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French Onion Meatloaf

Featured in Simple Beef Recipes.

Tried this meatloaf in my slow cooker and wow what a game changer! Let the onions get all sweet and caramelized first then mixed with the beef. The meat came out so tender it almost fell apart. Added Swiss cheese on top at the end and it got all melty and good. My husband who hates regular meatloaf went back for seconds. Made killer sandwiches the next day too. Love how the slow cooker does all the work. Such a nice change from boring old meatloaf.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:06:39 GMT
A close-up view of a lasagna slice topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh thyme. Pin it
A close-up view of a lasagna slice topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh thyme. | lastminrecipes.com

Amazing French Onion Meatloaf in Your Crockpot

This French onion meatloaf is my favorite twist on classic comfort food. The meat stays incredibly juicy in the slow cooker while sweet caramelized onions work their magic underneath. Once that Swiss cheese melts over top you've got pure dinner heaven. I love how the slow cooker does all the work while making my kitchen smell amazing.

Why Our Family Loves This French Onion Meatloaf

The slow cooker makes this French onion meatloaf practically foolproof. You get all those rich steakhouse flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. The meat stays so tender and those onions turn into candy. It's become our go to recipe for busy days when we want something special for dinner.

What You'll Need To Make It

  • Sweet onions: They turn golden and delicious in the slow cooker.
  • Ground beef: I use a lean mix for the best flavor.
  • Italian herb breadcrumbs: These keep everything moist and flavorful.
  • Milk: Makes the meatloaf extra tender.
  • French onion soup mix: My secret weapon for amazing flavor.
  • Cooking sherry: Just a splash makes everything taste better.
  • Swiss cheese: Gets all melty and golden on top.
  • Fresh thyme: For a pretty finish.
A close-up of sliced meatloaf topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions, garnished with fresh herbs on a wooden serving board. Pin it
A close-up of sliced meatloaf topped with melted cheese and caramelized onions, garnished with fresh herbs on a wooden serving board. | lastminrecipes.com

Let's Make It Together

Start With Those Onions
Layer your sliced onions in the bottom of your crockpot with butter salt pepper and a pinch of sugar. Let them get all golden and sweet.
Mix Up Your Meat
Combine your ground beef breadcrumbs milk egg and that flavor packed onion soup mix until just mixed.
Time to Layer
Pour your sherry over those beautiful onions then place your meatloaf right on top. Cook it slow and steady until it's perfectly done.
Cheese Time
Layer those Swiss cheese slices on top and let them get all melty and delicious.
The Best Part
Slice it up and serve with those amazing onions spooned over top fresh thyme makes it look extra special.

My Best Kitchen Tips

Don't overwork your meat mixture or your French onion meatloaf might get tough. Always check the temperature with a meat thermometer it should hit 160°F. Take your time with those onions the more caramelized they get the better your meatloaf will taste.

Make It a Meal

We love serving this French onion meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those amazing juices. Add some green beans or a fresh salad on the side. Pour a glass of Pinot Noir and you've got a restaurant worthy dinner right at home.

A close-up of a juicy meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with fresh thyme, served on a wooden plate. Pin it
A close-up of a juicy meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with fresh thyme, served on a wooden plate. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I caramelize the onions on stovetop instead?

Yes, you can speed up the process by caramelizing onions in a skillet for 15-20 minutes instead of slow cooking for 9 hours.

→ What cheese works best for this recipe?

Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone all work great. They melt well and complement the onion flavors perfectly.

→ Can I skip the cooking sherry?

You can replace it with beef broth, though the sherry adds nice depth to the flavor.

→ How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer - it should reach 160°F internal temperature for safe eating.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

You can mix the meatloaf and slice onions ahead, but it's best cooked fresh for the right texture.

French Onion Meatloaf

A slow-cooked meatloaf infused with French onion flavors, topped with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese. Pure comfort food magic.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
740 Minutes
Total Time
750 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Beef

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 meatloaf)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 3-4 large sweet onions, sliced.
02 4 tablespoons salted butter.
03 1 tablespoon olive oil.
04 1 teaspoon sea salt.
05 1 teaspoon black pepper.
06 1 teaspoon sugar.
07 1 pound ground beef.
08 1 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs.
09 1 cup milk.
10 1 egg.
11 1 package French onion soup mix.
12 1/2 cup cooking sherry.
13 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
14 4 oz Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese.
15 Fresh thyme for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Place sliced onions in 6-qt slow cooker. Season onions with salt, pepper, sugar. Add butter and cook on LOW 9 hours.

Step 02

Mix beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and soup mix. Shape into loaf.

Step 03

Pour sherry and Worcestershire over onions. Place meatloaf on top of onions.

Step 04

Cook on HIGH 3 hours (160°F internal temp).

Step 05

Top with cheese slices. Cook 20-30 minutes more until cheese melts.

Step 06

Caramelize onions in skillet 15-20 minutes instead of slow cooker.

Notes

  1. Serve with onions and juice from cooker.
  2. Garnish with fresh thyme.
  3. Can speed up by cooking onions on stovetop.

Tools You'll Need

  • 6-qt slow cooker.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Meat thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, cheese).
  • Wheat (breadcrumbs).
  • Egg.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
  • Protein: 23 g