Good meatloaf becomes great with the addition of sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese in this recipe for French Onion Meatloaf.
(Originally published 10/2/2017 and updated for content 2/19/2025)
If you like this recipe, check out my French Onion Chicken Soup next!
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This slow cooked meatloaf has the flavor profile of a classic French Onion Soup. Caramelized onions are rolled inside the lean ground beef meatloaf and then the top is smothered with melted cheese. The meatloaf itself takes a little time to prepare, but the end result is worthy. It’s hard to beat the combination of sweet sliced onions with savory beef. And since the meatloaf is prepared in the slow cooker, it stays really tender. This is a delicious and juicy meatloaf you could serve for a special occasion or any cozy night.
More good meatloaf recipes
Ingredients for french onion meatloaf recipe
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- Ground Meat – I like to use an 85/15 ground chuck for this easy recipe. That means 85 percent is lean meat, while 15 percent is fat. You could use ground turkey if you prefer but the entire meatloaf probably won’t be as juicy and tender.
- Eggs – Two large eggs help to hold the meatloaf together.
- Bread Crumbs – Panko bread crumbs are my favorite because of the crispy texture.
- Parsley – I like the color and flavor of fresh parsley. You could also add some fresh thyme as seasoning.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Helps to add good depth of flavor to the meatloaf.
- Onions – Fresh large onions are sliced and then cooked over medium heat in a large skillet with butter and sugar, just like you would start a French Onion Soup.
- Butter – Helps to cook the onions.
- Sugar – Brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. I use granulated sugar but you could use brown sugar.
- Cheese – I like to finish the meatloaf with mozzarella cheese. But you could use melted Swiss or even gruyere cheese.
- Salt – Always season to your own taste with salt.
Instructions for crockpot french onion meatloaf
Refer to these pictures when preparing the meatloaf. You’ll find a complete and detailed list of instructions in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to bake this meatloaf in the oven
If you’d prefer to make this meatloaf in the oven, place the prepared meatloaf on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in a 350 degree F preheated oven for at least one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F. Top the meatloaf with the shredded cheese and bake for a few minutes more until the cheese is melted on top.
Serving suggestions
I love serving individual slices of this meatloaf atop a thick slice of garlic bread. Because a crock of French Onion Soup is traditionally served topped with a slice of bread smothered in cheese. I’d suggest a good pinot noir for wine pairing. Here’s some recipes to make this meatloaf a complete meal –
Storage directions
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or store it in the freezer for up to one month.
Kitchen tools
- I test all my slow cooker recipes in 6-quart slow cooker
- Parchment paper for lining the slow cooker, to prevent sticking
- A large non-stick skillet for cooking the onions
- My favorite and inexpensive instant read meat thermometer
French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground round
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup parsley finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 sweet onions thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Measure the inside of your slow cooker. I used a 6-quart oval slow cooker and the widest part of the crock was 8-inches. Cut a piece of parchment paper for the purpose of folding your meatloaf, about 8x14 inches. Set aside.
- Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter in the hot skillet. Add the sliced onions, stir to coat with the melted butter, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are browned, about 20 minutes. Add the sugar in the last minute of cooking. Remove the onions from the heat to cool a bit.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, Panko bread crumbs, parsley, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Add the ground round and use a fork or spatula to mix the egg mixture evenly into the meat.
- Spread the meatloaf mixture in an even layer on the prepared parchment paper with one of the short ends facing you. Spread the caramelized onions evenly along the bottom of half of the meat mixture.
- Fold the meatloaf like a business letter. Fold the bottom third (covered with onions) up and then fold the top third (not covered with onions) down so the meatloaf is rolled up and the onions are inside. Press the ends in gently to seal.
- Cut another piece of parchment paper 8-inches wide but about 24-inches long so there is enough overhang for "handles". Line the slow cooker with the parchment paper. Gently place the meatloaf on top of the clean parchment paper and place the lid on. Cook on LOW heat for about 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160 degrees.
- Carefully lift out the cooked meatloaf with the parchment paper and place both on a baking sheet. Top the meatloaf with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Broil the meatloaf in the oven on HIGH for a few minutes, just until the cheese on top is starting to brown and get bubbly.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest a few minutes then slice and serve.
Nutrition
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Lisa Huff says
WHAT?!?! OMG this is my kind of dinner! I’ve never made meatloaf in a slow cooker and now I’m kicking myself!
foodtasticmom says
Thanks Lisa 🙂
Suzy says
Never thought about the slow cooker for meatloaf. Great idea!
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Suzy
Tara says
Oh wow! I love that cheese on top. I haven’t pulled out my slow cooker in a few months. Definitely need to for this!
foodtasticmom says
I hope you do! We all loved it
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Great idea to use the slow cooker for this! I love the flavours of French onion soup.
foodtasticmom says
Thank you Becca
Catherine says
Oh this absolutely delish! There is nothing more comforting than meatloaf!
foodtasticmom says
Totally agree. I hope you try it!