French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, caramelized flavors of sweet onions with tender, seasoned ground beef. This slow-cooked dish is topped with melted Swiss cheese and makes for a comforting and savory meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 large sweet onions, sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix
• ½ cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 6-8 slices Swiss cheese
• Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced sweet onions, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and golden. Transfer the caramelized onions to the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the red wine and Worcestershire sauce over the onions to create a flavorful base.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, milk, egg, and Lipton onion soup mix. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a spoon until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Shape the meat mixture into an oval loaf that will fit inside the slow cooker. Ensure the loaf is compact but not too tightly packed to avoid density.
4. Step 4: Gently place the formed meatloaf on top of the onion mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Cook the meatloaf for approximately 5 hours.
6. Step 6: After 5 hours, carefully open the lid and lay 6-8 slices of Swiss cheese across the top of the meatloaf, overlapping slightly if needed. Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
7. Step 7: Garnish the finished meatloaf with fresh thyme sprigs. Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help it hold together.
8. Step 8: Slice and serve the meatloaf with the caramelized onions and sauce. Serve directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a platter.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper onion flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar when caramelizing the onions.
• Use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a different texture and flavor.
• If you don’t have red wine, substitute with beef broth for a rich base.
• Try topping the meatloaf with Gruyère cheese instead of Swiss for a nuttier taste.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep it moist. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, covered with foil, then add cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until melted and bubbly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and caramelize the onions a day ahead. Assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Cook as directed the next day, adding extra time if cooking from cold.

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This French Onion Meatloaf recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized sweet onions, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce with a moist, seasoned ground beef loaf topped with melting Swiss cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a comforting twist on classic meatloaf with a luscious, savory base reminiscent of French onion soup.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions:

• 4 large sweet onions, sliced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 oz. packet Lipton onion soup mix
• 6–8 slices Swiss cheese

Garnish:

• Fresh thyme, optional

---

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced sweet onions, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Carefully transfer the caramelized onions to the bottom of the slow cooker, then pour the red wine and Worcestershire sauce over them to create a flavorful base.
2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, whole milk, egg, and Lipton onion soup mix. Use your hands or a spoon to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Shape the meatloaf: Form the meat mixture into an oval loaf shape that will fit comfortably inside the slow cooker. Ensure the loaf is compact but not packed too tightly to avoid a dense texture.
4. Assemble in slow cooker: Gently place the shaped meatloaf on top of the onion mixture in the slow cooker.
5. Cook the meatloaf: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for approximately 5 hours.
6. Add the cheese topping: After 5 hours, carefully lift the slow cooker lid and arrange 6-8 slices of Swiss cheese over the top of the meatloaf, slightly overlapping if needed. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted.
7. Garnish and rest: Remove the lid, garnish the meatloaf with fresh thyme sprigs if desired and allow it to rest inside the slow cooker for 5 minutes. This helps the loaf hold together when slicing.
8. Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it with the caramelized onions and flavorful sauce from the slow cooker, either directly or transferred onto a serving platter.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best caramelization and sweetness.
• Do not over-pack the meatloaf to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
• If you prefer, replace Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more traditional French onion flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve moisture.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: French onion meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, caramelized onion meatloaf, Swiss cheese meatloaf, comfort food, easy meatloaf recipe