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Sweet, Crunchy, and Irresistible! Recipe

Sweet, Crunchy, and Irresistible! Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 5 reviews

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese combines deeply caramelized sweet onions with a flavorful ground beef mixture slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Topped with ooey-gooey melted Swiss cheese and fresh thyme, this recipe is an easy, comforting meal ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp coarse black pepper
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp cooking sherry (optional)

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Half of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)

For the Topping:

  • 6–8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese
  • Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the thinly sliced sweet onions, sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar. Stir occasionally and cook for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Deglaze the skillet with cooking sherry if using, then remove the pan from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and half of the caramelized onions reserved earlier. Mix gently just until combined. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on parchment paper or foil in the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Slow Cook the Meatloaf: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, carefully drain any excess liquid from the crockpot.
  4. Add the Cheese Topping: Evenly spread the remaining caramelized onions over the cooked meatloaf. Layer the slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese on top of the onions. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt for 5 to 10 minutes. For an optional golden top crust, carefully transfer the meatloaf to an oven-safe dish and broil in a preheated oven for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Make the meatloaf mixture a day ahead and refrigerate for easier preparation and enhanced flavor.
  • Swiss or Gruyère cheese offers the best melty and nutty flavor; provolone is a good alternative.
  • You can substitute ground turkey for beef, but reduce cooking time slightly to avoid dryness.
  • If you don’t have a crockpot, bake the meatloaf in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 50-60 minutes until cooked through.
  • Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion meatloaf, crockpot meatloaf, slow cooker recipe, caramelized onions, melted Swiss cheese, comfort food, easy meatloaf, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/sweet-crunchy-and-irresistible-recipe/