Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a savory, slow-cooked twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Infused with rich, caramelized onions and topped with gooey Swiss cheese, this dish is both flavorful and effortless—perfect for busy weeknights or hearty weekend meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meatloaf is elevated with the deep, sweet flavor of slow-cooked onions and the creamy melt of Swiss cheese. It’s cooked in the crockpot, making it easy to prepare in advance and freeing up your oven. The result is a moist, tender meatloaf with all the flavor of classic French onion soup in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3–4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• Swiss cheese, for topping

directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 20–25 minutes. Set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix just until combined—do not overwork.

3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of a lightly greased crockpot.

4. Top the meatloaf with the remaining caramelized onions.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. In the last 10–15 minutes of cooking, top the meatloaf with slices of Swiss cheese, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.

7. Carefully remove the meatloaf, slice, and serve warm with additional onions spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total time: Around 6.5 to 7.5 hours (low) or 3.5 to 4.5 hours (high)

Variations

• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or provolone in place of Swiss for different flavors.

• Mushroom Addition: Add sautéed mushrooms to the onion mixture for an earthy twist.

• Turkey Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option.

• Herbed Flavor: Mix in chopped thyme or rosemary for extra aroma and flavor.

• Stuffed Style: Add a layer of cheese in the center of the loaf for a melty surprise.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil.
For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I prepare the onions in advance?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to use.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but ensure your crockpot can accommodate the larger loaf. Increase cooking time slightly if needed.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs both work well.

Can I use pre-shredded Swiss cheese?

Yes, though sliced cheese melts more evenly across the top.

How do I keep the meatloaf from drying out?

Don’t overcook and keep the lid on throughout the cooking process to retain moisture.

Do I need to use foil or a liner in the crockpot?

Not necessary, but you can use foil under the meatloaf for easier cleanup and lifting.

Can I add eggs to the meat mixture?

Yes, adding 1 egg helps bind the mixture, especially if it feels too crumbly.

What sides pair well with this meatloaf?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans complement it beautifully.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50–60 minutes or until fully cooked.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a comforting, flavor-rich dish that brings the taste of French onion soup to your dinner table. With its tender texture, savory topping, and cheesy finish, it’s a memorable meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy. Whether for a cozy family dinner or casual entertaining, this meatloaf is a slow-cooked success.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a cozy, slow-cooked twist on a comfort food classic. Infused with sweet caramelized onions and topped with gooey Swiss cheese, it’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for a stress-free weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

• 3-4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg (optional for binding)

• 4 tablespoons salted butter

• Swiss cheese slices, for topping

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized (about 15–20 minutes).

2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and (optional) egg until just combined.

3. Shape into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.

4. Top the meatloaf with the caramelized onions.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.

6. In the last 15 minutes, top with Swiss cheese slices and cover until melted.

7. Serve warm, optionally garnished with herbs.

Notes

• Caramelizing onions low and slow adds deep flavor—don’t rush!

• Great served with mashed potatoes or buttered green beans.

• Leftovers make delicious meatloaf sandwiches.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low)