French Onion Meatloaf

Ouadie Rhabbouron

🧅🧀 French Onion Meatloaf: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

 

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner with a recipe that combines the savory, deep flavor of classic French Onion Soup with the hearty comfort of a perfect meatloaf. This French Onion Meatloaf is juicy, packed with sweet, caramelized onions, and crowned with a bubbly layer of melted Gruyère cheese. Forget everything you thought you knew about meatloaf—this is the luxurious, easy-to-make dinner your family will beg for!

 

🍽️ Recipe: French Onion Meatloaf

 

This recipe features deeply caramelized onions mixed right into the meatloaf, which not only keeps it incredibly moist but also infuses every bite with that signature French onion flavor.

 

⏲️ Prep Time: 30 minutes

 

 

⏱️ Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

 

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Servings: 6-8

 

 

🛒 Ingredients

 

 

For the Caramelized Onions

 

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

For the Meatloaf

 

  • 2 pounds ground beef (we recommend 85/15 for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular dry breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

For the Topping

 

  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded (Swiss cheese is a good alternative)
  • ¼ cup beef broth (for basting/sauce, optional)

 

👩‍🍳 Instructions

 

 

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions (The Key Step!)

 

  1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onions, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are deep golden brown, soft, and sweet. Do not rush this step—the caramelization is crucial for the flavor.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Set aside about ½ cup of the caramelized onions for the topping later. Let the rest cool slightly.

 

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line a baking sheet with foil for a free-form loaf.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak.
  3. In a very large bowl, combine the ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs/milk mixture, beaten eggs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, remaining salt, pepper, and the majority of the caramelized onions (reserving the ½ cup for the topping).
  4. Mix gently with your hands until all the ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix, as this can result in a tough, dense meatloaf.

 

Step 3: Shape and Bake

 

  1. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press it into an even loaf shape, or form a loaf shape on the foil-lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 60 minutes uncovered.

 

Step 4: Add Topping and Finish

 

  1. After 60 minutes, remove the meatloaf from the oven. (Optional) If you desire a little sauce, pour a little beef broth over the top of the loaf.
  2. Spread the reserved caramelized onions over the top, then evenly sprinkle with the shredded Gruyère cheese.
  3. Return the meatloaf to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
  4. For a bubbling, extra-golden crust, set the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching very closely to prevent burning.

 

Step 5: Rest and Serve

 

  1. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist loaf.
  2. Carefully lift the loaf onto a cutting board, slice thick pieces, and serve immediately.

 

💡 Chef's Tips for Success

 

  • The Onions are Everything: Take your time with the caramelization. The deep, rich flavor is the foundation of this recipe. If they look merely golden, keep going until they are a deep amber-brown.
  • Don't Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, use a gentle touch. Mixing too vigorously activates the proteins and makes the meatloaf dense and dry. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
  • Check the Temperature: The only way to ensure a perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe meatloaf is to use a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  • Serving Suggestions: This rich meatloaf pairs beautifully with simple sides like creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for soaking up any pan drippings), roasted green beans, or a light, crisp arugula salad to cut the richness.

For Complete Cooking STEPS Please Head On Over To Next Page Or Open button (>) and don’t forget to SHARE with your Facebook friends.