Dinner

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

Introduction

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions with a classic meatloaf for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for busy days, this easy slow cooker recipe yields tender meatloaf topped with melted cheese and savory onion sauce.

The dish is served on a white oval plate placed on a blue and white striped cloth, with a white marbled background. The bottom layer consists of rich, dark brown caramelized onions with a glossy texture covering the entire plate base and flowing over the edges. On top is a thick slice of soft, golden-brown meat covered with melted cheese that has a smooth, slightly browned surface. More caramelized onions are scattered over the top, adding depth with their curled, slightly translucent strands. Small green herb sprigs add a touch of fresh color on top of the onions. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3-4 large sweet onions (sliced)
4 tablespoons salted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 pound ground beef
1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
1 cup milk

1 egg
1 oz. package French onion soup mix
1/2 cup cooking sherry

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 oz Swiss, Gruyere, or provolone cheese
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the onions and spread them evenly in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle the sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar over the onions. Dot with the butter and drizzle the olive oil on top. Cover and cook on LOW for 12 hours to caramelize the onions deeply.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian herb bread crumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix. Mix gently until just combined, then shape into a ball or oval.
Step 3: Pour the cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the caramelized onions in the slow cooker. Place the formed meatloaf on top of the onions. Cover and cook on HIGH for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 4: Place the cheese slices on top of the meatloaf. Cover again and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve the meatloaf sliced with plenty of the caramelized onions and sauce spooned over each portion. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a fragrant finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, try using a mix of ground beef and pork in the meatloaf.

Substitute cooking sherry with dry white wine or beef broth if preferred.
Gruyere cheese adds a nutty richness if you want a more complex flavor than Swiss or provolone.
If you like a sweeter onion flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar during the slow cooking of onions.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf and onions covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a low oven to preserve moisture. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf slices for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A thick slice of browned meatloaf with a coarse texture is placed in the center of a white plate. The meatloaf has a slightly rough, cooked ground beef interior and is topped with soft, golden caramelized onions that glisten with sauce. The onions also spread around the base of the meatloaf, pooling on the plate, with small green herb sprigs used as garnish. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred background that includes a digital kitchen appliance and a glass bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this meatloaf?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can caramelize the onions on the stovetop in a large pan over low heat for about 45 minutes until golden. Then bake the meatloaf in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, adding the onions on top halfway through cooking.