This French Onion Meatloaf is an irresistible twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a rich beef base, it’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Think of all the warmth of French onion soup, but in a hearty, juicy meatloaf form—perfect for cozy dinners or special family meals!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 medium onions)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of butter, and cook the onions until golden brown and soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool.
3. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
4. Shape and Add Cheese: Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. Make a small well in the center and fill with shredded Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges.
5. Bake: Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf for extra moisture. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Helpful Tips:
For Extra Flavor: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions for a sweet and tangy twist.
Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have Gruyère, try mozzarella or cheddar. They melt beautifully and give a gooey texture.
Moisture Tip: The beef broth is key to keeping the meatloaf juicy while it bakes—don’t skip this step!
Substitutions and Variations:
Ground Meat: Feel free to substitute half of the ground beef with ground turkey or pork for a lighter version.
Low-Carb Option: Swap the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbs.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Fontina for a richer taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I freeze the meatloaf?
Yes! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
2. What can I serve with French Onion Meatloaf?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It’s also delicious with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the juices.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatloaf is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
Additional Recommended Recipes:
If you loved this French Onion Meatloaf, you’ll want to check out these delicious variations:
French Onion Meatloaf by The Kitchn – A flavorful, comforting take on the classic meatloaf.
Keto French Onion Meatloaf by All Day I Dream About Food – A low-carb version of French Onion Meatloaf, perfect for keto diets!
French Onion Meatloaf on AllRecipes – Another family-favorite recipe packed with cheesy, oniony goodness.
French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This French Onion Meatloaf is an irresistible twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a rich beef base, it’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Think of all the warmth of French onion soup, but in a hearty, juicy meatloaf form—perfect for cozy dinners or special family meals!
Ingredients
•1 ½ lbs ground beef
•1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 medium onions)
•1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
•1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
•1 large egg
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
•1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
•1 teaspoon dried thyme
•1 teaspoon salt
•½ teaspoon black pepper
•½ cup beef broth
•Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat a pan over medium heat, add a tablespoon of butter, and cook the onions until golden brown and soft, about 20 minutes. Let cool.
3. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined.
4. Shape and Add Cheese: Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. Make a small well in the center and fill with shredded Gruyère cheese. Top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges.
5. Bake: Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf for extra moisture. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
6. Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
•Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
•Leftovers: This meatloaf is amazing the next day—slice it up for sandwiches, or reheat in the oven.
•Caramelizing Onions Tip: To speed up caramelizing the onions, add a pinch of sugar while they cook to bring out their sweetness even faster.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of loaf)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
