Here’s a delicious recipe for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese that combines savory, caramelized onion flavor with the comfort of meatloaf and the richness of Swiss cheese. Cooking it in the crockpot makes it extra tender and flavorful.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (or use all beef if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional if you want to skip the caramelized onion flavor)
- 1 packet (1 oz) French Onion Soup Mix (for added flavor)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onions, if desired)
For the French Onion Layer:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for caramelizing the onions)
For the Topping:
- 6 oz Swiss cheese, sliced or shredded
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the French Onion Layer:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil and butter.
- Add the sliced onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize. You can add a bit of sugar towards the end to help them caramelize.
- Add beef broth (or water) to deglaze the pan. Stir well and let the onions simmer for a few more minutes until the liquid reduces. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, French onion soup mix, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything until fully combined, but avoid overmixing.
3. Shape and Cook the Meatloaf:
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape that will fit comfortably inside your crockpot.
- If your crockpot has a non-stick surface, you can place the meatloaf directly inside. Otherwise, line the bottom with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Place the caramelized onions on top of the meatloaf in an even layer.
4. Slow Cook the Meatloaf:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
5. Add Swiss Cheese:
- About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, place the slices or shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf and cover again. Let it melt until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
- Once the meatloaf is done, carefully transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete mealTips:
- If you prefer a crispier top, you can transfer the meatloaf to a baking dish in the last 10 minutes, add the cheese, and place it under the broiler for a few minutes.
- You can skip caramelizing the onions if you’re short on time and just mix in the French onion soup mix and some fresh onions directly into the meatloaf mixture.
Enjoy this savory, cheesy twist on the classic meatloaf!
