Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf

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Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf

Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf is a deliciously savory dish that combines the familiar comfort of traditional meatloaf with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. This recipe is worth making for its simplicity and the way it fills your home with a delightful aroma as it cooks throughout the day. It’s an easy, step-by-step process that even beginner cooks can follow, ensuring that you’ll end up with a mouthwatering meal that your family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why will you adore this Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf? For starters, it’s incredibly convenient. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you. This recipe is also family-friendly, catering to both children and adults who appreciate hearty flavors. The combination of ground beef and sweet onions, topped with gooey Gruyère cheese, creates an engaging dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
2 medium sweet onions, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for glaze)

Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf is packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet onions that turn golden brown as they cook and the minced garlic that infuses every bite. The breadcrumbs provide the perfect texture, while the Gruyère cheese adds a creamy delight. Seasoned with thyme and rosemary, this meatloaf is a feast for the senses.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Sauté the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the sliced sweet onions until they become golden brown and caramelized, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Afterward, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary). Mix until all ingredients are well blended.

3. Shape the Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf form and place it inside your prepared crockpot.

4. Add Broth: Pour the beef broth around the loaf to keep it moist while it cooks.

5. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the meatloaf.

6. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).

7. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the sides of your choice and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Enhance Flavor: For an even richer taste, consider adding sautéed mushrooms along with the onions.
• Cheese Options: If you can’t find Gruyère cheese, Swiss cheese or mozzarella are tasty alternatives.
• Herb Variation: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a more intense flavor.
• Texture Preference: If you prefer a firmer meatloaf, reduce the amount of beef broth slightly.
• Leftover Delight: Chop up leftovers for a delicious sandwich the next day.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. You might also serve it accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices or a tangy coleslaw for a contrast in texture. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside buttered corn or green beans.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: Approx. 400
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 650mg

These values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands and methods of preparation, but this dish remains a wholesome option for a satisfying family meal.

Storing Tips & Variations for Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf

If you have leftovers, storing them is simple! Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.

For variations, try adding different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also replace the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or bell peppers can introduce new flavors to this classic dish.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf is not only a convenient dish to prepare but also a delightful experience for your taste buds. With its rich flavors and versatile nature, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even for a special occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe, because once you do, it’s likely to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Is it possible to cook this on the stovetop instead?

While this recipe is designed for a crockpot, you can bake it in a traditional oven. Shape the meatloaf and place it in a greased loaf pan, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour.

3. What can I substitute for bread crumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground almonds to make the recipe gluten-free.

4. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should reach 160°F (70°C) to be safe for consumption.

5. Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mix?

Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor without significantly altering the taste.

Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A deliciously savory meatloaf combining the comfort of traditional meatloaf with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium sweet onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 cup ketchup or BBQ sauce (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Sauté the sliced sweet onions in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (10-12 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sautéed onions and garlic, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Mix well.
3. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in the crockpot.
4. Pour beef broth around the loaf to keep it moist while cooking.
5. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the meatloaf.
6. Cover and cook on low for 360 minutes or on high for 240 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
7. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

For a richer taste, consider adding sautéed mushrooms along with the onions. You can also try different cheeses or use ground turkey for a lighter option.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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