Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful meal that is both easy to prepare and bursting with savory goodness, Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the perfect dish to add to your menu. This slow-cooked masterpiece combines the rich flavors of French onion soup, tender meatloaf, and the gooey, creamy texture of melted Swiss cheese—all without spending much time in the kitchen.

To explore more about the versatility of slow-cooked recipes, be sure to check out Allrecipes’ vintage slow cooker recipes for more inspiration. Additionally, Allrecipes’ easy meals with French onion soup mix showcases how this humble ingredient can be used in a wide variety of dishes to enhance flavor.

The Magic of Slow-Cooked Meatloaf

There’s something special about meatloaf cooked in a crockpot. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop slowly, giving you a moist, juicy meatloaf that is far more tender than anything you’d bake in the oven. Cooking with a crockpot also means that the meatloaf takes on all the flavors of the French onion soup mix, resulting in a rich, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Incorporating Swiss cheese into the dish creates a perfect combination of savory flavors and creamy textures, adding depth and indulgence to the meal. The slow-cooked onions meld perfectly with the meat, and when the cheese is melted, it turns into a delicious, gooey topping that is sure to please anyone at your table.

Ingredients for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients for this amazing Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf. Below is a list of ingredients that you’ll need for both the meatloaf and the French onion sauce.

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mixture of ground beef and pork)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated (for topping)

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 1/2 cup French onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can cause the meatloaf to become too dense.

• You can swap out the bread crumbs for crushed oats or even use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer a gluten-free version.
• You can also use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter alternative.

2. Shape and Add to the Crockpot

Once the meat mixture is ready, shape it into a loaf and place it in the bottom of the crockpot. Don’t worry about making the loaf perfect—just ensure it fits snugly in the crockpot, leaving enough space for the heat to circulate.

3. Make the French Onion Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the French onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and optional mustard. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This sauce will act as the perfect glaze that enhances the flavor of the meatloaf as it cooks.

4. Cover and Cook

Pour the French onion sauce over the meatloaf. Use a spoon to spread it evenly. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the meatloaf on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours.

• During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the Swiss cheese evenly on top of the meatloaf. This will allow the cheese to melt and form a gooey, delicious topping.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the meatloaf is cooked and the cheese is melted, it’s time to serve! Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain its juices and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese ready, here are a few side dishes to pair it with for the ultimate meal:

• Mashed potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes perfectly complements the richness of the meatloaf.
• Steamed vegetables: Green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots add a fresh, crunchy contrast to the savory meatloaf.
• Salads: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing can help balance the richness of the meatloaf.
• Garlic bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread, as it’s always a hit with cheesy dishes like this.

Pairing Beverages with Your Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

To elevate your meal, consider pairing it with the perfect beverage. Here are a few options that complement the dish well:

• Red wine: A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will bring out the deep, savory flavors of the meatloaf.
• Beer: A malty Amber Ale or a brown ale pairs beautifully with the richness of the meatloaf.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Sparkling water with a hint of lemon or an apple cider provides a refreshing contrast to the meal.

Nutritional Information

A typical serving of Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese contains:

• Calories: 380-400 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

For a healthier version, you can substitute lean ground turkey and reduce the Swiss cheese to decrease the overall calorie count.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious when paired with the French onion soup mix.

How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?

The secret to keeping your meatloaf moist is to avoid overcooking it and to use the French onion sauce throughout the cooking process. The slow cooker ensures the meat stays tender and juicy.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, just add the sauce and cook as usual.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

You can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place them in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Its tender, juicy texture combined with the rich flavor of French onion soup and the creamy Swiss cheese topping creates a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it with mashed potatoes, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables, it’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Give it a try and enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A slow-cooked, savory meatloaf infused with French onion flavors and topped with melted Swiss cheese for a comforting, flavorful dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup French onion soup mix (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp mustard (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, bread crumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.
3. In a small bowl, mix together French onion soup mix, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Pour over the meatloaf.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top and allow it to melt.
6. Let the meatloaf rest before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Pairs well with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: meatloaf, crockpot, slow cooker, French onion, Swiss cheese