French Onion Meatloaf
Introduction
This French Onion Meatloaf takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine juicy ground beef infused with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and savory herbs, then topped with rich onion gravy and melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress at the dinner table.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup beef broth
½ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup Gruyere cheese, grated
2 large eggs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper, to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (for topping)
1 tbsp all‑purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Caramelize Onions
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
Make Onion Gravy
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over onions, stir well, then slowly add beef broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
Prepare Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add half of the onion gravy and Gruyere cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape & Bake
Form mixture into a loaf and place in prepared pan. Bake 40 minutes.
Top & Finish
Remove from oven, spoon remaining onion gravy over loaf, and sprinkle mozzarella or Swiss cheese on top. Return to oven for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Rest & Serve
Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Tips & Tricks
Extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine to the onion gravy.
Cheese swap: Try Emmental or provolone for a different melt.
Moist loaf: Don’t overmix the meat mixture — it keeps the texture tender.
Make ahead: Prepare the loaf and refrigerate overnight; bake the next day.
Variations
French Onion Turkey Meatloaf: Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
Stuffed Meatloaf: Add caramelized onions and cheese in the center for a surprise filling.
Mini Loaves: Shape into individual portions for faster cooking and easy serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans.
Serve with crusty baguette slices to soak up the onion gravy.
Add a fresh salad for balance.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without Gruyere?
A: Yes, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone work well.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely — wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use caramelized onions only, without gravy?
A: Yes, but the gravy adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Nutritional Notes (Approx. per serving, 8 servings)
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 28g
Carbs: 12g
Conclusion
This French Onion Meatloaf is a show‑stopping twist on a classic. With caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and savory gravy, it’s comfort food elevated to gourmet status. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a recipe worth keeping close.