Name: Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef (preferably lean); 1 packet dry onion soup mix; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs); 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon steak sauce or tamari; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Tender, juicy meatloaf slow-cooked with caramelized onions, savory herbs, and topped with melty cheese—this Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf twist brings a bold, comforting flavor to a classic family favorite. I love making this dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or anytime I need a no-fuss meal with major payoff.

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs ground beef (preferably lean)

1 packet dry onion soup mix

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs)

2 eggs

½ cup milk

1 tablespoon steak sauce or tamari

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by combining the ground beef, onion soup mix, crushed crackers, eggs, milk, steak sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. I mix just until everything’s combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf dense.

I shape the mixture into a loaf and place it right in the bottom of the slow cooker.

I pour 1 ½ cups of the French onion soup over the loaf, cover, and let it cook—low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours works great depending on my schedule.

About 15 minutes before I’m ready to serve, I sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top, then pour in the remaining ½ cup of soup.

I cover again and let the cheese melt, which takes about 10–15 minutes.

When it’s ready, I carefully lift the meatloaf out, slice it, and serve it garnished with fresh parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3–4 hours (on high)

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: About 410 kcal per serving

Variations

I’ve made this recipe a few different ways depending on what I have:

I swap mozzarella with provolone or Swiss for a deeper, nuttier flavor.

For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari.

I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms for extra richness or used ground turkey for a lighter option.

Sometimes I bake it in the oven at 350°F for about an hour instead of using the crockpot when I’m short on time.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave slices covered loosely with a damp paper towel or warm them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. This meatloaf also freezes well—wrapped tightly, it keeps for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep the meatloaf from falling apart?

I make sure to mix just enough to combine and use the correct ratio of binders like eggs and crackers. Letting it rest a bit after cooking also helps it firm up.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the meat mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, I shape and place it in the crockpot and let it cook while I go about my day.

What can I serve with French onion meatloaf?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a simple salad. The cheesy, savory flavor pairs well with classic sides.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I make sure my slow cooker can handle the size. I’ve also split it into two smaller loaves to ensure even cooking.

Can I use homemade French onion soup?

Absolutely. I like using homemade soup when I want more control over the salt and depth of flavor, but store-bought works well for convenience.

Conclusion

This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf takes everything I love about comfort food—rich flavor, melty cheese, and minimal effort—and turns it into a dish I come back to again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, but really, the slow cooker did all the work. Whether for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, it always delivers.

📖 Recipe:

Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Tender, juicy meatloaf slow-cooked with caramelized onions, savory herbs, and topped with melty cheese—this French onion twist brings bold, comforting flavor to a classic family favorite.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, crushed crackers, eggs, milk, steak sauce, garlic powder, pepper, and salt. Mix just until combined.
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour 1 ½ cups of the French onion soup over the loaf. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
15 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the loaf and pour in the remaining ½ cup of soup.
Cover again and let the cheese melt, about 10–15 minutes.
Carefully lift the meatloaf out, slice, and serve garnished with fresh parsley if desired.