Pin it
I stumbled upon this recipe by accident and now it's a family favorite. My Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf just melts in your mouth with sweet caramelized onions tender meat and gooey Swiss cheese on top. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day.
Why This Recipe is Pure Magic
The slow cooking makes this meatloaf incredibly tender and those onions turn into something absolutely magical. When that Swiss cheese melts over the top it creates this amazing rich layer that makes everyone come back for seconds. I love how I can throw it together in the morning and come home to the most amazing dinner.
Everything You Need
- Ground Beef: I use a mix of lean beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Sweet Onions: They caramelize beautifully in the slow cooker.
- Swiss Cheese: Get the good stuff it melts perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs: They help hold everything together.
- Eggs: The secret to keeping it moist.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley add such nice flavor.
- Beef Broth: Makes everything extra rich.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For that perfect savory taste.
Let's Make It Together
- Mix Your Meatloaf
- Combine your ground beef eggs breadcrumbs and seasonings just until mixed don't overwork it.
- Layer Your Crockpot
- Start with those sliced onions on the bottom then shape your meatloaf and place it on top.
- Set and Forget
- Pour in your broth cover and let it cook on low for 6 hours.
- The Final Touch
- Layer on that Swiss cheese cover and let it melt into gooey perfection.
Pin it
My Best Tips
Be gentle when mixing your meat nobody likes tough meatloaf. Using lean meat gives you great flavor without swimming in grease. I always cook a tiny piece in a pan to check the seasoning before I put the whole thing in the slow cooker. Try to shape it evenly so it cooks the same all the way through.
Slow Cooker Success
Those onions on the bottom aren't just for flavor they keep your meatloaf from sticking. The low and slow cooking makes everything taste amazing. Just resist peeking under the lid while it cooks you want to keep all that heat and moisture inside.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you have any leftovers they'll keep in the fridge for three days. Want to save it longer? Pop it in the freezer it's good for up to three months. Just let it thaw overnight in the fridge then warm it up in the oven or microwave until it's hot through.
What to Serve With It
I love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes they're perfect for soaking up all those amazing juices. Green beans on the side add nice color or try a fresh Caesar salad. If you're feeling fancy pour a glass of Pinot Noir it goes beautifully with the rich flavors.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
- Yes, while Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use Gruyère or provolone as mentioned in the recipe. Any good melting cheese will work well.
- → Why do we add sugar to the onions?
- Sugar helps the onions caramelize more quickly and evenly. It enhances their natural sweetness and helps them develop that rich brown color.
- → Can I make this without a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can caramelize the onions in a skillet and bake the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- You can mix and shape the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also caramelize the onions in advance if using the skillet method.
- → What can I substitute for cooking sherry?
- You can use beef broth, red wine, or white wine as alternatives to cooking sherry. Each will provide a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.