mix
    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
    • ½ cup milk
    • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Swiss Cheese Topping:
    • 6-8 slices Swiss cheese (or to taste)
  • Optional Garnish:
    • Fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

this recipe
  1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, French onion soup mix, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
  2. Shape the Meatloaf:
    • Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan that fits inside your Crockpot. Shape the meat into a loaf shape, ensuring it fits snugly but doesn’t touch the sides of the slow cooker.
  3. Cook in the Crockpot:
    • Cover and cook the meatloaf on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatloaf should be cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  4. Add the Swiss Cheese:
    • About 10-15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover and allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
  5. Serve:
    • Once the cheese has melted and the meatloaf is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the Crockpot. Slice and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
  6. Enjoy:
    • Serve this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. The melted Swiss cheese and savory flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: The combination of French onion soup mix and Swiss cheese brings out deep, savory flavors without the need for complicated ingredients.
  • Slow Cooker Convenience: Cooking this meatloaf in the Crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days when you want a hassle-free dinner.
  • Melted Swiss Cheese: The melted Swiss cheese topping adds a creamy, slightly tangy layer of flavor that takes this meatloaf to the next level.
  • Moist and Tender: The slow cooking process ensures that the meatloaf is moist, tender, and full of flavor, making it far superior to oven-baked versions.

Tips for Success

  • Use Lean Meat: For a leaner version of this recipe, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey.
  • Customize the Toppings: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, if you’re not a fan of Swiss.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and cook it in the Crockpot when you’re ready.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or bake them in the oven until warmed through. This recipe also freezes well for up to 3 months. Simply slice the meatloaf and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap before freezing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the perfect dish. The blend of French onion soup and Swiss cheese brings rich flavors to a beloved classic. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual gathering, this slow cooker recipe is sure to impress.

Serving Tips for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

  • Pair with Classic Sides: This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (such as carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts), or a simple side salad. The rich, savory flavors of the meatloaf are balanced by the freshness of the vegetables or salad.
  • Top with Extra Gravy or Sauce: For added moisture and flavor, serve the meatloaf with a side of gravy or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
  • Make it a Sandwich: Leftover meatloaf can be turned into a delicious sandwich the next day. Simply place slices between two slices of your favorite bread and add some mustard or mayo for an extra flavor kick.
  • Garnish for a Finishing Touch: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives can be sprinkled on top for a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both the presentation and taste of your meal.

Storage Tips for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Leftover Cheese: If you have leftover melted Swiss cheese, it can be stored in the refrigerator and used in sandwiches, salads, or other recipes like grilled cheese or burgers.

Refrigeration: Leftover meatloaf should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to allow the meatloaf to cool completely before storing to avoid condensation inside the container.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf. Slice the meatloaf into portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the meatloaf, simply microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you’ve frozen the meatloaf, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
Yes, you can easily swap Swiss cheese for other types like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella. Each cheese will offer a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just shape it into a loaf and cook it in the Crockpot as directed. The Swiss cheese can be added during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

3. Can I make this meatloaf with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef in this recipe. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious. If you use lean ground meat, consider adding a little extra moisture, such as a splash of broth or a few tablespoons of olive oil, to keep the meatloaf moist.

4. How do I know when the meatloaf is fully cooked?
The best way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F (71°C) when fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.

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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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  • Author: Stephanie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours
  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on a classic. Infused with caramelized onion flavors and topped with melted Swiss cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy nights. Slow cooking ensures the meatloaf stays moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Serves 6

  • For the meatloaf:
    • 1 1/2 lbs (680 g) ground beef
    • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
    • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
    • 1 egg
    • 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) French onion soup mix
    • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the topping:
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
    • 6 slices Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatloaf:
    • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
    • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of your crockpot.
  2. Cook the onions:
    • In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
    • Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  3. Add the broth:
    • Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf in the crockpot, and sprinkle thyme over the top if desired.
  4. Cook the meatloaf:
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  5. Add the Swiss cheese:
    • About 10 minutes before serving, lay the slices of Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Cover and let cook until the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve:
    • Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot using a large spatula. Slice and serve with the caramelized onions and some of the broth as a gravy.

Notes

  • For extra richness, stir a teaspoon of cornstarch into the beef broth before adding it to the crockpot to create a thicker sauce.
  • Pair this meatloaf with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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