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Onion Meatloaf

This rich meatloaf combines ground beef with sweet caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese for a French onion soup-inspired twist on the classic comfort dish. Perfect for family dinners.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:31:29 GMT
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A succulent meatloaf topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh parsley, served on a wooden cutting board with slices of bread in the background. Pin it
A succulent meatloaf topped with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh parsley, served on a wooden cutting board with slices of bread in the background. | zestplate.com

This homemade French Onion Meatloaf is an easy recipe and mouthwatering twist on the classic comfort food, blending juicy ground beef with the sweet, savory flavor of caramelized onions and gooey melted Gruyère cheese. This dish transforms a traditional meatloaf into a gourmet experience, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressive gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Meatloaf

This recipe brings together the nostalgic comfort of meatloaf with the rich, savory notes of French onion soup. The combination of caramelized onions, thyme, and melted cheese creates layers of flavor in every bite. It's easy to make yet elegant enough to serve on special occasions, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.

Ingredients for French Onion Meatloaf

  • Ground Beef: 2 pounds, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.
  • Yellow Onions: 3 large, thinly sliced for caramelizing.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
  • Breadcrumbs: 1 cup plain or seasoned.
  • Eggs: 2 large, for binding.
  • Beef Broth: 1/2 cup, concentrated.
  • Gruyère Cheese: 2 cups shredded, divided.
  • Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons, chopped.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons for caramelizing onions.
  • Salt and Pepper: 2 teaspoons each.
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped, for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown. Add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, half the caramelized onions, 1 cup Gruyère, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Layer the Meatloaf
Press half the meat mixture into the prepared pan. Create a shallow well in the center and fill with remaining caramelized onions and 1/2 cup cheese. Cover with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges well.
Initial Bake
Bake uncovered for 45 minutes. Carefully drain excess liquid if desired.
Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Gruyère over the top. Return to oven for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden, and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Rest and Serve
Let meatloaf rest for 10-15 minutes before lifting from pan using parchment handles. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional thyme if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the French Onion Meatloaf and serve with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. The rich, cheesy topping pairs perfectly with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh thyme for an elegant presentation that highlights the dish's flavors.

A delicious meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid freezing for best texture and flavor retention.

Customization and Variations

Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist. Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the mixture for extra texture. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or onion jam for added depth. Ground turkey or a beef-pork blend can also be used for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why caramelize the onions first?
Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor to the meatloaf. This process takes time but is essential for developing the rich, French onion taste.
→ Can I use different cheese?
While Gruyère is traditional for French onion flavor, Swiss cheese works well as a substitute. The key is using a cheese that melts well and has a rich, savory taste.
→ How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The meatloaf should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to ensure it's fully cooked.
→ Why let the meatloaf rest?
Letting the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and easier to slice without falling apart.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and shape it ahead of time, keeping it refrigerated until ready to bake. The caramelized onions can also be made in advance.

Conclusion

This meatloaf recipe elevates the classic comfort dish by incorporating the rich flavors of French onion soup.

Caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese transform a traditional meatloaf into a gourmet experience that's both familiar and exciting.

Onion Meatloaf

A hearty meatloaf featuring caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese, combining classic comfort food with French onion soup flavors.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 meatloaf)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 1/2 pounds ground beef.
02 1 cup breadcrumbs.
03 1/2 cup milk.
04 2 large onions, thinly sliced.
05 2 cloves garlic, minced.
06 1 egg, beaten.
07 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
09 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
10 1/2 teaspoon salt.
11 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
12 2 tablespoons butter.
13 1/4 cup beef broth.
14 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Set aside to cool.

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Step 04

Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

Step 06

Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 07

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

  1. Perfect for a hearty family dinner.
  2. Combines French onion soup flavors with classic meatloaf.

Tools You'll Need

  • Skillet.
  • Baking dish.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Meat thermometer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~