Description
French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting, savory dish combining the rich, caramelized onions and melted cheese of classic French onion soup with the hearty goodness of a traditional meatloaf. This recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals, and offers layers of deep, gourmet flavors with a tangy glaze and a hidden cheese surprise.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Base
- 1 lb ground beef or beef-pork mix
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sourdough bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- Handful fresh parsley, chopped
Onions and Sauté
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (plus extra for topping and filling)
Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Optional Fresh Herbs for Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or thyme leaves
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add the onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes, being careful not to burn.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef (or beef-pork mix) with French onion soup mix, eggs, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. Fold in the caramelized onions gently until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Shape and Fill: On a baking tray or in a loaf pan, form half the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Spread a layer of shredded Gruyere cheese in the center, then cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing it to encase the cheese.
- Add the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Brush this glaze generously over the top of the meatloaf to create a flavorful crust during baking.
- Bake and Rest: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the meatloaf for 55-60 minutes until cooked through and the glaze is glossy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
- Use fresh yellow onions for sweeter, more complex caramelized flavor.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender, not dense.
- Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to lock in juices and improve texture.
- Customize glaze sweetness and tanginess according to preference.
- Gluten-free option: use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: French Onion Meatloaf, comfort food, meatloaf recipe, caramelized onions, cheese-stuffed meatloaf, easy weeknight dinner, family-friendly dinner