French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese (Slow Cooker Style)

A rich and cozy twist on a classic — this slow-cooked French Onion Meatloaf features caramelized onions, tender beef, and a gooey layer of melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself!

Why You’ll Love It

• Set it and forget it: Perfect for busy days!
• Deep flavor: Caramelized onions add a sweet-savory richness.
• Melted cheese heaven: Swiss or Gruyère takes it over the top.
• Perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

For the Onions:

• 3–4 large sweet onions, sliced
• 4 tbsp salted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 tsp granulated sugar

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 oz packet French onion soup mix

For Cooking:

• ½ cup cooking sherry (or beef broth for non-alcoholic)
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce

For Topping:

• 4 oz Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese (sliced or shredded)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Onions

• Place sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar.
• Dot with butter and drizzle with olive oil.
• Cook on LOW for 9 hours until deeply caramelized.

2. Make the Meatloaf

• In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, and onion soup mix.
• Mix gently until just combined.
• Shape into a loaf.

3. Assemble & Cook

• Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the onions in the slow cooker.
• Place the meatloaf on top of the onions.
• Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

4. Add the Cheese

• Top the meatloaf with your cheese of choice.
• Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

• Slice and serve topped with caramelized onions and a spoonful of the flavorful juices.
• Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.

Cooking Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Slow Cook Time: 12 hours
• Total Time: ~12 hrs 30 mins

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans or a crisp salad
• Crusty bread to soak up the juices

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Gruyère for classic French onion flavor, or provolone for a milder touch.
• No cooking sherry? Use beef broth instead.
• Want a richer meatloaf? Use a beef.
• Make ahead tip: Assemble meatloaf a day before and refrigerate overnight before cooking.