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There’s just something about meatloaf that feels like home. It’s warm, comforting, and always brings everyone to the table. But let’s be real, traditional meatloaf can get a little repetitive and its got a bad rap. That’s why I love putting a new spin on it, and this Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf is next level delicious.  Even meatloaf haters will be begging for the recipe. 

This is a juicy, savory meatloaf slow cooked in a rich onion soup base, loaded with caramelized onions and melty Swiss cheese. It’s packed with flavor, practically effortless thanks to the slow cooker, and perfect over a big scoop of mashed potatoes. This Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf is a favorite in our house, it’s cozy, hearty, and the leftovers (if you have any) are even better the next day. 

Not only are the leftovers delicious but they make the absolute best grilled cheese.  Place a thick slice of meatloaf and some more swiss between two slices of buttered bread and make yourself the ultimate grilled cheese!

If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing dinner that your whole family will love this Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf is it. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and those are my favorite kind of meals. 

 

 

Ingredients 

• 1 large onion, sliced – Caramelized for deep, sweet flavor that sets the tone for this dish.

• 1 tablespoon butter – Helps soften and caramelize the onions.

• 2 pounds lean ground beef – Hearty, juicy base for the meatloaf.  Make sure it is lean so you do not end up with a greasy meatloaf.

• 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix – Adds all the savory depth without needing extra seasoning.

• 3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs – Binds the meatloaf and adds flavor from the herbs.

• 2 eggs – Keeps the loaf together and adds moisture.

• 3/4 cup milk – Keeps the texture tender and soft.

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds richness and depth to the flavor.

• 8 slices Swiss cheese, divided – Melty, cheese that makes every bite flavorful.

• 1 (10.5 oz) can French onion soup – Poured over top for the ultimate french onion flavor.

• Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish it off.

Why This Recipe Works

The caramelized onions and slow cooked French onion soup give the meatloaf a rich, savory depth that’s way more exciting than a traditional version. Swiss cheese melts into the meatloaf and over the top for that gooey, comforting bite. Cooking it low and slow keeps it moist and full of flavor with hardly any effort.

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Full of cozy, savory French onion flavor

• Cheesy, melty, and ultra comforting

• Slow cooker = hands off dinner!

• Easy ingredients and pantry staples

• Great for leftovers or meal prep

Tips for Success

• Caramelize your onions for max flavor before adding to the slow cooker.

• Dice the cheese small so it melts nicely into the meat mixture.

• Spray your slow cooker or use a liner for easier cleanup.

• Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to keep it from falling apart.

• Use a thermometer and aim for 160°F for perfect doneness.

Troubleshooting

Meatloaf too wet or falling apart?
Try cutting back slightly on milk or breadcrumbs next time. Also be sure to let it rest before slicing.

Dry meatloaf?
It may have overcooked—check your slow cooker’s temperature. Also, don’t skip the milk or cheese in the mix.

Not enough flavor?
Make sure you’re using beefy onion soup mix and not skipping the caramelized onions or Worcestershire.

 

Substitutions

• Beefy onion soup mix → Regular onion soup mix or homemade dry mix

• Swiss cheese → Provolone or gruyère for a similar flavor

• Italian breadcrumbs → Plain breadcrumbs + a pinch of Italian seasoning

• Ground beef → Ground turkey or ground pork for a twist

• Worcestershire sauce → Soy sauce or steak sauce in a pinch

Some of our favorite slow cooker recipes we love: Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper Meatballs, Slow Cooker Easy Meatloaf, Slow Cooker Honey BBQ Drumsticks.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed potatoes (of course!)

• Steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted carrots

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls

• Leftovers make amazing sandwiches the next day

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

Make-Ahead:
Form the meatloaf and store it (uncooked) in the fridge up to 24 hours ahead.

Freeze Before Cooking:
Wrap the raw loaf in foil and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.

Freeze After Cooking:
Cool completely, slice, and freeze in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

How to make this Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf

1. Caramelize the onions in butter over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, then add them to the slow cooker.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, beefy onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, and 5 diced slices of Swiss cheese.
3. Shape into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker.
4. Pour French onion soup over the top. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3.
5. Five minutes before serving, top with the remaining cheese, cover to melt, garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.

Storage Suggestions

• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices or whole loaf for up to 3 months.

• Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts or warm in a 300°F oven until heated through.

 

Variations

• Top with crispy fried onions for a little crunch.

• Use cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.

• Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a herby twist.

• Make mini meatloaves in ramekins or muffin tins for individual portions.

RECIPE FAQs

Can I cook this on high?
Yes! High for 3 hours or low for 4 hours works great.

Can I skip the cheese?
Sure, but the cheese adds a nice richness and moisture.

Can I use dried onions instead of fresh?
Fresh caramelized onions really boost the flavor, but dried will work in a pinch.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes!  Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to fit it.

 

Did you make this SLOW COOKER KIELBASA, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

 

If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly dinner that’s packed with flavor and comfort, this Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf is it! It’s cozy, savory, cheesy, and comes together with almost no effort. Add it to your weekly rotation, you won’t regret it!

Looking for more easy slow cooker dinners that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? These are some of our all time favorites:

• Slow Cooker Birria Sliders – Juicy shredded beef packed with flavor, piled onto slider buns, and perfect for a crowd or game day.

• Slow Cooker Arby’s Roast Beef and Cheddar Sandwiches – Your favorite fast food sandwich made at home with tender slow-cooked beef and melty cheddar.

• Slow Cooker Dr. Pepper BBQ Meatballs – Sweet, smoky, and sticky meatballs that are always a hit at dinner or parties.

• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Lil’ Smokies – A tropical twist on a classic, perfect for snacking or potlucks.

• Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes– Creamy, buttery, and totally hands off, perfect alongside any main dish.
  
  
  Continue to Content

  

  French Onion Meatloaf

  Yield: 6

  Prep Time: 15 minutes

  Cook Time: 4 hours

  Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

  This Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf is such a great, flavorful spin on a classic!  Savory meatloaf filled with onions and swiss cheese slow cooks all day in an onion sauce before getting topped with more melty swiss cheese.  This is always a favorite and perfect on top of fluffy mashed potatoes.

  Print

  Ingredients

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 envelope beefy onion soup mix
  • 3/4 cup italian bread crumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
  • 8 sliced swiss cheese, divided
  • 10.5 ounce can french onion soup
  • Parsley for garnish

  Instructions

  1. To a skillet over medium high heat add your onions and butter and let caramelize about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Add to the slow cooker.

  1. To a large bowl add your ground beef, beefy onion soup mix, bread crumbs, eggs, milk and worcestershire sauce. 
  2. Dice up 5 slices of the swiss cheese and add that to the mix.
  3. Mix the meatloaf mixture until combined and shape into a loaf.
  4. Add the loaf to the slow cooker.
  5. Pour the french onion soup over the top.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours.
  7. Five minutes before serving top with the remaining swiss cheese slices and cover until melted.
  8. Garnish with parsley.
  9. Slice and serve.

  Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can substitute gruyere or provolone cheese if you like. 
  • You can use just dry onion soup mix instead of the beefy onion if you like. 
  • You can add some thyme to the mix if you like.

  Nutrition Information:

  Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
  Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1110Total Fat: 71gSaturated Fat: 37gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 344mgSodium: 899mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 90g