Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

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If you love the cozy flavors of classic French onion soup and the heartiness of a traditional meatloaf, you’re in for a comforting, flavor-packed treat. This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf takes everything you love about both dishes and melds them into a juicy, slow-cooked dinner that tastes like home. It’s a weeknight winner with little prep and all the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal.

Tender ground beef is mixed with caramelized onion flavors, seasoned breadcrumbs, and melty cheese, then slow-cooked in a bath of French onion goodness until it’s fork-tender. The result is a savory, melt-in-your-mouth loaf that practically makes its own gravy. It’s hearty enough for a family dinner but simple enough to toss together in the morning before a busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

It transforms minimal effort into maximum flavor. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, allowing the meatloaf to stay moist and absorb every bit of that rich, oniony broth. No oven babysitting, no dry meatloaf—just comforting, savory magic in a pot.

This is the kind of recipe that feels nostalgic yet new. It blends the familiar meatloaf format with the flavor-forward charm of French onion soup. And the leftovers? Even better the next day.

Can I Use Homemade Onion Soup Instead of Packets?

Absolutely. While the dry soup mix makes things ultra-convenient, if you have a favorite homemade onion soup or broth, go for it. Just make sure it’s deeply savory and concentrated to match the bold flavor you’d get from the packets. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust salt and moisture levels depending on your soup base.

Ingredients for the Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

This meatloaf comes together with pantry-friendly staples and just a few flavorful extras. Each ingredient has a role to play in building that comforting depth.

  • Ground beef
  • French onion soup mix
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Milk
  • Beef broth or French onion soup (liquid)

Ground beef provides the base, rich and savory, soaking up all the seasonings.

French onion soup mix gives the meatloaf that deep, umami flavor without hours of slow-cooking onions.

Breadcrumbs help hold it all together while keeping the texture light.

Eggs act as a binder, helping the loaf hold its shape in the crockpot.

Shredded mozzarella melts into pockets of creamy goodness throughout the loaf.

Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy depth that complements the onion.

Milk brings moisture and tenderness to the meat mixture.

Beef broth or French onion soup forms the flavorful bath that enhances the taste as it slow cooks.

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How To Make the Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Step 1: Mix the Meatloaf Base

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded mozzarella, Worcestershire sauce, and milk. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t overmix, or the loaf can get dense.

Step 2: Shape and Place

Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of your crockpot. If you prefer, you can lay a sling of foil underneath to make removal easier later.

Step 3: Pour the Broth

Carefully pour the beef broth or prepared French onion soup around the base of the meatloaf—not directly over it. This will create a flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the meatloaf with extra richness.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look slightly browned and the aroma is pure comfort.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Carefully lift the meatloaf out and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon some of that flavorful broth over each piece for added moisture.

How to Serve and Store Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

This dish serves 6 to 8 hearty portions, depending on how thickly you slice it. It’s ideal for a family dinner, meal prep, or even leftovers for next-day sandwiches.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the meatloaf wrapped tightly, and reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.

What to Serve With Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

The natural pairing for all that savory broth. Let it soak in.

Roasted Green Beans

Bright and crisp, they cut through the richness.

Classic Caprese Salad

A fresh, tangy side to balance the slow-cooked flavors. Classic Caprese Salad Recipe

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Perfect for dipping into that oniony broth.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

If you’re going all-in on comfort. Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Rice

Mild, buttery rice is a wonderful base. Try it with a scoop of meatloaf on top. Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice

Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Great for those who love classic dinners with a twist. Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole

Want More Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf, here are a few more recipes you might crave next:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add caramelized onions on top or swap cheeses? Maybe you doubled the batch for easy lunches?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s make dinner easier together.

Explore more slow cooker family favorites and weeknight dinner winners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and never run out of comforting meal ideas.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is what happens when cozy meets convenient. It delivers all the heart and flavor of a classic dish with the ease of a slow cooker. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this meatloaf wraps you in savory goodness. One slice in, and you’ll be hooked.

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Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: approx. 7 hours
  • Yield: 6–8 servings

Description

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf is a slow cooker twist on a comfort food classic. This moist meatloaf combines ground beef, French onion soup mix, and melty cheese in a savory broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings. Keywords: Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf, slow cooker meatloaf, French onion meatloaf recipe, comfort food, easy crockpot meals.


Ingredients

1 ½ pounds ground beef

1 packet French onion soup mix

¾ cup breadcrumbs

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

⅓ cup milk

1 ½ cups beef broth or prepared French onion soup


Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, shredded mozzarella, Worcestershire sauce, and milk until just combined.

2. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the crockpot.

3. Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf (not over it) to create a cooking bath.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or until internal temp reaches 160°F.

5. Carefully remove the loaf and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

6. Spoon broth over slices before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

This recipe can be made with homemade onion soup if preferred.

Leftovers taste even better the next day and make great sandwiches.

Add caramelized onions or top with extra cheese for variation.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–7 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 810mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

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