Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Looking for a comforting, flavorful twist on a classic dinner? This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Imagine juicy, tender meatloaf infused with savory French onion soup flavors, slow-cooked to perfection, and smothered in melted Swiss cheese and rich onion gravy.

This recipe combines the hearty goodness of traditional meatloaf with the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup—plus, the slow cooker makes it incredibly easy. It’s a one-pot wonder perfect for cozy weeknights or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (for inside)
• 6–8 slices Swiss cheese (for topping)

For the Onion Gravy:

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon cold water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Crispy fried onions

Preparation:

Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf

• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Place in Crockpot

• Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it into your slow cooker (you can line it with parchment paper or foil sling for easier removal).

Step 3: Add the Soup

• Pour the condensed French onion soup over the meatloaf. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fully cooked (internal temp of 160°F / 71°C).

Step 4: Make Gravy

• Once cooked, carefully remove the meatloaf and set aside (cover loosely with foil). Pour the liquid from the crockpot into a saucepan. Mix cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry, then stir it into the soup. Heat over medium heat, whisking until thickened into a gravy.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

• Place sliced Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf and broil for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly. You can also add the cheese while still in the crockpot and cover for 10 minutes until it melts.

Step 6: Serve

• Slice the meatloaf and spoon onion gravy over the top. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or crispy fried onions if desired.

Variation:

• Cheese Swap: Use provolone or mozzarella instead of Swiss.
• Mini Loaves: Form into smaller loaves for faster cooking and easy portions.
• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions into the meat mixture.
• Turkey Version: Use ground turkey for a lighter take.
• Low-carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or garlic mashed cauliflower
• Add steamed green beans or roasted carrots on the side
• Top with extra onion gravy for extra comfort
• Pair with crusty bread to soak up the savory juices

⏱️ Time Overview:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: ~6.5–7.5 hours

🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 6):

• Calories: ~470
• Protein: ~34g
• Carbohydrates: ~8g
• Fat: ~33g
• Sugar: ~2g
• Sodium: ~780mg
• Fiber: ~1g

Values vary by ingredients and toppings.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is juicy, cheesy, and full of deep, savory flavor thanks to the onion soup and slow cooking method. Topped with melty Swiss cheese and served with rich homemade onion gravy, it’s the kind of cozy, satisfying meal your family will ask for again and again.

Perfect for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you want classic comfort with minimal effort, this meatloaf brings all the flavor of French onion soup in a hearty, slow-cooked twist