Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a savory, comforting twist on the classic meatloaf. It’s packed with the rich flavor of caramelized onions, slow-cooked to perfection, and finished with gooey Swiss cheese melted right over the top. I love making this in the slow cooker because it keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy while letting all those French onion flavors really shine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes meatloaf to a whole new level of comfort food goodness. The French onion soup base adds deep, savory flavor, and the crockpot makes it completely hands-off. The melted Swiss cheese finishes it off with a gooey, creamy touch that ties everything together. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy dinner with minimal prep.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• French onion soup (canned or homemade)

• Dry onion soup mix

• Eggs

• Breadcrumbs

• Garlic, minced

• Worcestershire sauce

• Swiss cheese slices

• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

• Salt

• Black pepper

directions

1. In a large bowl, I mix together the ground beef, dry onion soup mix, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

2. I form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the bottom of my crockpot.

3. I pour the French onion soup around the meatloaf (not over it), letting the juices soak up while it cooks.

4. I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours, until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

5. About 15 minutes before serving, I place slices of Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf, cover again, and let it melt.

6. I carefully lift the meatloaf out of the crockpot, slice it, and spoon some of the onion-rich broth over the top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6. It takes 15 minutes to prep and 6–7 hours in the crockpot on low (or 3–4 hours on high).

Variations

Sometimes I use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a lighter or richer version. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the mix for more depth. For extra flavor, I toast the cheese under the broiler after slow cooking. And when I want a sidekick, I serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all that French onion goodness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm slices in the oven at 350°F or microwave with a splash of the cooking broth to keep them moist. It also freezes well—just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade French onion soup?

Yes, and it makes the dish even richer. I use about 1½ cups of homemade soup or stock with caramelized onions.

Can I bake this instead?

Definitely. I shape the meatloaf in a loaf pan, pour the soup around it in a larger baking dish, and bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, adding the cheese in the last 10 minutes.

What kind of breadcrumbs work best?

I usually use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs. Panko gives a slightly lighter texture.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes. The meatloaf is still flavorful without the Swiss, but I find the melted cheese really brings out that French onion flavor.

Does this work with other types of cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone, mozzarella, or even gruyère are all delicious melty options to top this dish.

Conclusion

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and always a hit. With its rich onion flavor, juicy texture, and cheesy finish, it’s a cozy dinner I come back to again and again. Whether I’m feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this meatloaf is pure slow-cooked comfort.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a savory, slow-cooked twist on a classic. It features juicy meatloaf infused with French onion flavor and topped with melty Swiss cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry onion soup mix, garlic, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Form the mixture into a loaf and place in the bottom of a crockpot.
3. Pour the French onion soup around the meatloaf (not over it).
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
5. About 15 minutes before serving, place Swiss cheese slices on top. Cover and let cheese melt.
6. Lift meatloaf out carefully, slice, and serve with some of the onion-rich broth spooned over top. Garnish with parsley if desired.

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Notes

• Use ground turkey or a beef-pork mix for variations.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra depth.
• Toast cheese under the broiler after slow cooking for more flavor.
• Serve with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 125mg