Savory and juicy meatloaf infused with caramelized onions and melty cheese, inspired by the flavors of French onion soup. This dish is a comforting twist on a classic, bringing together rich umami flavors with the satisfying texture of perfectly baked meatloaf.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and Worcestershire sauce creates a deep, savory taste.
- Comforting and satisfying: Inspired by French onion soup, this meatloaf is warm, cheesy, and incredibly hearty.
- Easy to make: While it takes some time to caramelize the onions, the rest of the recipe is simple and straightforward.
- Perfect for meal prep: This meatloaf stores and reheats well, making it great for leftovers.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
½ cup beef broth
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions caramelize and turn golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in half of the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf. Pour beef broth over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with the remaining caramelized onions and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Variations
- Turkey Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner alternative.
- Cheese Variations: Use Swiss or mozzarella cheese instead of Gruyère for a different flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or almond flour.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for extra depth.
- Extra Herbs: Enhance the flavor with fresh rosemary or parsley.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?
Adding beef broth and not overcooking it helps keep the meatloaf moist and juicy.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.
What can I serve with French onion meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad pair wonderfully with this dish.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone work well as substitutes for Gruyère.
How do I know when my meatloaf is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, but the cooking time may need slight adjustments, and it may be less juicy.
Can I cook this meatloaf without a loaf pan?
Yes, shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
How can I enhance the caramelized onion flavor?
Cook the onions low and slow, and deglaze the pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar or beef broth.
Can I add vegetables to the meat mixture?
Yes, finely diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots add extra flavor and moisture.
How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour to reduce the carb content.
Conclusion
French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious, comforting dish that takes classic meatloaf to the next level with rich, caramelized onions and gooey cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every flavorful bite!
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French Onion Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Savory, juicy meatloaf with caramelized onions & melty cheese, inspired by French onion soup—rich umami flavors in a comforting classic.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 20-25 minutes). Stir in garlic for the last 2 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and black pepper.
- Stir in half of the caramelized onions and half of the Gruyère cheese.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf in the prepared pan. Pour beef broth over the top.
- Bake for 40 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with remaining caramelized onions and serve.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American