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–+ servings

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

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A flavorful twist on classic meatloaf combining the rich taste of French onion soup with tender ground beef, caramelized onions, and melty cheese. This slow cooker version delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix (1 oz)
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded, optional for inside loaf
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup plus extra for topping
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese shredded, for topping

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker/Crockpot
  • Large skillet
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10-12 minutes until caramelized and golden, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion soup mix, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Mix until just combined.
  3. If using mozzarella cheese inside the loaf, work it into the mixture.
  4. Shape the mixture into a loaf that fits your crockpot.
  5. Place the meatloaf in the crockpot. Pour beef broth around (not over) the meatloaf.
  6. Top with caramelized onions.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  8. About 15 minutes before cooking time ends, spread additional ketchup on top if desired and sprinkle with Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
  9. Cover and cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey with a tablespoon of olive oil added. The meatloaf can be made gluten-free by using crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free options, use almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The 80/20 beef is recommended for the best moisture content. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this perfect for meal prep.

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