1-Getting started: with French Onion Meatloaf is fun and simple. Begin by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced yellow onion. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes to caramelize them, adjusting the heat to avoid burning this step builds the flavor foundation.

2-Once done, add the caramelized onions to the bottom of your 5-6 quart slow cooker. In a large bowl, mix together 2 pounds of lean ground beef, 1 envelope of beefy onion soup mix, 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs, 2 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce until well combined.

3-Dice 5 slices of Swiss cheese and fold them into the meat mixture. Shape the mixture into a loaf with your hands and place it on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Pour the 10.5-ounce can of French onion soup over the loaf, then cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, until it reaches 165°F inside.

4-About five minutes before serving, add the remaining 3 slices of Swiss cheese on top, cover again to let it melt. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, and slice it up, spooning some of the juices over for extra moisture. Prep time is just 15 minutes, with cook time of 4 to 6 hours, making the total around 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours.