Description
Hearty Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf blends classic comfort with elegant French flavors, creating a savory main dish that marries rich beef and caramelized onions. Melted swiss cheese crowns this satisfying meal, promising a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish:
- 2 cups caramelized onions
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately fold ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion soup mix, eggs, milk, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients with a light touch, avoiding excessive compression.
- Mold the meat mixture into a cohesive loaf, either directly within the crockpot or pre-formed in a dedicated loaf pan.
- Elegantly distribute caramelized onions across the meat’s surface, creating a rich, flavorful foundation.
- Position the loaf inside the crockpot, securing the lid. Slow-cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for optimal food safety.
- Approximately 15 minutes prior to serving, generously sprinkle Swiss cheese over the meatloaf’s surface. Replace lid, allowing cheese to transform into a luxurious, melted blanket.
- Carefully extract the meatloaf from the crockpot, permitting brief resting time. Slice into succulent portions and plate. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Gentle mixing prevents tough meatloaf by avoiding overworking the meat mixture, which can make it dense and chewy.
- Caramelizing onions beforehand deepens the flavor profile, adding rich sweetness and complexity to the overall dish.
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease while maintaining moisture in the meatloaf.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring the same binding texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg