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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 85-95 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory french onion meatloaf brings classic comfort to dinner tables with a delightful twist on traditional meatloaf. Caramelized onions and rich gruyère cheese create a luxurious flavor profile you’ll crave from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated Gruyère cheese

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Transform sliced onions into a golden, sweet delicacy by sautéing in olive oil and butter over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring periodically until they develop a rich caramel color. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Reserve half the onions for later use.
  2. Construct the meatloaf foundation by combining ground beef with eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and seasoning. Fold in the reserved caramelized onions, gently incorporating ingredients without overworking the mixture.
  3. Mold the meat mixture into a uniform loaf within a baking dish. Position in a preheated 350°F oven and roast for 45-50 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring thorough cooking.
  4. Create a luxurious sauce by returning remaining caramelized onions to the skillet and introducing beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the liquid to condense and develop a rich, concentrated flavor.
  5. Enhance the meatloaf by blanketing it with grated Gruyère cheese. Transfer to the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden-brown crust.
  6. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute. Slice and cascade the French onion sauce generously over each portion before serving.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly develops rich, deep flavor, so avoid rushing the process or using high heat.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain texture.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture for extra aromatic complexity and freshness.
  • Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent excessive greasiness while keeping the meatloaf moist and tender.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 75-85 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg