French Onion Meatloaf

If you love the savory goodness of French onion soup, you are going to absolutely adore this French Onion Meatloaf! It’s like your favorite comfort food, but elevated to new heights with rich, caramelized onions and a meltingly tender loaf of meat. The result? A hearty, flavorful dish that combines the classic meatloaf with all the deliciousness of French onion soup, complete with a melty cheese topping. Serve it up with some mashed potatoes or a green salad, and you’ve got yourself a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love French Onion Meatloaf

Rich and Flavorful

The caramelized onions give this meatloaf such depth and richness. They add a sweet and savory flavor that blends perfectly with the beef, while the melted cheese on top creates that irresistibly gooey, savory finish.

Comfort Food with a Twist

Let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like a good meatloaf for cozy dinners, and this one takes it up a notch with that classic French onion soup flavor. The familiar taste of meatloaf becomes something extraordinary when combined with the rich flavors of onions and cheese.

Quick and Easy

This meatloaf comes together in just a few simple steps. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to make something that feels like a special meal but doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Versatile

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your family’s preferences. Add a little more cheese, throw in some extra seasonings, or even swap the beef for ground turkey if you’re looking to make it a bit lighter. It’s customizable without losing its delicious essence.

A Guaranteed Hit

From picky eaters to seasoned food lovers, this French Onion Meatloaf hits the spot. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for a hearty family dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this French Onion Meatloaf:

For the Meatloaf

• Ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork)
• Caramelized onions (see instructions below)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried thyme
• Worcestershire sauce
• Egg
• Bread crumbs (or crushed crackers)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the French Onion Topping

• Swiss cheese slices (or Gruyère for a sharper taste)
• More caramelized onions (for topping)
• Beef broth or French onion soup (for extra flavor)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make your new favorite meatloaf? Let’s get started:

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by caramelizing your onions to bring out all that sweet, savory goodness. Slice your onions thinly and cook them in a bit of butter or olive oil over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. This process takes about 20-25 minutes, so be patient! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and incredibly fragrant. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste, then set them aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with half of the caramelized onions, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatloaf may become tough.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Meatloaf

Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan and shape it into a loaf shape. Place it in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 4: Add the French Onion Topping

Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and top it with the remaining caramelized onions. Lay slices of Swiss cheese over the top, and then return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot, and enjoy the ultimate French onion twist on a classic meatloaf!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 35g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 20%
Iron: 20%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve French Onion Meatloaf

This French Onion Meatloaf is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to really make your meal complete:

Mashed Potatoes

Serve this meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes to complement its richness. The creamy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the meatloaf and cheese topping.

Roasted Vegetables

A side of roasted veggies, like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts, would add a nice touch of sweetness and balance out the richness of the meatloaf.

A Simple Salad

Pair the meatloaf with a light green salad—something with a simple vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.

Additional Tips

Make It Ahead

This meatloaf can be made ahead of time! You can assemble the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the caramelized onions and cheese right before baking for the freshest results.

Double the Recipe

If you’ve got a big crowd to feed, consider doubling the recipe. This meatloaf freezes really well, so you can always save a second loaf for later.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meat mixture. A dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard in the caramelized onions will also give it a nice zing.

Try Different Cheeses

Swiss is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or even provolone for a slightly different flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A1: Yes! Ground turkey will work just fine, though the meatloaf will be a little leaner. To keep it moist, add a little more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of broth.

Q2: Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the onions a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them when you’re ready to assemble the meatloaf.

Q3: Can I freeze the meatloaf?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the meatloaf after baking. Just allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy.

Q4: How do I know when the meatloaf is done?

A4: The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for a fully cooked meatloaf.

Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the meatloaf?

A5: Definitely! You can add ingredients like grated cheese, fresh herbs, or even finely chopped vegetables (like bell peppers or spinach) to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

Q6: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A6: Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also use oats as a binder for a healthier alternative.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

A7: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Q8: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A8: Yes! Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the rich flavors of the onions.

Q9: Can I skip the cheese topping?

A9: You absolutely can! The meatloaf will still be delicious without the cheese, but the gooey cheese topping adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that really makes the dish special.

Q10: How do I make sure my meatloaf doesn’t dry out?

A10: To keep your meatloaf moist, don’t overmix the meat, and make sure to add enough moisture, such as Worcestershire sauce or beef broth, to the mixture. Adding caramelized onions also helps keep it tender and juicy.

Conclusion

This French Onion Meatloaf is a perfect blend of two comfort food classics: meatloaf and French onion soup. With its savory, tender meat, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese topping, it’s a meal everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it to guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy!

Print