Description
French Onion Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring juicy ground beef infused with caramelized onions, savory seasonings, and topped with melted cheese. It’s rich, hearty, and tastes like French onion soup baked into a cozy, cheesy meatloaf.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth (for onion gravy)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for flavor depth)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and soft. Add garlic, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce; cook another minute. Remove half the mixture and set aside for topping.
- Make the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, pepper, and the remaining half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes.
- Make the Onion Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter and add flour. Stir for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth. Add reserved caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar; simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Finish the Meatloaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and top with cheese and onion gravy. Return to oven for 5–7 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Slice and serve warm, spooning extra onion gravy over each slice.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for extra juiciness.
- Gruyère provides authentic French onion flavor, but mozzarella or provolone works too.
- Caramelize onions slowly for the best sweetness and depth.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Simmering
- Cuisine: American-French Fusion