Description
This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food upgrade—juicy, slow-cooked beef infused with rich caramelized onions and topped with gooey melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for an easy dinner, cozy family meal, or satisfying weekend comfort dish, this easy recipe brings together classic French onion soup flavors in a hearty, sliceable form. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, food ideas for gatherings, or a make-ahead meal, this slow cooker favorite delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 cup finely diced yellow onion
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (for onions)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 cup beef broth
6–8 slices Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt. Cook 25–35 minutes, stirring frequently, until deeply golden and caramelized. Add sugar if desired. Deglaze with beef broth and cook 2–3 more minutes. Cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Shape mixture into a firm loaf. Lightly grease the crockpot or line with parchment paper. Place loaf inside.
4. Spoon two-thirds of the caramelized onions over the top. Reserve remaining onions.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Top with Gruyère and mozzarella. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted.
7. Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved onions on top.
Notes
Caramelize the onions slowly for maximum sweetness and depth of flavor.
Do not overmix the meat to keep the texture tender and juicy.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to prevent it from falling apart and to retain moisture.
Per serving (approximate): 450 calories, 34g protein, 30g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 5g sugar, 750mg sodium, 13g saturated fat, 15g unsaturated fat, 0g trans fat, 120mg cholesterol, 1g fiber.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg