Description

French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese combines tender, savoury meatloaf with deeply caramelised onions and plenty of melted Swiss cheese. Made in the slow cooker, this comforting dinner is rich, hearty and full of classic French onion-inspired flavour.

Ingredients

3–4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

4 tbsp salted butter

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp sea salt

1 tsp coarse black pepper

1 tsp granulated sugar

1½ lb (680 g) ground beef

1 large egg

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/3 cup milk

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

6–8 slices Swiss cheese

1/2 cup beef broth

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Fresh thyme, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sea salt, coarse black pepper and sugar. Cook for 25–35 minutes, stirring regularly, until the onions become deeply golden, soft and caramelised.

2. While the onions cook, add the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, onion powder, salt and black pepper to a large bowl. Mix gently until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing so the finished meatloaf stays tender.

3. Line the slow cooker with parchment paper if desired. Shape the meat mixture into a compact loaf and place it in the centre of the slow cooker.

4. Spoon about half of the caramelised onions over the top of the meatloaf, gently pressing them into the surface. Reserve the remaining caramelised onions for the final topping.

5. Pour the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce around the sides of the meatloaf. Try to avoid pouring the liquid directly over the top so the onion layer stays in place.

6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours, or until the centre of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Once the meatloaf is cooked, carefully spoon the reserved caramelised onions over the top. Arrange the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the onions.

8. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for another 5–10 minutes, until the Swiss cheese is completely melted.

9. Carefully remove the meatloaf from the slow cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

10. Garnish with fresh thyme and spoon some of the caramelised onion juices over each slice before serving.

Notes

Cook the onions slowly and patiently to develop their deep golden colour and rich flavour.

Mix the meatloaf ingredients only until combined to help keep the finished meatloaf tender.

Reserve some caramelised onions for the final topping for an extra layer of flavour.

Let the cooked meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the slices hold together more easily.

The final few minutes of cooking are enough to melt the Swiss cheese.

This recipe is specifically written for the slow cooker and cooks for 5–6 hours on LOW.

Swiss cheese is used for the French onion-inspired topping. A different cheese can be substituted, although the flavour and texture will change.

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans or a crisp green salad.

Spoon some of the caramelised onion juices over the meatloaf before serving for additional savoury flavour.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American