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Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Meatloaf Recipe with Gruyère Crust

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A comforting slow cooker meatloaf infused with caramelized French onion soup flavors and topped with a golden, crispy Gruyère cheese crust. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix (or homemade blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup (90 g) breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally as they soften and turn golden brown, about 20 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 5 minutes until fragrant and deeply caramelized.
  2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, caramelized onions and garlic (cooled slightly), French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, egg, breadcrumbs, and beef broth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Shape the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker insert and shape into a compact loaf about 8 inches long. Smooth the top.
  4. Add the Gruyère crust: Sprinkle shredded Gruyère evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
  5. Cook in the slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the meatloaf is cooked through and the cheese is melted and golden.
  6. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). For a crisper crust, broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Notes

Caramelizing onions low and slow is essential for deep flavor. Avoid over-mixing the meat to keep the loaf tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness. For a crisper cheese crust, broil briefly after slow cooking. Onions can be caramelized a day ahead to enhance flavor. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives but expect different melt quality.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker meatloaf, French onion soup meatloaf, Gruyère crust, comfort food, easy dinner, caramelized onions, cozy meals

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