Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Let’s talk about one of those meals that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table—meatloaf. But not just any meatloaf; this is Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese. Imagine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup infused into a tender, juicy meatloaf, all topped with gooey, melted Swiss cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the slow-cooked caramelized onions blending with the hearty meatloaf. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, making the meat incredibly moist and flavorful. And when you top it off with Swiss cheese that melts perfectly into every crevice, it’s pure magic.

This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing all day long. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a weekend meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Trust me, once you’ve tried this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf, it’ll quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

The Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese takes a classic comfort dish and elevates it with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Slow-cooked to perfection, this meatloaf is infused with caramelized onions and topped with melted Swiss cheese for a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Why settle for ordinary meatloaf when you can enjoy this French onion-inspired version? The slow cooking process makes the meatloaf tender and juicy, while the Swiss cheese adds a creamy finish that’s sure to please.

Exciting Story:

 

This recipe was born out of a love for both French onion soup and classic meatloaf. One chilly evening, I was craving the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, but I also wanted the comforting heartiness of meatloaf. So, I decided to combine the two, and that’s how this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese came to be.

The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure how the family would react, but let me tell you—it was an instant hit! My husband couldn’t stop raving about how flavorful the meatloaf was, and the kids loved the melted cheese on top. Now, it’s one of those dishes we look forward to on cold evenings when we need something warm and comforting.

Why This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese?

• Rich and Savory Flavor: The caramelized onions add a deep, rich flavor to the meatloaf, reminiscent of French onion soup.
• Tender and Juicy: Slow cooking ensures the meatloaf is tender and moist, with all the flavors melding together beautifully.
• Cheesy Goodness: The melted Swiss cheese on top adds a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the savory meatloaf perfectly.
• Easy to Make: Let your crockpot do the work! This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite, bringing everyone to the table for seconds.

How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   • Gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf mixture.
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
   • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot. You can also use a loaf pan that fits inside your crockpot for easier removal, but it’s not necessary.
3. Cook the Meatloaf:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Add the Swiss Cheese Topping:
   • About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors!

Tips:

• Caramelizing Onions: If you’re making your own caramelized onions, cook them slowly over low heat with a bit of butter until they’re golden brown and sweet.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it in the crockpot and let it cook.
• Serving Suggestions: This meatloaf pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple side salad.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Turkey Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.
• Different Cheese: Try using Gruyère or Provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lean Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
• Low-Sodium Option: Choose a low-sodium French onion soup mix to lower the sodium levels in the recipe.
• Skip the Cheese: For a dairy-free version, omit the Swiss cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:

And there you have it! This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Be sure to let us know how it turns out, and don’t forget to check out some of our other mouthwatering recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, Gruyère or Provolone would work well in this recipe.
2. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and cook it in the crockpot the next day.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
   • The meatloaf is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. Can I freeze leftovers?
   • Yes, leftover meatloaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
5. What sides go well with this meatloaf?
   • Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad are great options.
6. How do I make homemade caramelized onions?
   • Cook sliced onions slowly in butter over low heat until they’re golden brown and sweet, about 30-40 minutes.
7. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
   • Yes, finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers would be a great addition.
8. Is it okay to use pre-cooked caramelized onions?
   • Absolutely! Pre-cooked caramelized onions will save you time and work just as well.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

4 from 23 votes

Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

1

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 pounds 1 1/2 ground beef

• 1 cup 1 breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup 1/2 milk

• 1 large 1 egg

• 1 envelope 1 French onion soup mix

• 1/2 cup 1/2 caramelized onions (homemade or store-bought)

• 2 cloves 2 garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 dried thyme

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup 1/2 shredded Swiss cheese (plus more for topping)

• For the Topping:

• 6 6 -8 slices of Swiss cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

• Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the meatloaf mixture.
• Shape the Meatloaf:
• Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot. You can also use a loaf pan that fits inside your crockpot for easier removal, but it’s not necessary.
• Cook the Meatloaf:
• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Add the Swiss Cheese Topping:
• About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, place the slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve and Enjoy:
• Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors!

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