When you want comfort food that basically cooks itself, this slow cooker French onion meatloaf is the move. It has that cozy, savory onion flavor you usually only get from hours of simmering but here it comes from simple pantry helpers and slow, gentle heat. The result is a meatloaf that stays tender (not dry), slices cleanly, and makes your kitchen smell like dinner is already handled.
This one is also a real-life win: you can prep it earlier, stash it in the fridge, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad and don’t be surprised if everyone goes back for seconds. If you’re on a cozy comfort-food streak, try Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole next it’s another easy set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
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Quick Answer: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf
Mix ground beef with French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, and a few flavor boosters, shape into a loaf, and cook on LOW until it reaches 160°F internally.
For food-safety, cook ground beef to 160°F—USDA FSIS lists 160°F as the safe minimum internal temperature for ground beef.
Key Benefits of This Recipe
- Stays juicy: slow cooker heat is gentle, so the meatloaf doesn’t dry out easily
- Big onion flavor: without needing to caramelize onions for an hour
- Make-ahead friendly: mix + shape in advance, cook when you need it
- Great leftovers: slices reheat well for lunch sandwiches or meal prep
Ingredients
Slow cooker French onion meatloaf slice with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and mashed potatoes on a plate.
You don’t need anything fancy — just classic meatloaf basics with that French onion twist:
- Ground beef (80/20 is ideal for tenderness)
- French onion soup mix (the main flavor booster)
- Breadcrumbs (or panko)
- Egg
- Milk (or broth)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic (fresh or powder)
- Ketchup (for the glaze)
- Optional but great: shredded Gruyère or Swiss, chopped parsley, black pepper
- Tip: 80/20 beef + gentle mixing = the juiciest slow cooker meatloaf.
Want a crispy side that always works with meatloaf ? These Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are a favorite.
How to Make Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf
Quick Overview
This is a “mix, shape, slow cook” recipe. The only trick is keeping the loaf lifted slightly so it doesn’t sit in grease easy with a foil sling or a small rack of thick onion slices.
Step-by-Step
- Make the loaf mixture. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire, and garlic just until combined (don’t overmix).
- Shape. Form into a loaf that fits your slow cooker (usually 8–9 inches long).
- Prep the slow cooker. Add a foil sling (two long strips crisscrossed) or lay thick onion slices down as a “rack.”
- Cook low and slow. Cook on LOW until the center hits 160°F.
- Glaze. Stir ketchup + a little Worcestershire (and optional brown sugar). Spread on top during the last 20–30 minutes.
- Rest, then slice. Rest 10 minutes so it stays juicy and slices clean.
If you like dinners that feel “classic comfort,” you may also love Chicken and Biscuit Casserole on your next cozy night in.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Don’t overmix: it makes meatloaf dense. Mix just until everything holds together.
- If it looks too wet: add 2–3 more tablespoons breadcrumbs.
- Cheese version: fold in a small handful of shredded Swiss or Gruyère.
- Turkey swap: ground turkey works, but add a bit more milk/broth for moisture.
- Extra “French onion” vibe: add 1 cup of sautéed onions if you have time (not required).
What to Serve Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf With
This slow cooker French onion meatloaf loves cozy sides. add a veggie like roasted green beans or Green Bean Casserole. For holiday-style comfort, pair it with Sweet Potato Casserole. If you want a lighter balance, try Dense Bean Salad Recipe on the side. And if you’re craving something crispy, Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges are perfect with that onion-y glaze.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: store slices in an airtight container.
- Reheat: microwave gently with a splash of broth, or warm covered in the oven until hot.
- Freeze: wrap slices well and freeze for quick dinners later.
If you’re stocking your freezer with easy meals, Crockpot Chicken Recipe is another great one to prep on a busy week.
FAQs
How long does meatloaf take in a slow cooker?
Most loaves cook in a few hours on LOW, but always go by temperature it’s done when it reaches 160°F in the center.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes. Mix + shape the loaf up to a day ahead, refrigerate, then cook the next day.
Why is my meatloaf falling apart?
Usually not enough binder. Make sure you’re using egg + breadcrumbs, and let it rest before slicing.
Conclusion
If you want cozy comfort food without babysitting the oven, slow cooker French onion meatloaf is a perfect pick. It’s tender, flavorful, and weeknight-easy and the leftovers are honestly just as good the next day.
More Cozy Dinner Ideas
Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
Meatloaf
- 2 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk (or beef broth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves minced)
Glaze
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- In a bowl, gently mix ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire, and garlic just until combined.
- Shape into a loaf that fits your slow cooker.
- Line slow cooker with a foil sling (or create a small “rack” with thick onion slices) and place loaf on top.
- Cook on LOW until the center reaches 160°F.
- Mix glaze ingredients and spread over the top during the last 20–30 minutes.
- Rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.