Description
This French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and a savory French onion soup mix. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it combines tender ground beef with rich, cheesy goodness and a subtle sweetness from the caramelized onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably a mix of lean and fatty)
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
- 1 large egg
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons butter
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for baking the meatloaf evenly.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Reserve a portion of these onions for topping the meatloaf.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, most of the caramelized onions (reserve some for topping), breadcrumbs, beef broth, egg, and French onion soup mix. Gently mix just until combined to avoid overworking the meat and keep it tender.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Add Cheese and Onion Topping: Create a small well in the center of the loaf and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese inside. Cover the loaf with the remaining cheese followed by the reserved caramelized onions on top.
- Bake: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and slice before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a mix of lean and fatty ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
- Caramelizing onions properly is key to achieving the signature French onion flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking helps maintain its juiciness.
- Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, rich flavor but Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
