Crockpot french onion meatloaf

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is basically comfort food doing its best work. Let’s go step-by-step so it turns out tender, juicy, and full of that deep onion flavor.

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🧅 Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

⏱️ Time

• Prep: ~20 minutes

• Cook: 5–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH

🍽️ Serves

4–6 people

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🛒 Ingredients

For the meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best for moisture)

• 1 packet French onion soup mix

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère if you’re fancy)

• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional but recommended topping

• 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese (for the end)

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🔪 Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Caramelize the onions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add butter and olive oil.

3. Add sliced onions and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring often.

4. Cook until soft, golden, and sweet (don’t rush this—this is the flavor).

5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

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Step 2: Make the meatloaf mixture

1. In a large bowl, add:

   • Ground beef

   • French onion soup mix

   • Breadcrumbs

   • Eggs

   • Milk

   • Worcestershire sauce

   • Garlic powder

   • Black pepper

2. Add ¾ of the caramelized onions to the bowl.

3. Gently mix with your hands until just combined.
   👉 Don’t overmix or the meatloaf will be dense.

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Step 3: Add cheese

1. Fold in 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese.

2. Shape the mixture into a loaf (oval shape works best).

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Step 4: Prepare the crockpot

1. Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray or line with parchment.

2. Place remaining caramelized onions on the bottom.

3. Set the meatloaf on top of the onions.

(This keeps it from sitting in grease and adds flavor.)

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Step 5: Slow cook

• Cover and cook:

  • LOW: 5–6 hours

  • HIGH: 3–4 hours

• Meatloaf is done when internal temp reaches 160°F (71°C).

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Step 6: Cheesy finish (optional but amazing)

1. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheese on top.

2. Cover and let it melt.

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Step 7: Rest & serve

1. Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or buttered noodles.

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🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Want extra moisture? Use ½ beef + ½ ground pork.

• Too much grease? Lift meatloaf carefully and drain before serving.

• Like it richer? Add ¼ cup sour cream to the meat mixture.

• Leftovers make killer sandwiches.