Rich, tender, and dripping with savory onion flavor—this Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf is the easiest comfort-food dinner you’ll make all week.
If you love the cozy flavors of French onion soup and the hearty satisfaction of a classic meatloaf, this recipe brings both worlds together. Slow cooking turns ordinary ground beef into an ultra-tender loaf that soaks up caramelized onion goodness, while the tray-in-crockpot method keeps the loaf shaped and ensures even cooking.
This is the kind of recipe you set once, forget about, and come back to a warm, home-cooked meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen—even though the slow cooker did all the work.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf
- No sautéing required: French onion soup mix packs in bold, savory flavor without extra steps.
- Juicy and tender: Slow cooking keeps the beef moist and prevents overbaking.
- Perfect for busy days: Mix it, shape it, pop it in the crockpot, and walk away.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves meatloaf—especially when it tastes like French onion soup.
- Great leftovers: Even better the next day for meatloaf sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone (optional but amazing)
- ½ cup beef broth (poured around, not on top)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the meatloaf mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, diced onion, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and cheese (if using). Mix gently—don’t overwork the meat.
2. Shape and place in a tray
Line a small loaf pan or aluminum tray with parchment. Press the meat mixture into the tray and shape into a loaf.
3. Add broth to slow cooker
Pour ½ cup beef broth into the bottom of the crockpot. This creates steam and deeper flavor.
4. Cook on LOW
Place the tray into the crockpot, cover, and cook:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 3–3.5 hours
5. Optional glaze
Brush with ketchup or a French onion gravy during the last 30 minutes.
6. Rest and serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together perfectly.
Tips for the Perfect Meatloaf
- Use 80/20 beef for the juiciest texture.
- Tray method = best shape and prevents the loaf from sitting in grease.
- Add cheese inside the loaf for a gooey French onion melt.
- Top with crispy onions before serving for crunch.
Serving Ideas
Serve your Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf with:
- creamy mashed potatoes
- roasted green beans
- garlic butter noodles
- air-fried carrots
- simple side salad
It also makes incredible meatloaf sandwiches with toasted bread and melted provolone.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerate: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freeze: Up to 3 months
- Reheat: Microwave or air fryer for best texture
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot French Onion Beef Meatloaf is everything you love about slow-cooked dinners: effortless, flavorful, and unbelievably satisfying. With simple ingredients and rich French onion magic, it’s sure to become a new weekly favorite.