This French onion meatloaf is packed with deep, rich flavors from caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a juicy beef mixture. It’s a gourmet twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Topped with melted cheese and golden onions, this French-inspired meatloaf recipe will be your new favorite comfort food!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Meatloaf Recipe
Growing up, my grandma made the best French onion soup, and I wanted to bring those same flavors into a hearty meatloaf. So I went to the kitchen and started messing around. I added a ton of elements, and I think I made the best meatloaf ever!
The sweet, caramelized onions, savory Worcestershire sauce, and melted Gruyère give this dish a delicious depth of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for guests!
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 lbs sweet onions, peeled and thinly sliced
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or coconut aminos)
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese
How to Make French Onion Meatloaf
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and caramelized. Let cool.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, mustard, thyme, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir in ⅔ of the caramelized onions (reserving the rest for topping).
Step 3: Bake the Meatloaf
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Shape the meatloaf mixture into the pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Onions
Remove from the oven and immediately top with Gruyère slices and the remaining caramelized onions.
Step 5: Broil and Serve
Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Slice and serve hot with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables!
Expert Tips
- Slow Caramelization is Key: Cook onions low and slow for the best flavor.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Gruyère melts beautifully, but Swiss cheese is a great alternative.
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too much can make the meatloaf dense.
- Let it Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Make It Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
FAQ's About This French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
What’s the best cheese for French onion meatloaf?
Gruyère is ideal for its rich, nutty flavor, but you can also use Swiss or provolone.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it in the pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices.
What sides go well with French onion meatloaf?
Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.
My Final Thoughts
This cheesy French onion meatloaf takes classic meatloaf to the next level with deep caramelized onion flavor and gooey melted Gruyère.
It’s easy to make, full of rich, savory goodness, and perfect for a cozy dinner. Try it once, and it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
More Dinner Recipes to Try Next
- Qdoba chicken
- Cavas chicken bowl
- Popeyes chicken tenders
- Panda Express teriyaki chicken
- Ruth Chris stuffed chicken
French Onion Meatloaf Recipe I Love (& You Will Too)
This French onion meatloaf is packed with deep, rich flavors from caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a juicy beef mixture. It’s a gourmet twist on classic meatloaf, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Topped with melted cheese and golden onions, this French-inspired meatloaf recipe will be your new favorite comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 lbs sweet onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 fresh cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices gruyere cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the thinly sliced onions, stirring frequently, for 25–30 minutes until they are caramelized, soft, and golden brown; then remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the beef, beaten egg, bread crumbs, mustard, thyme, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and pepper. Mix in about ⅔ of the cooled caramelized onions (reserve ⅓ for topping).
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and press it in gently to shape a meatloaf.
5. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center reaches about 150°F.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately lay on the cheese, then top with the remaining caramelized onions.
7. If desired, broil the meatloaf for a few minutes to brown the cheese and onion topping.
8. Slice and serve hot.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 555Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 191mgSodium: 569mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 52g
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