Description
This French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting twist on the classic meatloaf, infused with the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions and a savory beef mixture. Perfectly juicy and tender, it’s topped with melted cheese and a hint of French onion flavor. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress at your next dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds (680g) ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240ml) caramelized onions (homemade or store-bought French onion soup mix)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (optional, such as Gruyère or mozzarella)
For the Glaze or Topping:
- ¼ cup (60ml) ketchup (or French onion dip for a twist)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper if you’re shaping the meatloaf by hand. - Caramelize the Onions:
In a pan over medium heat, sauté thinly sliced onions with a tablespoon of butter or oil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 20–30 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and become golden brown. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, and caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture. - Shape the Meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. If you’re adding cheese, you can either mix it into the loaf or reserve it for topping. - Add the Glaze:
Spread the ketchup (or French onion dip) over the top of the meatloaf, and optionally sprinkle with brown sugar for a slight sweetness. - Bake the Meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the meatloaf during the last 10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and become bubbly. - Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Freezing Tip:
You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and bake from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process. - For a Lower-Fat Version:
Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the beef, and swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. - Serving Ideas:
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving
- Calories: 400