Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Here’s a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese:

Ingredients:

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup of French onion soup mix if you prefer extra flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian)
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet of French onion soup mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• ½ cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (or more if you like it extra cheesy)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for greasing the crockpot)

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion (or French onion soup mix), breadcrumbs, egg, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, thyme, milk, salt, and pepper.
   • Mix all ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.

2. Shape the Meatloaf:

   • Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape that fits comfortably in your crockpot.
   • Optionally, grease the inside of the crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

3. Cook the Meatloaf:

   • Place the meatloaf into the crockpot.
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your crockpot. Check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.

4. Melt the Swiss Cheese:

   • About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top.
   • Cover again and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve:

   • Carefully remove the meatloaf from the crockpot, slice, and serve.
   • Pair it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal!

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Tips:

• For extra caramelized flavor, you can sauté the onion before adding it to the meatloaf mixture.
• If you like a little more depth of flavor, add a couple of tablespoons of French onion dip to the mixture.
• Feel free to use different types of cheese, like Gruyère, if you’re looking for a twist.

Enjoy your Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese!