French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Looking for a comforting, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf? This French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious take on traditional meatloaf, packed with the rich, savory taste of caramelized onions, a touch of garlic, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe captures the essence of French onion soup in a hearty, satisfying meatloaf, perfect for cozy dinners and special gatherings alike.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Meatloaf

1. Rich Flavor: Caramelized onions and a blend of herbs bring a deep, savory flavor to every bite.
2. Cheese Filling: This meatloaf is layered with gooey cheese, making it even more irresistible.
3. Comfort Food Classic: This recipe combines familiar flavors in a new way, giving you a meatloaf that’s both nostalgic and exciting.

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Onions: Add the sliced onions, stirring to coat them in the oil and butter.
3. Caramelize: Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions are softened and golden brown. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and pepper halfway through cooking to help enhance the sweetness and flavor.
4. Deglaze (Optional): Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor. Stir until the vinegar evaporates.
5. Set Aside: Remove the onions from heat and let them cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the milk, stirring until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk. This keeps the meatloaf tender.
2. Add Meat and Seasonings: Add the ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and parsley to the bowl.
3. Mix Together: Using your hands, gently combine the ingredients until evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
4. Fold in Caramelized Onions: Add about half of the caramelized onions to the mixture, reserving the rest for later.

Step 3: Assemble the Meatloaf

1. Form the Loaf: Place half of the meat mixture onto a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, pressing it down to form a flat layer.
2. Add Cheese Filling: Spread the mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly over the center of the meat, leaving a small border on the edges.
3. Top with Remaining Meat: Take the remaining meat mixture and place it over the cheese layer, pressing gently to form a sealed loaf around the cheese.

Step 4: Prepare the French Onion Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and Dijon mustard.
2. Brush the Glaze: Spread a generous layer of the glaze over the top and sides of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
3. Add Cheese Topping (Optional): About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, sprinkle the top with the Swiss or Gruyère cheese. Allow it to melt and become bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Rest the Meatloaf: Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
2. Serve with Remaining Onions: Spoon the remaining caramelized onions over the top of the meatloaf as a garnish.
3. Enjoy! Serve slices of the meatloaf with your favorite side dishes for a comforting meal.

Tips for Making the Best French Onion Meatloaf

1. Don’t Skip the Caramelization: Taking the time to properly caramelize the onions is key to adding deep, rich flavor.
2. Mix Gently: Overmixing the meat can lead to a dense meatloaf. Gently fold ingredients until just combined.
3. Choose Your Cheese: For the best flavor, use a cheese with a slightly nutty taste like Gruyère. For more richness, feel free to mix cheeses.

Recipe Variations

1. French Onion Meatloaf Muffins: Divide the meatloaf mixture into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
2. Add Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can add a delicious earthy flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

• Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the flavors of this meatloaf.
• Green Beans or Asparagus: Serve with steamed or roasted green vegetables for a balanced meal.
• French Baguette: Add a crusty piece of French bread to complete the “French onion” theme!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

1. Storing: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in 30-second increments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I freeze French Onion Meatloaf?
   • Yes, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   • Absolutely. Ground turkey will work, though it will have a slightly different texture.
3. How can I make this spicier?
   • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño to the meat mixture for a kick.
4. What type of breadcrumbs are best?
   • Plain or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs work well, but you can use panko for a lighter texture.
5. Can I prepare the meatloaf ahead of time?
   • Yes, assemble the meatloaf up to a day in advance, cover, and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Conclusion

This French Onion Meatloaf is everything you love about French onion soup, transformed into a comforting and delicious meatloaf. With caramelized onions, a cheesy filling, and a savory glaze, this meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every bite of this flavorful twist on a classic!

Yield: 6

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Print

Looking for a comforting, flavorful twist on classic meatloaf? This French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious take on traditional meatloaf, packed with the rich, savory taste of caramelized onions, a touch of garlic, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe captures the essence of French onion soup in a hearty, satisfying meatloaf, perfect for cozy dinners and special gatherings alike.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork (or additional ground beef)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown. Add Worcestershire sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
   
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, eggs, French onion soup mix, salt, and pepper. Add the caramelized onions and mix until everything is well incorporated.
   
3. Form the Meatloaf:
   Transfer the meat mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or into a loaf pan. Shape the mixture into a loaf, pressing down gently to form a uniform shape.
   
4. Bake the Meatloaf:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the meatloaf from the oven, and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top.
   
5. Melt the Cheese:
   Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or green beans.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth to the caramelized onions.
• You can substitute the French onion soup mix with 1 tbsp onion powder and 1 tsp garlic powder if preferred.
• Leftovers reheat well and make for great sandwiches the next day!