French Onion Meatloaf

French Onion Meatloaf
Introduction
French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting twist on the traditional meatloaf, infused with the rich,
savory flavors of caramelized onions and topped with gooey melted cheese. This dish combines the
heartiness of classic meatloaf with the elegance of French onion soup, making it perfect for
family dinners, special occasions, or when you simply crave a cozy, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or half beef and half pork for extra flavor)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (or homemade mix)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup caramelized onions (about 2 large onions)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Caramelize onions: In a skillet, cook sliced onions in butter or olive oil on low heat
for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and sweet. Set aside. - Mix meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk,
Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and half of the caramelized onions.
Mix gently without overworking the meat. - Shape and bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and shape into a loaf.
Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes. - Top with cheese & onions: Remove meatloaf, top with remaining caramelized onions and
shredded Gruyère cheese. Return to oven for another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts
and bubbles. - Rest & serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Description
This French Onion Meatloaf takes the best parts of a beloved diner classic and gives it a gourmet upgrade.
The juicy meatloaf is flavored with French onion soup mix and caramelized onions, then crowned with
melted Gruyère cheese for a gooey, golden topping. The result is a savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly
rich dish that tastes like French onion soup in meatloaf form.
Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier texture.
- Don’t skip caramelizing onions slowly — that’s where the deep flavor comes from.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing keeps it from falling apart.
- Add a splash of beef broth to the onion mixture before topping for extra flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Correction
- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture; it can make the loaf dense and tough.
- Don’t add too much salt since French onion soup mix already contains plenty.
- If you use lean ground beef, add a little extra milk or grated zucchini to keep it moist.
Enjoy
Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve warm with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread
to soak up all that cheesy onion goodness. This French Onion Meatloaf will quickly become a
family favorite, combining comfort food with French-inspired flavors in every bite.