Description
This French Onion Meatloaf blends the savory richness of caramelized onions with juicy ground beef and melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting twist on a classic family dinner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for cozy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
For the Meatloaf Mixture
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 packet French onion soup mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade mix)
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
½ cup milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping)
Optional Glaze
2 tablespoons beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, soup mix, black pepper, and half the cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
Shape and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or form it by hand on a lined baking sheet. Spread caramelized onions over the top. Bake at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a bubbly, golden crust.
Rest and Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans.
Notes
Don’t rush the caramelized onions—they add most of the depth and sweetness.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and reduce cheese.
Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freeze baked or unbaked meatloaf for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 loaf)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg