Next, in a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. It’s always a bit messy, but I dig in with my hands to mix everything until just combined—too much mixing can make it tough, which is not what we want! After that, I gently fold in half of the caramelized onions. Now, it’s time for the fun part! I shape the mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the Crockpot.
Pour the beef broth gently around the meatloaf in the Crockpot, making sure not to splash on top—it helps create a flavorful base for our dish! I then top the meatloaf with the remaining caramelized onions, pressing them down slightly so they don’t burn during cooking. I cook it on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 5, depending on my schedule. When the internal temperature reaches 160°F, I know it’s perfectly cooked.
Finally, I sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The melted cheese adds that wonderfully creamy finish to the meatloaf, and the golden hue is just irresistible. Once it’s ready, I let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. It’s so satisfying to see the cheese ooze out as I cut into it!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One of my favorite tips is to allow the meatloaf mixture to rest for about 10 minutes after mixing but before shaping it into a loaf. This helps all the flavors to marry and results in a more tender texture. I also recommend using good quality beef—something with a fat content of around 20% adds a richness that makes such a difference in flavor.
When it comes to choosing the right cheese, feel free to mix things up! I’ve experimented with Gruyère and even a sharp cheddar, which both added an exciting twist. Just remember to melt it over the meatloaf towards the end of the cooking time, as you don’t want it to burn or dry out.
Lastly, don’t skip the garnishing step with fresh parsley. It brightens the dish and adds a lovely fresh note that complements all those rich flavors, making it not only delicious but visually appealing too!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I’ve made in the past was not properly caramelizing my onions. I learned that if I rushed this step, the onions would end up just being sautéed rather than beautifully golden and caramelized. It’s worth the wait—trust me! (See the next page below to continue…)