Introduction
If you love the deep, savory flavor of French onion soup and the hearty comfort of meatloaf, this recipe is a perfect marriage of both! Slow-cooked in the crockpot, this French Onion Beefloaf stays moist and tender, soaking up all the oniony goodness. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma — ideal for cozy weeknights or Sunday suppers.
Ingredients
For the Beefloaf:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix (or homemade mix — see note below)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
For the Onion Topping:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for deeper flavor)
Optional Glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and brown sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft and golden brown (about 15–20 minutes).
- Stir in beef broth and balsamic vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beefloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, cheese, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep it tender.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf shape.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Line the bottom of your crockpot with a few spoonfuls of caramelized onions.
- Place the meatloaf on top.
- Spread the remaining onions over the top of the loaf.
- (Optional) Mix ketchup, Dijon, and brown sugar for the glaze, then brush it over the top.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until fully cooked (internal temp: 160°F / 71°C).
- Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve thick slices of the beefloaf with the caramelized onions spooned on top. Pairs beautifully with:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Buttered noodles
- Or a crusty loaf of bread (to mop up all the onion gravy!)
Tips & Variations
- Make it cheesy: Layer a few slices of Swiss or provolone cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Homemade onion soup mix: Combine ¼ cup dried minced onion, 2 tsp beef bouillon granules, ½ tsp onion powder, and a pinch of parsley and pepper.
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the onion topping while cooking.