Description
Enjoy Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese—savory meatloaf infused with French onion flavor and topped with gooey cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs ground beef: This is the base of the meatloaf, providing a leaner alternative to traditional ground beef while still delivering on flavor.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatloaf together, giving it a pleasant texture. You can use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitution.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan: Parmesan adds a rich, umami flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the meatloaf.
- ¼ cup milk: Milk helps to moisten the mixture, ensuring that the meatloaf remains juicy during cooking.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the meatloaf together for a sturdy yet tender result.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This sauce adds a depth of flavor with its tangy and umami notes.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors in the meatloaf.
- ½ tsp pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a slight warmth and balances the dish.
- 2 large onions, sliced: The star of the dish! Sautéed onions provide sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used for caramelizing the onions, contributing to their delicious, rich flavor.
- 1 cup beef broth: beef broth adds richness and enhances the onion flavor.
- 8 slices Swiss cheese: The crowning touch, melted Swiss cheese harmonizes with the caramelized onions for a creamy finish.
Instructions
- Mix the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, ¼ cup milk, 2 eggs, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Mix until well incorporated but be careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape that fits your crockpot.
- Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 large sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The onions should be soft and caramelized.
- Add broth: Once the onions have caramelized, pour in 1 cup beef broth and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Layer the ingredients: Pour half of the caramelized onion mixture into the bottom of the crockpot. Place the shaped meatloaf on top and spread the remaining onion mixture over it.
- Slow cook the meatloaf: Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or until the beef is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Swiss cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, lay 8 slices Swiss cheese over the meatloaf, allowing it to melt.