Description
This French Onion Meatloaf brings the savory, comforting flavors of French onion soup into a hearty, delicious meatloaf. With caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a flavorful beef mixture, it’s a perfect twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup French onion soup mix (or 1 packet store-bought)
Instructions
1️⃣ Caramelize the onions:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2 minutes. Set the onions aside to cool slightly.
2️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
3️⃣ Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and French onion soup mix. Mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
4️⃣ Add caramelized onions:
Gently fold in about two-thirds of the caramelized onions into the meat mixture, reserving the rest for topping.
5️⃣ Shape the meatloaf:
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet or loaf pan. Press lightly to smooth the top.
6️⃣ Bake the meatloaf:
Bake the meatloaf for 40-45 minutes. Remove from the oven, top with the remaining caramelized onions and the rest of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
7️⃣ Broil to finish:
Increase the oven temperature to broil. Place the meatloaf back in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and slightly golden.
8️⃣ Rest and serve:
Allow the meatloaf to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- French onion soup mix substitute: If you prefer homemade, mix 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sugar, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme for a simple French onion seasoning.
- Cheese options: While Gruyère is traditional, Swiss, mozzarella, or even provolone work well if you want a milder flavor.
- Serving suggestion: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.