This French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a comforting twist on the classic dish, combining savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and gooey melted Swiss cheese for an unforgettable meal. Prepared in the slow cooker, it’s both hands-off and full of rich flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the onions to caramelize naturally while infusing the meatloaf with deep, sweet, and savory flavors. Topped with Swiss cheese, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between tender meat, caramelized onions, and creamy cheese. Perfect for busy days or cozy evenings!
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup French fried onions (for added crunch)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup , divided
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large onions , thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter (or olive oil)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for enhancing sweetness)
- Salt and pepper , to taste
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (or heat olive oil). Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden brown and caramelized (about 20–25 minutes ). If desired, add sugar during the last few minutes to enhance their sweetness.
- Once caramelized, remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef , French fried onions , breadcrumbs , milk , egg , salt , pepper , Worcestershire sauce , and 1/4 cup ketchup . Mix gently until evenly combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the center of your slow cooker.
Step 3: Layer the Onions
- Spread half of the caramelized onions evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Reserve the remaining onions for later.
Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours , depending on your schedule.
- About 30 minutes before serving , uncover the slow cooker and sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Replace the lid and let it cook uncovered so the cheese melts beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and transfer it to a serving platter.
- Drizzle the remaining ketchup over the top if desired, then garnish with the reserved caramelized onions .
- Slice the meatloaf and serve hot alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the juices.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Skip the Caramelization: The caramelized onions are key to this recipe’s flavor profile. While it takes time, the result is worth every minute.
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with around 80% lean content to keep the meatloaf juicy without making it greasy.
- Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, layer additional slices of Swiss cheese directly onto the meatloaf before cooking.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply assemble and cook when ready.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6+ hours
- Servings: 6–8 slices
- Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal (approximate)
Perfect Pairings:
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious juices from the meatloaf.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crispy green beans tossed with garlic and almonds add freshness and contrast.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet and savory roasted carrots complement the richness of the Swiss cheese and onions.
Why It’s Perfect Anytime:
This French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese brings together comforting flavors and textures in one easy-to-make dish. The slow cooker ensures minimal effort while delivering maximum tenderness and depth of flavor. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or part of a holiday spread, this recipe promises to delight everyone at the table.
So gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and prepare to savor this cheesy, onion-packed masterpiece! 🍴✨
