Ingredients
Main Ingredients Breakdown
- Sweet Onions (3-4 large): The star of the show, bringing that deep caramelized flavor.
- Ground Beef (1 pound): Use lean or regular, depending on preference.
- Swiss Gruyère Cheese (4 oz.): Adds creamy, nutty richness.
- Cooking Sherry & Worcestershire Sauce: Boosts umami in every bite.
Substitutes and Alternatives
- Swap Swiss cheese for provolone or cheddar.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs work well in place of Italian herb breadcrumbs.
Instructions
Preparing the Caramelized Onions
- Slice sweet onions into thin rounds.
- Lay them in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and granulated sugar.
- Dot with butter.
- Set the slow cooker to LOW and let the onions cook for 9 hours. (Optional: Caramelize in a skillet over medium heat for 15-20 minutes for a quicker option.)
Mixing the Perfect Meatloaf
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix.
- Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf.
Assembling in the Crockpot
- Pour cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the caramelized onions.
- Place the meatloaf carefully on top of the onions.
Cooking to Perfection
- Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Top the meatloaf with Swiss cheese slices.
- Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the cheese melts.