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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Make the best Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with caramelized onions, rich beef gravy, and melted Swiss cheese. An easy comfort food dinner.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatloaf
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • For the French Onion Topping
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 packet onion soup mix
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 6 slices Swiss or provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  3. Shape the mixture into a loaf that will fit inside your slow cooker.
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the sliced onions for 10 to 12 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
  5. Pour the beef broth into the slow cooker and stir in the onion soup mix and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Place the meatloaf into the slow cooker.
  7. Spoon the caramelized onions over the top of the meatloaf.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  9. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, place the cheese slices over the meatloaf.
  10. Cover again until the cheese melts.
  11. Carefully remove the meatloaf, let it rest for 10 minutes, then slice and spoon some of the onion gravy over the top.
  12. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Using ground beef with a little fat keeps the meatloaf moist.
  • Caramelizing the onions first adds much deeper flavor.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the loaf tender.
  • If your slow cooker collects a lot of liquid, carefully spoon off some before serving.