Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the perfect choice. This dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the homestyle comfort of meatloaf, all topped with gooey, melted Swiss cheese. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a delicious, satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients for the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ingredients for the French Onion Sauce:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Finishing Touch:

• 6 slices of Swiss cheese

Preparation

Mixing the Meatloaf:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into a loaf and set aside.

Preparing the French Onion Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook until they are caramelized, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Cooking Instructions

Assembling the Meatloaf in the Crockpot:

1. Place the shaped meatloaf into the crockpot.
2. Pour the French onion sauce over the meatloaf, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Cooking the Meatloaf:

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked and tender.
2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, lay the slices of Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

Adding the Melted Swiss Cheese:

1. Once the cheese is melted, carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Slice the meatloaf and serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Meat:

1. For a moist and flavorful meatloaf, use ground beef with a bit of fat content, such as an 80/20 blend.

Ensuring the Perfect Texture:

1. Avoid over-mixing the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender and not too dense.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers:

1. Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat slices of meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations

Making It Spicier:

1. Add a chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

Adding Extra Ingredients:

1. Mix in some chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots for added flavor and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
   • Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor.
2. How Long Does It Last in the Fridge?
   • The meatloaf will last up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
3. Can I Make It Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture and the French onion sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before cooking.
4. Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
   • To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs.
5. Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey can be used as a substitute for a lighter version of this dish.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a delightful and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory French onion flavors and melted Swiss cheese creates a deliciously unique twist on traditional meatloaf. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm, hearty dinner that’s perfect for any occasion!

Yield: 6

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe

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If you're in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal, this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the perfect choice. This dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the homestyle comfort of meatloaf, all topped with gooey, melted Swiss cheese. It's easy to prepare and makes for a delicious, satisfying dinner.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 hours 20 minutes

Total Time 12 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 3-4 large sweet onions, 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. package French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup cooking sherry
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4 oz. Swiss Gruyère or provolone cheese
• Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

• Slice onions and lay them in the bottom of a 6 Qt. slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar. Dot with butter. Set to cook on LOW for 9 hours. **Optional method is to cook onions in a skillet until caramelized, approximately 15-20 minutes**

• In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, and onion soup mix. Shape into a loaf.

• Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the onions. Place the meatloaf on top of the onions. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

• Top meatloaf with cheese slices and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

• Serve sliced with caramelized onions and juice from the cooker. Garnish with fresh thyme.