About This Recipe
This recipe combines traditional meatloaf with French onion soup flavors and melted Swiss cheese. It is prepared entirely in a slow cooker, making it a convenient hands-off meal. Total cooking time ranges from 4 to 6 hours depending on appliance settings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires minimal active preparation time
- Slow cooking yields tender, evenly cooked meatloaf
- French onion flavor infused throughout the dish
- Swiss cheese creates a rich, melted topping
- Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using alternative breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 packet dry French onion soup mix (1 oz)
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4-6 slices Swiss cheese
- Cooking spray or oil for slow cooker
Step by Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, dry French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix ingredients thoroughly using hands or a spoon until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
- Shape mixture into a loaf approximately 8 inches long and 4 inches wide.
- Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or oil.
- Place meatloaf in the center of the slow cooker, ensuring at least 1 inch clearance on all sides.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, arrange Swiss cheese slices evenly over the meatloaf and cover until melted.
- Turn off slow cooker and let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before transferring to a cutting board with a large spatula.
- Slice and serve immediately.
FAQ
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey may be substituted. Adjust cooking time as needed since poultry requires thorough cooking to 165°F internal temperature.
How do I prevent the meatloaf from becoming too moist?
Ensure proper breadcrumb-to-meat ratio and avoid adding extra liquid ingredients. Using leaner ground beef (90%) also reduces excess fat.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Finely chopped onions or mushrooms may be incorporated into the meat mixture before cooking. Do not line the slow cooker with vegetables as this may create excess moisture.
You Must Know
Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness. All slow cookers vary in temperature; begin checking internal temperature 30 minutes before recommended cooking time ends. Avoid opening the lid frequently during cooking as this extends required cooking time.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days
- Reheat individual slices in microwave at reduced power or in oven at 325°F until warmed through
- Freeze fully cooled slices wrapped in plastic then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before reheating
- Do not leave cooked meatloaf at room temperature for more than 2 hours