Savory French Onion-Inspired Meatloaf
If you love the deep, comforting flavors of French onion soup and the heartiness of a traditional meatloaf, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. This French Onion Meatloaf is tender, juicy, and packed with caramelized onion goodness—finished with a creamy cheese topping that’s irresistibly golden and bubbling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20) | 2 lbs |
| Sweet onions, thinly sliced | 3 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1½ tsp |
| Ground black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Gruyère cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tbsp |
| Milk | ½ cup |
What Makes This Meatloaf Special
This isn’t your average meatloaf. The sweet depth of slow-cooked onions, the herby richness of thyme, and the creamy, cheesy finish take this dish to the next level. Whether you’re making a comforting weeknight dinner or something to wow your guests, this recipe delivers bold flavor with an elegant twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook them slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring regularly. Splash in some beef broth occasionally to enhance the richness. When they’re golden and soft, stir in garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Tip: Patience pays off—don’t rush the caramelization!
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, panko, eggs, Worcestershire, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix until everything is just incorporated.
Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf light and tender.
3. Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Shape the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on a parchment-lined baking tray or use a loaf pan. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until the meat is mostly cooked through.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk followed by the rest of the beef broth. Simmer until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Gruyère until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Top and Broil
Once the meatloaf is out of the oven, layer the remaining caramelized onions over the top. Pour the cheese sauce evenly and sprinkle on some extra Gruyère. Broil for 3–5 minutes until golden, bubbly, and slightly crisped on top.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Serve this savory meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp arugula salad for a well-balanced meal. A glass of red wine or sparkling cider also complements the rich onion and cheese flavors beautifully.
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