French Onion Meatloaf
🧅 French Onion Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Masterpiece
French Onion Meatloaf brings together two beloved comfort foods—classic meatloaf and rich, caramelized French onion soup—for a deeply flavorful and unforgettable dish. Moist, savory, and topped with a melty cheese crust, this elevated version of a family favorite is perfect for both cozy weeknight meals and special gatherings.
🧾 Ingredients List
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (80/20 blend) | 2 lbs |
| Sweet onions, thinly sliced | 3 large |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Fresh thyme, chopped | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 ½ teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Gruyère cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk | ½ cup |
🥩 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish blends the deep, savory notes of slow-cooked onions and herbs with juicy, seasoned beef and a creamy, cheesy topping. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist—satisfying and rich, yet easy to make. Ideal for impressing guests or simply spoiling your family on a quiet night in.
🍽 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔪 1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring often, until they become deep golden brown—about 25–30 minutes. Add splashes of beef broth as needed to deglaze the pan and intensify flavor. Stir in garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Tip: Take your time here—deep caramelization is the key to rich flavor.
🥣 2. Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, gently combine:
- Ground beef
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Half of the caramelized onions
Mix just until incorporated—don’t overwork the meat to avoid a tough texture.
🔥 3. Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking tray, or press it into a loaf pan for cleaner edges.
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the center reaches a safe temperature.
🧀 4. Make the Cheese Sauce
While the loaf bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and remaining beef broth. Cook until thickened, then stir in shredded mozzarella and Gruyère until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
🔥 5. Broil and Finish
Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with:
- The rest of the caramelized onions
- A few generous spoonfuls of cheese sauce
- A final layer of Gruyère cheese
Place under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp.
🧡 Serve & Savor
Slice and serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes, green beans, or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy, savory goodness.
This French Onion Meatloaf is comfort food at its finest—hearty, rich, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.
