Crockpot French Onion Meatloaf

Ingredients:

3-4 large sweet onions, sliced
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 pound ground beef
1 cup Italian herb bread crumbs
1 cup milk
1 egg
1 oz. package French onion soup mix
1/2 cup cooking sherry
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
4 oz. Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese slices
Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Onions:
Slice the onions and place them in the bottom of a 6 Qt. slow cooker.
Sprinkle with sea salt, coarse black pepper, and granulated sugar.
Dot with 4 tablespoons of butter.
Set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 9 hours.
Prepare the Meatloaf:
In a bowl, mix the ground beef, Italian herb bread crumbs, milk, egg, and French onion soup mix.
Shape the mixture into a loaf.
Add Cooking Liquids:
Pour the cooking sherry and Worcestershire sauce over the onions in the slow cooker.
Cook the Meatloaf:
Place the prepared meatloaf on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C).
Add Cheese:
Top the meatloaf with slices of Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese.
Continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Serve:
Slice the meatloaf and serve with the caramelized onions and juices from the slow cooker.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
Timing:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 hours (including low and high settings)
Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes