This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a cozy twist on a classic dish! It’s super easy to make, packed with flavors, and topped with melted Swiss cheese for that gooey goodness we all love.
Let’s face it, who can resist the smell of meatloaf slowly cooking all day? I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes and watch everyone enjoy it. What’s not to love? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: They’re the star of the show! I recommend using yellow onions for their sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with sweet onions, though they may take a bit longer to caramelize.
Ground Beef: I use an 80/20 mix for good fat content, which helps keep the meatloaf moist. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work, but adjust cooking times as they may cook faster.
Swiss Cheese: The gooey, melty goodness is key! If you can’t find Swiss, feel free to go with provolone or even mozzarella as a lighter alternative.
Breadcrumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs for texture but you can sub in panko for an extra crunch. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also great if you need a gluten-free option!
How Do You Achieve the Best Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience. The key is low and slow cooking to draw out their sweetness. Here’s a quick guide:
- Use medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- Stir them frequently to ensure even cooking, but don’t rush it. Let them cook for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Adding sugar helps speed up caramelization, but it’s optional. Just keep an eye on them!
These nicely caramelized onions will add depth and flavor to your meatloaf!
Why Is Mixing Meatloaf Ingredients Gently Important?
When mixing your meatloaf, it’s important to be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf. Here’s how to mix without overdoing it:
- Combine your dry and wet ingredients separately first to ensure even distribution.
- Then, gently fold in the ground beef with your hands or a spatula just until everything is combined.
- A good tip is to use cold beef; it’s easier to handle and keeps the texture nice and tender.
These steps will help you achieve a soft and flavorful meatloaf!
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For Cooking:
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meatloaf takes about 25 minutes for prep and then cooks nicely in the crockpot. You’ll want to allow 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it fits great into a busy day—just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add those beautifully sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar. Cook while stirring frequently for about 20-25 minutes until the onions turn golden brown and caramelized. This is where the magic happens!
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow it to cook together for another 1-2 minutes until everything is fragrant. Great smells are filling your kitchen! Now, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Mix gently until everything is just combined. Remember, gentle mixing keeps your meatloaf tender!
4. Shape the Meatloaf:
With your hands, form the meat mixture into a loaf shape that fits inside your crockpot. This loaf is a labor of love, so make it nice and neat!
5. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Carefully place the meatloaf in the crockpot. Now, spoon half of the delicious caramelized onions evenly over the top. Yum!
6. Add Beef Broth:
Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf in the crockpot. This will keep it moist during cooking.
7. Cook the Meatloaf:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its magic. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
8. Add the Swiss Cheese:
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover again and let the cheese melt beautifully over the top. Heaven!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, gently remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and place it on a serving plate. Top with the remaining caramelized onions. If you like, garnish with fresh thyme for a pop of color.
10. Pair It Up:
Serve warm with your favorite sides, like fluffy mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!
Bon appétit and enjoy your flavorful, tender Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf topped with melty Swiss cheese!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While I recommend ground beef for its flavor and moisture, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as lean meats can sometimes cook faster.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute. Be sure to check the labels on your Worcestershire sauce and broth too, as some may contain gluten.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the meatloaf slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in shredded carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even spinach into the meat mixture. Just be sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly. Adding veggies not only boosts nutrition but also adds extra flavor!