Description
Hearty Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese brings classic comfort to dinner tables with rich, caramelized flavors. Slow-cooked perfection delivers a mouthwatering meal people will crave and request again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) milk
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) French onion soup mix
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Mixing: Blend ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper in a large bowl, mixing gently to preserve meat’s delicate texture.
- Shaping and Positioning: Form the meat mixture into a compact loaf and center it within the crockpot, creating an even, uniform shape for consistent cooking.
- Caramelizing Onions: Transform onion slices into deep golden-brown strands by sautéing in butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop rich, sweet flavor and even coloration.
- Layering Flavors: Spread caramelized onions evenly across the meatloaf’s surface, creating a delectable aromatic blanket that will infuse the meat with complex taste.
- Liquid and Seasoning: Pour beef broth around the meatloaf, allowing liquid to collect at the crockpot’s base, and sprinkle thyme to enhance the overall herbal profile.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, ensuring the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160F (71C) while maintaining moisture.
- Cheese Finale: During the last cooking phase, layer Swiss cheese slices atop the meatloaf, creating a decadent, melted covering that adds creamy richness and visual appeal.
- Serving: Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a serving platter, accompanied by caramelized onions and reserved cooking liquid as a robust, flavor-packed gravy.
Notes
- Minimize Meat Handling: Mix ingredients gently to prevent tough, dense meatloaf texture, ensuring a tender, delicate result.
- Caramelize Onions Perfectly: Stir frequently during sautéing to achieve even, deep golden-brown color without burning, developing rich, sweet flavor complexity.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 160F (71C) for food safety, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy meat consistency.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add Swiss cheese during final 10-15 minutes of cooking to create a smooth, luxurious melted topping without overcooking or separating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg