Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese | Delicious
When I made this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese for the first time, I knew it was something special. The smell of sweet caramelized onions filling the kitchen was pure comfort.
I remember being curious about how the flavors of French onion soup would taste in a meatloaf, but it turned out even better than I imagined.
Now, it’s one of my go-to meals for cozy evenings. If you love rich, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth dishes, this one is going to be a favorite at your table too.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Recipe
Each ingredient plays its role in making this meatloaf moist, flavorful, and perfectly cheesy.
For the Meatloaf
- 1 ½ lb ground beef – choose beef with some fat for juiciness (80/20 works best).
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs – these bind everything and keep the loaf from falling apart.
- ½ cup milk – adds moisture; whole or 2% is ideal.
- 1 large egg – helps hold the loaf together.
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix – brings that classic flavor.
- 1 cup caramelized onions – slow-cooked for depth and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – adds a savory kick.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – complements the onion and garlic beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt – balances the flavors.
- ¼ tsp pepper – just enough for a gentle bite.
- ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese – melts inside the loaf for gooey bites.
For the Topping
- 5–6 slices Swiss cheese – creamy and nutty, perfect for melting.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional) – adds a pop of freshness and color.
Note: This recipe makes 4–6 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Variations to Make It Your Own
This recipe is flexible, and you can make it fit your taste or diet.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it celiac-friendly.
- Try Gruyère or Provolone instead of Swiss cheese for a flavor twist.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cheese and almond milk.
Cooking Time
This recipe is low-effort and mostly hands-off once it’s in the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need to Get Cooking
You only need a few tools to pull this together.
- Crockpot (6-quart): For slow and even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: To combine all ingredients easily.
- Spatula or large spoon: Helps mix and shape the loaf.
- Loaf pan (optional): Makes it easier to lift the loaf out of the crockpot.
How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese?
Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, soup mix, caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined—over-mixing makes the loaf dense. Once everything is evenly mixed, fold in the shredded Swiss cheese so every slice has a cheesy surprise.
Shape Your Meatloaf
Take the mixture and form it into a loaf shape. Place it gently in your crockpot. If you want easy cleanup and removal, line the crockpot with parchment paper or use a small loaf pan that fits inside.
Low and Slow Cooking
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours. The long, slow heat makes the loaf tender while allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
Add the Cheese Topping
About 15 minutes before it’s done, lay the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden topping. This step takes it from tasty to irresistible.
Serve and Savor
Carefully lift the meatloaf from the crockpot and place it on a serving platter. Sprinkle parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Slice and serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this dish several times, I’ve found a few tricks that make it even more delicious.
- Don’t over-mix the meat, or it can turn tough.
- Let the onions caramelize slowly for maximum sweetness and depth.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for more even cooking.
- Always check doneness with a thermometer—160°F is the sweet spot.
How to Serve Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese?
This dish is hearty and pairs well with comforting sides. I like to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A fresh green salad balances the richness, and crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the juices. For presentation, drizzle extra caramelized onions on top before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving.
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge and cook it the next day when you’re ready.
Storage
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing
Freeze individual slices for up to three months. Wrap them tightly for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven or microwave, covered, to keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons to add this recipe to your favorites.
- It’s packed with rich, comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug.
- The crockpot does most of the work, making it nearly hands-off.
- It’s customizable—you can make it lighter, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
- The cheesy topping makes it indulgent and irresistible.
- It’s a family-friendly dish everyone will ask for again.
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, soup mix, caramelized onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until just combined—over-mixing makes the loaf dense. Once everything is evenly mixed, fold in the shredded Swiss cheese so every slice has a cheesy surprise.
- Take the mixture and form it into a loaf shape. Place it gently in your crockpot. If you want easy cleanup and removal, line the crockpot with parchment paper or use a small loaf pan that fits inside.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours. The long, slow heat makes the loaf tender while allowing the flavors to blend perfectly. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
- About 15 minutes before it’s done, lay the Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, golden topping. This step takes it from tasty to irresistible.
- Carefully lift the meatloaf from the crockpot and place it on a serving platter. Sprinkle parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Slice and serve with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Don’t over-mix the meat, or it can turn tough.
- Let the onions caramelize slowly for maximum sweetness and depth.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even cooking.
- Always check doneness with a thermometer—160°F is the sweet spot.
