French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of savory, caramelized onions and hearty, perfectly seasoned meatloaf. French Onion Meatloaf takes a comfort food classic and gives it an irresistible gourmet twist. The first bite is tender, flavorful, and packed with that signature French onion taste we all love.

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This recipe was born one winter evening when I craved the flavors of French onion soup but wanted the heartiness of a full meal. It quickly became a family favorite, and now it's one of our go-to dishes for cozy dinners. Ready to take your meatloaf game to the next level? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This French Onion Meatloaf

Get ready to fall head over heels for a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. French Onion Meatloaf is a must-try for anyone who loves big, bold flavors with minimal effort.

First, it’s an elevated twist on a beloved classic. The addition of caramelized onions and melted cheese takes meatloaf to new heights, making it a dinner that feels both familiar and indulgent.

Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. While it tastes like something you’d order at a French bistro, the recipe is straightforward and uses common ingredients, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Not to mention, it’s a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family. Using ground beef and pantry staples means you can whip this up without breaking the bank.

Finally, it’s versatile and perfect for leftovers. Slice it up for sandwiches the next day or serve it alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients Notes

The key to this delicious French Onion Meatloaf is in the simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a dish that’s as rich as it is satisfying.

Ground beef: Choose a blend with a bit of fat, like 80/20, to keep the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, mix in a bit of ground pork for added moisture.

Caramelized onions: The star of the show! Slowly cooking onions until they’re golden and sweet adds depth to the dish. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can also be used.

Gruyère cheese: This rich, nutty cheese is a staple in French onion soup and melts beautifully into the meatloaf. If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a great substitute.

Breadcrumbs: Essential for binding the meatloaf together. Use plain breadcrumbs, or try panko for a lighter texture.

Beef broth: A splash of broth adds moisture and a touch of umami. Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.

You’ll also need a loaf pan to shape the meatloaf and ensure even cooking. If you don’t have one, you can form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet.

How To Make This French Onion Meatloaf

Making this mouthwatering dish is simpler than you might think. Let’s walk through the steps to ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time.

Start by caramelizing the onions. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of butter, and stir in sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are golden and jammy. This process takes about 25 minutes but is well worth the time.

While the onions cool slightly, prepare the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, an egg, beef broth, minced garlic, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatloaf tough.

Add half of the caramelized onions and shredded Gruyère cheese to the mixture. Gently fold everything together and transfer to a greased loaf pan, pressing the mixture evenly.

Bake the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes. Remove it from the oven, top with the remaining caramelized onions and more shredded cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Storage Options

French Onion Meatloaf is as practical as it is delicious, making it a great choice for meal prep and leftovers.

For short-term storage, wrap leftover slices tightly in foil or store them in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to freeze it, slice the meatloaf and place the pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

Reheating is easy! Warm individual slices in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the best results, cover with foil to keep the meatloaf moist.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

If you prefer turkey or chicken, swap out the ground beef for ground poultry. Just be sure to add a little extra moisture, such as a splash of broth, to keep it from drying out.

For a lower-carb option, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. The texture will be slightly different, but the meatloaf will still hold together beautifully.

Experiment with different cheeses to change up the flavor. Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp cheddar can add a delicious twist.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-checking that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well.

No matter how you make it, this French Onion Meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, ready to savor each comforting, cheesy bite. Enjoy!

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