Introduction
Crockpot French onion meatloaf with melted Swiss cheese is a comforting twist on a classic that brings deep, savory flavor with minimal effort. Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a tender, juicy meatloaf infused with the rich taste of French onion soup and topped with perfectly melted Swiss cheese. I started making this version when I wanted a hearty, home-style meal that could cook itself while I went about my day, and it quickly became a favorite. The slow cooker keeps the meatloaf moist, while the onions and broth add incredible depth. Finished with gooey Swiss cheese, this dish feels cozy, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese – Tender, Savory, and Comfortingly Rich
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting crockpot French onion meatloaf made with savory beef, onion soup flavor, and topped with melted Swiss cheese, slow-cooked until tender and juicy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1 tbsp butter
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- Cooking spray for slow cooker
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape mixture into a loaf and place into the crockpot.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté sliced onions until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Spread onions over the meatloaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- During the last 20 minutes, place Swiss cheese slices on top.
- Cover and continue cooking until cheese is melted.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatloaf tender.
- Use a liner or foil sling for easier removal.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, hands-off, and full of flavor. The slow cooker keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy, while the French onion elements add richness without extra work. It is perfect for make-ahead meals and delivers classic comfort food appeal with a simple upgrade.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the meatloaf and stays juicy during slow cooking.
French onion soup mix
French onion soup mix provides deep, savory flavor and seasoning in one simple ingredient.
Eggs
Eggs bind the meatloaf together and help it hold its shape.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs add structure and help retain moisture.
Milk
Milk softens the breadcrumbs and keeps the meatloaf tender.
Worcestershire sauce
Worcestershire sauce enhances umami and deepens the savory flavor.
Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper provides mild heat and balance.
Swiss cheese
Swiss cheese melts smoothly on top, adding creamy richness and classic French onion flavor.
Beef broth
Beef broth adds moisture to the slow cooker and reinforces the onion-forward taste.
Directions
Begin by lightly greasing the slow cooker insert. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it into the slow cooker. Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf, being careful not to pour it directly over the top.
Cover and cook on low until the meatloaf is fully cooked and tender. During the final portion of cooking, place slices of Swiss cheese over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt completely. Remove carefully and let rest briefly before slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 5 to 6 hours on low, and total time is just over 6 hours.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a bit of broth to maintain moisture.
Variations and Customizations
You can use ground turkey for a lighter version, though the flavor will be milder. Adding caramelized onions inside the meatloaf enhances the French onion profile even more. I have also mixed a small amount of shredded Swiss cheese directly into the meat mixture, which made every slice extra rich and flavorful.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Crockpot French onion meatloaf is high in protein and very filling. While it is a comfort-food dish, serving it with vegetables or a light salad helps balance the meal. Using lean ground beef can reduce fat content if desired.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.
Use Low Heat
Slow cooking ensures a tender, juicy result.
Let It Rest
Resting helps the meatloaf slice cleanly.
FAQs
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Will the meatloaf fall apart in the slow cooker?
No, proper binding keeps it intact.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, finely chopped onions or mushrooms work well.
Is Swiss cheese necessary?
It is traditional for French onion flavor, but provolone works too.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze sliced portions for up to 2 months.
Why add broth instead of sauce?
Broth keeps the meatloaf moist without overpowering flavor.
Can I line the slow cooker?
Yes, liners make cleanup easier.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes or green beans pair perfectly.
Can I use homemade onion seasoning?
Yes, but soup mix is more convenient.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, it stays moist when reheated gently.
Conclusion
Crockpot French onion meatloaf with melted Swiss cheese is a comforting, flavorful dish that transforms a classic favorite into a slow-cooked, stress-free meal. Tender, savory, and topped with creamy cheese, it is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, satisfying dinner waiting for you at the end of the day.
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