French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf, crowned with melted Swiss cheese, brings together the rich taste of caramelized onions and the hearty texture of a traditional meatloaf, offering a comforting dish with a gourmet touch.
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Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- Crockpot / Slow Cooker (6 Qt. recommended)
- Large Skillet (cast iron preferred)
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3-4 large sweet onions sliced
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs
- 1 oz. package French onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 oz. Swiss Gruyère, or provolone cheese slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup cooking sherry
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by layering the sliced sweet onions in the base of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle them with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and sugar, then distribute small dots of butter over the top. Set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 9 hours. (Alternatively, the onions can be caramelized in a skillet over medium heat for 15-20 minutes).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and the French onion soup mix. Shape this mixture into a loaf.
- Once the onions have cooked, pour the cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over them. Carefully place the meatloaf on top of the onions, and adjust the slow cooker to HIGH. Cook for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F.
- Place cheese slices on top of the meatloaf, allowing them to melt during an additional 20-30 minutes of cooking.
- Once ready, slice the meatloaf and serve it alongside the caramelized onions, spooning the flavorful juices from the slow cooker over each serving. Garnish with sprigs of fresh thyme.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, opt for Gruyère cheese, or use provolone for a milder finish. Cooking the onions in a skillet adds extra caramelization and texture.