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French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 6–7 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A hearty, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf! Juicy beef is infused with French onion flavors, topped with caramelized onions, gooey Swiss cheese, and cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. Perfect for a comforting family dinner!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Onion Topping:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 6 slices Swiss cheese


Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add sliced onions and brown sugar. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
  • For added depth, stir in balsamic vinegar (optional). Set aside.

 Mix the Meatloaf:

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, shredded Swiss cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.

 Shape and Cook:

  • Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape.
  • Place the meatloaf in your slow cooker and top with half of the caramelized onions.
  • Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

 Add the Cheese:

  • In the last 20 minutes of cooking, top the meatloaf with slices of Swiss cheese and the remaining caramelized onions. Cover and let the cheese melt.

 Serve:

  • Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Juicy Meatloaf: Adding milk ensures a tender, moist meatloaf.
  • Cheese Perfection: For an extra bubbly topping, broil the meatloaf for 2 minutes after slow cooking.
  • Make Ahead: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; they taste even better reheated!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 380 kcal
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg