Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Flavorful – Infused with the deep, sweet taste of caramelized onions.
- Cheesy Goodness – Melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese takes it to the next level.
- Juicy and Tender – The perfect balance of ingredients ensures a moist meatloaf.
- Easy to Make – Simple steps with a big payoff in flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably a mix of lean and fatty)
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp butter (for caramelizing onions)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
- Set aside, reserving some for topping the meatloaf.
3. Mix the Meatloaf Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beef broth, egg, caramelized onions (save some for topping), and the French onion soup mix. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan. Make a small well in the center and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese inside. Cover with the remaining cheese and caramelized onions.
5. Bake the Meatloaf
Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms can enhance the umami flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or provolone instead of Gruyère.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but add a little extra broth to keep it moist.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the meatloaf a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
3. What can I serve with this meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad pair well.
4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes! Fresh thyme or rosemary enhances the flavor beautifully.
5. How do I prevent my meatloaf from being dry?
Use a mix of lean and fatty ground beef, and don’t overbake.
Conclusion
This French Onion Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich, savory flavors and a gooey cheese topping. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s a meal that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy a flavorful twist on a classic dish!
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French Onion Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious twist on a classic, featuring caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a juicy, flavorful beef mixture. Inspired by French onion soup, this cheesy, savory meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably a mix of lean and fatty)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- ½ cup caramelized onions (see below)
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp salt
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and salt, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
- Set aside, reserving some for topping.
-
Prepare the Meatloaf:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beef broth, egg, caramelized onions, and French onion soup mix.
- Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
-
Shape & Fill:
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan.
- Make a small well in the center and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese inside.
- Cover with the remaining cheese and reserved caramelized onions.
-
Bake:
- Bake for about 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Mushroom Addition: Sautéed mushrooms enhance the umami flavor.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella or provolone instead of Gruyère.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
