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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

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This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf takes a comfort food classic to the next level! Packed with savory flavors of caramelized onions and topped with melty cheese, it’s cooked low and slow in a crockpot for a tender, juicy meatloaf that’s easy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf

  • 1 1/2 lbs (700 g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1 envelope (about 2 tbsp) French onion soup mix
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional, for mixing into the meatloaf)

For the Topping

  • 1 cup caramelized onions (see Notes for a quick recipe)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, French onion soup mix, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. If desired, mix in 1/2 cup shredded cheese for extra gooeyness.
  3. Gently mix everything with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

2. Shape the Meatloaf

  1. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a piece of parchment paper or directly into the crockpot. If your crockpot is large, you can use foil to create a sling for easier removal.

3. Cook in the Crockpot

  1. Place the meatloaf in the crockpot. If you’re worried about excess grease, you can elevate it slightly by placing it on a layer of thick-sliced onions or a rack.
  2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

4. Add the Topping

  1. Once the meatloaf is cooked, spread the caramelized onions evenly on top.
  2. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the onions.
  3. Cover and let cook for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

  1. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot using the parchment paper or foil sling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  2. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • Caramelized Onions: To make quick caramelized onions, sauté 2 sliced onions in 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet.
  • Make-Ahead: The meatloaf mixture can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.