This recipe is a family favorite because it hits all the notes of a hearty, cozy meal without having to hover around the stove all day. The secret here is in the onions. Letting them slow-cook brings out a sweetness that delivers that unforgettable French onion flavor. Add to this a generous layer of melted Swiss cheese, and let me tell you, you’ve got yourself a winning dish that the kids will ask for again and again.
Now, I remember the first time I made this meatloaf. I was a bit skeptical, to say the least. Would my family, especially the kids, really go for onions cooked for hours? But oh, how wrong I was! The slow cooking on low heat ensures that all those savory juices work their magic, transforming the onions into a dreamy base for the tender meatloaf. Even my picky eaters couldn’t resist coming back for seconds.
And what’s more, this recipe carries an air of nostalgia for those days we’d sit at the dinner table, relishing simplicity over extravagance. You know the type—where the joy comes from sharing a warm meal, hearty laughs, and perhaps a fun family story passed down through generations. Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.
If you’re ready to give it a go, this recipe’s got an easy list of ingredients you probably have on hand. And, honestly, the effort is minimal, leading to maximum satisfaction. So go ahead, grab your trusty crockpot, and let’s make some culinary magic!
How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
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Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 oz. French onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz. Swiss Gruyère cheese (or provolone)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Directions
- Begin by laying the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add sea salt, black pepper, and sugar, then distribute the butter in small pats over the onions. Set your slow cooker on LOW and let them cook for 9 hours. If you’re pressed for time, you can sauté them in a skillet for 15-20 minutes instead.
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and the French onion soup mix. Shape this mixture into a sturdy loaf.
- Pour the cooking sherry and the Worcestershire sauce over the layer of onions nestled in the cooker. Nestle the meatloaf atop this savory onion base.
- Switch the slow cooker to HIGH and continue cooking for an additional 3 hours, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Layer the Swiss cheese slices over the top of the meatloaf, continuing the cook time for another 20-30 minutes, allowing the cheese to fully melt and blanket the meatloaf.
- Once done, slice the meatloaf and serve with the rich onions and cooking juices from the crockpot, garnished with fresh thyme.
Storing Suggestion
Leftover meatloaf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or heat gently in the microwave. For optimal juiciness, consider reheating with a bit of the onion sauce.
Cooking Tips
For a little kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to your meatloaf mixture. Additionally, if you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. Finally, using a thermometer will help ensure your meatloaf reaches the perfect temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a pleasing drink complement, consider serving with a robust red wine or sparkling apple cider. Adding a rustic bread basket and butter rounds out the meal elegantly.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re short on ingredients, don’t worry! You can swap out Swiss Gruyère for provolone or regular Swiss cheese. For a gluten-free option, replace Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs. If sherry’s not handy, substitute with a dry white wine or chicken broth.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, add roasted pumpkin or squash to the side for a seasonal twist. In the spring, a light asparagus salad offers a fresh contrast. Winter months work well with heavier sides like baked potatoes to perfectly complement the meatloaf’s warmth.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy, gluten, and eggs. For dairy-free substitutions, use a plant-based cheese and almond or soy milk. To make it egg-free, try replacing the egg with a flaxseed egg. Gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace traditional ones for those with a gluten intolerance.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can. Prepare the meatloaf and onion base a day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready, layer them in the crockpot, pour the liquids, and start cooking.
Can I freeze the Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf?
Absolutely! Slice the meatloaf and freeze it in airtight containers or wrapped in foil. It will stay good for up to two months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! If Swiss isn’t to your taste, feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Each brings a unique flavor and will still give you that gratifying melted texture.
Do I have to use sherry?
Not at all. If you don’t have sherry, white wine or even a splash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water works just fine. Each will give a slightly different but delicious twist to the recipe.
Can I speed up the cooking time?
If you need this dish sooner, you can cook the onions in a pan as an alternative to slow-cooking them, which takes about 15-20 minutes. This method speeds up the whole process significantly.
What makes this recipe unique?
The slow cooking of the onions in the crockpot creates a richly flavored base that sets this meatloaf apart. Combining classic French onion soup flavors with savory meatloaf gives this dish a unique and irresistible twist.
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter salted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper coarse
- 1 teaspoon sugar granulated
- 1 pound beef ground
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Italian herb
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 oz. package soup mix French onion
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 oz. Swiss Gruyère cheese or provolone
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the onions and place them in the bottom of a 6 Qt. slow cooker. Add the salt, pepper, and sugar on top, then dot with butter. Cook on LOW for 9 hours, or caramelize in a skillet for 15-20 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix. Form into a loaf shape.
- Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the onions. Carefully place the meatloaf on top.
- Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Top the meatloaf with Swiss cheese slices and let cook for another 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Slice and serve with caramelized onions and juices from the cooker, garnished with fresh thyme.
