Go Back

Crock Pot French Onion Meatloaf

This flavorful Crock Pot French Onion Meatloaf combines ground beef, sweet Italian sausage, and poblano pepper, then tops it all with rich caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the caramelized onions
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • Oil or butter as needed for caramelizing
  • For the meatloaf
  • 1 poblano pepper deseeded and diced
  • 1 pound ground sweet Italian sausage
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • For the topping
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Method
 

  1. How to Make French Onion Meatloaf in the Crock Pot
  2. Caramelize the onions
  3. Heat a little butter or oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized.
  4. Caramelizing onions takes time, but it is worth the effort. Cooking them slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop and gives this meatloaf its signature French onion flavor.
  5. Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
  6. Sauté the poblano pepper
  7. Add the diced poblano pepper to the same skillet. Sauté it for several minutes, or until it has softened. Remove the pepper from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
  8. Prepare the meatloaf mixture
  9. Place the ground sweet Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and sautéed poblano pepper in a large mixing bowl.
  10. Gently mix the ingredients until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing the meat, which can make the finished meatloaf dense or tough.
  11. Shape the meatloaf
  12. Form the meat mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably inside your slow cooker.
  13. For easier lifting and cleanup, you can place two folded strips of heavy-duty aluminum foil in the bottom of the crock pot, crossing them to create handles. Lightly grease the foil before placing the meatloaf on top.
  14. Add the caramelized onions
  15. Transfer the shaped meatloaf to the crock pot. Spoon the caramelized onions over the top, spreading them into an even layer.
  16. Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for approximately 4 to 5 hours. Because slow cookers can vary, check the meatloaf with a food thermometer. It is ready when the center reaches 160°F.
  17. Add the Swiss cheese
  18. During the final 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the caramelized onions. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted.
  19. Rest and serve