This French Onion Meatloaf combines juicy beef with the sweet taste of caramelized onions. Topped with melty cheese, it’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners!
Honestly, I love how easy it is to make. Just mix everything, shape it, and pop it in the oven! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, and who doesn’t love that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: These are crucial for that sweet flavor. I recommend using yellow onions as they caramelize beautifully. If you want a sharper taste, red onions can also work, but they won’t be as sweet.
Ground Beef: I like 80/20 beef for its balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for lower fat, ground turkey or chicken can substitute, but they might be drier. Just add a bit more milk or broth to keep it moist.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs give structure. If you need gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. They work well, too! I often make my own by blending stale bread, which is a great way to use leftovers.
Cheese: Gruyere or Swiss is perfect for melting. If you’re lactose intolerant, try dairy-free cheese options. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor as a sprinkle after baking!
How Do You Get the Best Caramelized Onions?
Getting the onions just right is key to this dish! Caramelized onions add a deep, sweet flavor that really makes the meatloaf stand out. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and then the sliced onions.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally. It takes patience, about 25-30 minutes, to turn them golden brown.
- Add garlic and thyme towards the end to keep the flavors fresh but still allow them to blend with the onions.
- If they stick too much, add a splash of beef broth to help them along.
With these tips, you’ll have beautifully caramelized onions that add amazing flavor to your meatloaf! Enjoy the cooking process and happy baking!
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth in onions)
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
For the Topping:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious French Onion Meatloaf takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation and 1 hour for baking, making it a total of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. You’ll want to let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking, too, but I promise it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your meatloaf cooks evenly. Pro tip: Don’t skip this step or it may affect the cooking time!
2. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly. Stir them often until they turn a deep golden brown and become wonderfully caramelized. This will take about 25-30 minutes. In the last few minutes, add the minced garlic and thyme to infuse more flavor.
3. Make the Onion Mixture:
Pour the beef broth into the skillet with your caramelized onions and add the optional balsamic vinegar. Scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor. Cook until the liquid reduces and thickens a bit—this should take around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard. Use your hands or a spoon to mix them gently until combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the loaf tough.
5. Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf directly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Form it to your desired size, but don’t forget! It needs enough space to cook through.
6. Add the Onion Mixture:
Spoon about half of the caramelized onion mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf. This gives it a great flavor as it cooks!
7. Bake:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake uncovered for about 50-60 minutes. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
8. Add Cheese and Final Touches:
Once baked, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Place the slices of cheese over the top, followed by the remaining caramelized onions. These layers will create a delicious, gooey topping!
9. Broil the Topping:
Turn on your oven broiler and broil the meatloaf for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning—it can go from perfect to charred quickly!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help it hold its shape. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve it with your favorite sides.
This French Onion Meatloaf is sure to become a favorite! The sweet, savory caramelized onions paired with tender meat makes a deliciously comforting meal. Enjoy each bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef, but keep in mind that leaner cuts may result in a drier meatloaf. To combat this, add a little extra moisture, such as an additional egg or a splash more milk, to keep it tender.
Can I Make This Meatloaf Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. Both will work well for maintaining the loaf’s texture. Just ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Leftovers will last for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or in an oven until warmed through. If freezing, wrap the meatloaf tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat mixture and shape it into a loaf a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
