Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
This slow cooker meatloaf transforms a classic comfort food with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. It’s incredibly moist, packed with savory onion and cheese, and makes its own delicious gravy as it cooks.
Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 4-6 hours on LOW | Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
· 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
· 1 (1 oz) packet dry French onion soup mix (like Lipton)
· ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
· 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
· ⅓ cup milk
· ¼ cup ketchup or tomato sauce
· 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· 2 garlic cloves, minced
· 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 cup shredded Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella cheese
For the Topping & Gravy:
· 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
· 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of onion/celery)
· ½ cup beef broth
· 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
· Optional finish: ½ cup shredded cheese and chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker
· Lightly grease the insert of a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
· Spread the sliced onions evenly in the bottom.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture
· In a large bowl, combine ground beef, dry soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined—do not overmix.
· Gently fold in the 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Shape & Place
· Form the mixture into a loaf shape (about 9×5 inches) that will fit in your slow cooker with space around the sides.
· Carefully place the loaf on top of the bed of onions in the slow cooker.
- Make the Gravy & Cook
· In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
· Pour this mixture over and around the meatloaf (try to cover the top as much as possible).
· Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Optional Cheese Topping
· If desired, about 30 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle the top with extra shredded cheese. Cover again to let it melt.
- Serve
· Carefully remove the meatloaf to a cutting board using two large spatulas. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
· Serve slices topped with the onions and gravy from the slow cooker.
· Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Success Tips
· Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat mixture gently for a tender meatloaf.
· Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without drying it out.
· Shape for Your Pot: Ensure the loaf isn’t touching the sides so heat circulates evenly.
· Use a Liner: For easier cleanup, consider a slow cooker liner.
Serving Suggestions
· Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice to soak up the gravy.
· Vegetables: Green beans, roasted carrots, or a simple salad.
· Bread: Crusty French bread or dinner rolls.
Storage & Reheating
· Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
· Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
· Reheat: Warm slices in gravy in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave.
Delicious Variations
· French Onion Pork: Use ground pork or a pork/beef blend.
· Bacon-Wrapped: Lay bacon strips over the top before cooking.
· Mushroom Lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms to the onion layer.
· Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cream soup.
· Air Fryer/Quick Method: Shape into individual mini loaves and cook at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, using the gravy as a dipping sauce.
This fuss-free, flavorful meatloaf brings the cozy taste of French onion soup to your dinner table with minimal effort!