Can I make French onion meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before it goes into the oven so it cooks evenly. The onion sauce is best made fresh, but the onions themselves can be caramelized a day ahead.

Why is my meatloaf falling apart when I slice it?

This usually means it was sliced too soon or the mixture was a bit underbound. Meatloaf needs a short rest after baking so the juices settle and the structure firms up. If it still crumbles, check that the eggs and breadcrumbs were fully incorporated next time.

Can I freeze French onion meatloaf?

Yes, it freezes well once baked and cooled. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little extra onion sauce to keep it moist.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is the closest substitute and works well in both flavor and melt. Avoid mozzarella or very sharp cheddar, as they change the texture and don’t match the French onion profile as cleanly.

Foolproof French Onion Meatloaf That Stays Juicy

Name: French Onion Meatloaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated; Salt; Black pepper

Description

A deeply savory French onion meatloaf made with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a rich onion sauce. Designed to stay juicy, slice clean, and deliver classic comfort with a French twist.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs ground beef
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 eggs
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
Salt
Black pepper

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Instructions

Slowly caramelize the onions in butter and olive oil until deeply golden and soft, then add garlic briefly until fragrant.
Gently combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions.
Shape the mixture lightly into a loaf and bake until just cooked through and firm but springy.
Simmer the remaining onions with beef broth until reduced into a rich onion sauce.
Top the baked meatloaf with Gruyère and broil until melted and lightly golden, then rest before slicing and serving with the sauce.

Notes

Do not rush the onions; proper caramelization is essential for flavor.
Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the texture tender.
Let the meatloaf rest before slicing so it holds together cleanly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Comfort Food
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 780
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 14
Unsaturated Fat: 16
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 2
Protein: 32
Cholesterol: 155