Name: Swiss Cheese & Caramelized Onion Crockpot Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-488782H15M23S
Total time: PT-488782H15M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3–4 large sweet onions, sliced; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 pounds ground beef; 1 cup bread crumbs; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup beef broth

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This Swiss Cheese & Caramelized Onion Crockpot Meatloaf is a comforting dish that brings together tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted Swiss cheese. It’s slow-cooked to perfection, making it both hearty and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a simple way to create a gourmet-style meal using basic ingredients. The caramelized onions add a sweet depth of flavor, while the Swiss cheese gives a creamy finish that makes the meatloaf extra special. I also enjoy that the crockpot does most of the work for me, leaving me with a meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3-4 large sweet onions, sliced
4 tablespoons salted butter
2 pounds ground beef
1 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1/4 cup beef broth

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, I add the sliced sweet onions and cook them until caramelized, which usually takes about 15–20 minutes.
In a large bowl, I mix together the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
I shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.
I pour the beef broth around the loaf to keep it moist while cooking.
I layer the caramelized onions on top of the meatloaf.
I cover the crockpot and let it cook on low heat for 6–8 hours, until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
About 15 minutes before it’s done, I sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt.
I serve the meatloaf warm with the onions and melted cheese over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 6–8 hours to cook in the crockpot.

Variations

I sometimes swap the Swiss cheese for provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor. If I want to make it lighter, I use ground turkey instead of beef. For extra flavor, I like to mix a bit of Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture.

storage/reheating

I store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I either warm individual slices in the microwave or cover it with foil and bake it at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, I freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I often change it up with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar depending on what I have on hand.

Can I make this meatloaf without a crockpot?

Yes, I can bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour, or until it reaches 160°F internally.

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

I make sure to use enough binder, like the bread crumbs and egg, and I avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Can I prepare the meatloaf the night before?

Yes, I assemble the loaf and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, I transfer it to the crockpot and start cooking.

What side dishes go well with this meatloaf?

I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

This Swiss Cheese & Caramelized Onion Crockpot Meatloaf is a dish I keep coming back to whenever I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and creamy melted cheese makes it truly satisfying. It’s a recipe I love sharing with family and friends.

Swiss Cheese & Caramelized Onion Crockpot Meatloaf