Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
A comforting and easy meatloaf infused with the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef Use 80/20 for flavor and moisture or 85/15 for a leaner option.
- 1 cup caramelized onions Made slowly until sweet and deep brown.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Plain or seasoned; Panko gives a lighter texture.
- 0.5 cup grated Gruyère cheese Or a nutty Swiss if Gruyère is unavailable.
- 2 pieces eggs Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
- 1 packet onion soup mix Convenient umami flavor; can substitute with onion powder and beef bouillon.
- 1 to taste salt and pepper Go light at first; the soup mix adds sodium.
- 0.5 cup beef broth Poured around the loaf for moisture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Caramelize the onions if not already done: Slice onions thin and cook over medium-low heat with oil or butter for 30–45 minutes until deep golden-brown.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, grated Gruyère, eggs, onion soup mix, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix gently.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape, about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Place the loaf in the slow cooker and pour beef broth around it.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle additional grated Gruyère on top to melt.
Serving
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with a spoonful of the broth.
Notes
Use room-temperature eggs and let caramelized onions cool before mixing. Don't overmix; gentle handling keeps it tender. Grate cheese yourself for optimal melting.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
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