Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a hearty and flavorful comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. The French onion soup mix adds a savory depth to the meatloaf, while the melted Swiss cheese on top adds richness and creaminess. Let the crockpot do the work while you relax and enjoy the amazing aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Equipment to make Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf:
- Large mixing bowl
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Cheese grater (for shredding cheese)
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (plus more for melting on top)
- ½ cup ketchup (optional)
- ½ cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mix
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatloaf
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3: Cook the Meatloaf
Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend perfectly while keeping the meatloaf moist.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle additional shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt.
Step 5: Serve
Once the cheese has melted, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella, depending on your preference.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients the night before and refrigerate the formed meatloaf. The next day, place it in the crockpot and cook as directed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the meatloaf on high for about 3 hours, but the low and slow method yields the best results for texture and flavor.
Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Cheese grater (for shredding cheese)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded (plus more for melting on top)
- ½ cup ketchup optional
- ½ cup chopped onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mix
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, chopped onions, Worcestershire sauce, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Step 2: Form the Meatloaf
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 3: Cook the Meatloaf
- Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend perfectly while keeping the meatloaf moist.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle additional shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Cover the crockpot again and allow the cheese to melt.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the cheese has melted, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella, depending on your preference. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients the night before and refrigerate the formed meatloaf. The next day, place it in the crockpot and cook as directed. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook the meatloaf on high for about 3 hours, but the low and slow method yields the best results for texture and flavor.