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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

4.4 from 72 reviews

This French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, ground beef, and Gruyère cheese to create a comforting and flavorful dish. The meatloaf is baked until juicy and tender, topped with a bubbling cheese crust, and served with a savory French onion sauce, making it a perfect family dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Onions and Sauce

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, then set aside.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix in half of the caramelized onions gently until just combined.
  3. Shape and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Make French Onion Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining caramelized onions and 1 cup beef broth. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly and thicken into an onion sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with grated Gruyère cheese. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the French onion sauce spooned over the top for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh ground beef and freshly grated Gruyère cheese.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing their rich, sweet flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked to 160°F.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: French Onion Meatloaf, Meatloaf Recipe, Caramelized Onion Meatloaf, Gruyère Cheese Meatloaf, Comfort Food