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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 161 reviews
  • Author: Mary
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

A delicious French Onion Meatloaf that combines savory caramelized onions and rich Gruyère cheese with seasoned ground beef, baked to perfection for a comforting and flavorful meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup beef broth


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes until they are caramelized and golden brown. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
  4. Incorporate Onions and Cheese: Fold the cooled caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring an even distribution throughout.
  5. Shape and Place: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it evenly in a baking dish.
  6. Bake Meatloaf: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyère cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Ensure onions are fully caramelized to develop a deep, sweet flavor that complements the meat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
  • For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with red wine for deglazing if desired.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, creamy flavor, but Swiss cheese is a suitable substitute.