Here’s a FULL DETAILED RECIPE for Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf — tender, flavorful, and perfect for a hands-off dinner. 🍽️🧅

🍖 Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4–5 hours (LOW) or 2–3 hours (HIGH)

Servings: 4–6

⭐ Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

• 1 ½ lb (680 g) ground beef (or beef + pork mix)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup French onion soup (condensed or homemade)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Topping / Glaze

• ½ cup French onion soup
• 2 tbsp ketchup or tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine:
   • ground beef
   • chopped onion
   • breadcrumbs
   • egg
   • 1 cup French onion soup
   • Worcestershire sauce
   • garlic powder, thyme, salt, pepper
2. Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix — keeps meatloaf tender).

Step 2: Shape and Place in Slow Cooker

• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf that fits your slow cooker.
• Place in a lightly greased slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare Topping / Glaze

• Mix ½ cup French onion soup + ketchup + Worcestershire sauce.
• Pour evenly over the meatloaf.

Step 4: Cook

• LOW: 4–5 hours
• HIGH: 2–3 hours
• Meatloaf should be fully cooked (internal temp ~160°F / 71°C).

Step 5: Serve

• Carefully remove meatloaf from slow cooker.
• Slice and serve with:
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Rice or crusty bread

💡 Tips & Variations

• Cheesy twist: Add shredded cheddar or Swiss in the center.
• Make it extra flavorful: Sauté onions before mixing into meatloaf.
• Low-carb version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Meal prep: Store leftover slices in fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently.
• Vegetable boost: Add finely diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the mixture.