Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup diced onions (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cheese Topping:
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
For the Cooking Broth:
- 1 cup beef broth
For Garnish:
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, diced onions (optional), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix the ingredients until well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense meatloaf, so gently stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 2: Shape and Place in the Crockpot
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Place it carefully in the bottom of your crockpot. Once the meatloaf is shaped, pour the beef broth around the sides of the loaf in the crockpot. This will keep the meatloaf moist while it cooks and add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Cook
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). The long cooking time on LOW will result in a more tender and juicy meatloaf, but both methods will produce a delicious result.
Step 4: Add the Swiss Cheese
About 15 minutes before the meatloaf is done cooking, place 6 slices of Swiss cheese on top of the meatloaf. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer. If you prefer a cheesier option, feel free to add more cheese!
Step 5: Serve
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the loaf from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Slice the meatloaf into portions, then garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Serve warm, and enjoy this hearty meal!
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Browning Option: If you prefer a slightly browned crust on your meatloaf, you can sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes before transferring it to the crockpot. This step adds a rich, caramelized flavor to the meatloaf, though it’s entirely optional.
- Onion Variation: If you’re looking for an extra burst of flavor, try adding caramelized onions on top of the melted cheese. The sweet, rich flavor of caramelized onions pairs wonderfully with the savory French onion seasoning in the meatloaf.
- Cheese Substitution: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a milder or sharper flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (LOW)
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Protein: 28g