French Onion Meatloaf
Try thisdelicious French Onion Meatloaf recipe with caramelized onions andmelted cheese for a savory, comforting meal your family will love!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef – Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- 1 cup caramelized onions – The secret to that rich slightly sweet depth of flavor.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind everything together while keeping the meatloaf moist.
- 2 large eggs – Essential for structure and texture.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds a deep umami kick.
- 2 cloves garlic minced – Because everything tastes better with garlic!
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Just the right amount of warmth and spice.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Complements the French onion flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese – For that gooey melty goodness inside.
For the Topping:
- ½ cup caramelized onions – More onions for extra richness!
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese – A golden cheesy crust makes all the difference.
- ¼ cup beef broth – Keeps the top juicy and flavorful as it bakes.
Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions :
- For a gluten-free version: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or gluten-free panko.
- Prefer a different cheese? Provolone mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar work well.
- Want extra moisture? A splash of heavy cream or milk in the mix makes the meatloaf even more tender.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions
- The key to this recipe is the caramelized onions, which add that deep, sweet flavor to the meatloaf. Here’s how to get them just right :
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes, until the onions are golden-brown and tender. Don’t rush this process it’s what gives your meatloaf that rich, complex flavor.
- Set aside to cool before adding them to the meat mixture.
- Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
- In a spacious mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients for the meatloaf:
- Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon but be careful not to overwork the meat. You want a light and tender texture, not a dense loaf.
- Step 3: Form and Bake the Meatloaf
- Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan and shape it into an even, smooth loaf.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 40-45 minutes. The meatloaf should be fully cooked through, and the top should be slightly golden.
- For extra flavor, baste the top with a little beef broth halfway through the baking time. This will help keep the meatloaf moist.
- Step 4: Add the Topping
- About 5 minutes before the meatloaf is done, top it with the remaining caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese.
- Pop it back into the oven to bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden crust.
- Step 5: Let It Rest
- Once your French Onion Meatloaf is finished, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is as moist and flavorful as possible.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 32g