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French Onion Meatloaf is a mouthwatering spin on traditional meatloaf, combining the savory flavors of caramelized onions, rich beef, and melted cheese with a hint of French onion soup goodness. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering all the warmth and comfort of classic meatloaf with a burst of French-inspired flavor. Topped with gooey cheese and a sweet, tangy glaze, this meatloaf is tender, juicy, and guaranteed to become a new favorite. If you’re looking to add a unique touch to a beloved dish, this French Onion Meatloaf is the way to go.

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork (optional for added richness)

1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup caramelized onions (about 1 large onion)
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

1/4 cup French onion soup mix or dry onion soup mix
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Glaze:

1/4 cup ketchup

1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
- Slice the onion thinly. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the onion with a bit of oil or butter, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, French onion soup mix, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep it tender.
Shape the Meatloaf:
- Place the mixture in the prepared loaf pan and press it gently to shape, ensuring an even surface.
Add the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.

Bake:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). In the last 10 minutes, top with additional cheese if desired for a cheesy crust.
Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together when cut. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking Tips:

Don’t Skip the Caramelized Onions: Caramelizing the onions brings out their natural sweetness and adds a rich, deep flavor that makes this meatloaf truly special.
Use a Mix of Meats: Combining ground beef with ground pork gives the meatloaf a tender, juicy texture and enhances the flavor.

Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender result.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Nutritional Benefits:

High Protein: Ground beef and pork are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle health and satiety.

Calcium from Cheese: The Gruyère or Swiss cheese provides calcium, which is vital for bone health.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Onions are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, while the beef provides iron, zinc, and B vitamins that support energy and immune function.
Balanced Fats: By using a combination of beef and pork, you achieve a balance of fats that enhances flavor without being overly greasy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comfort Food with a Twist: This French Onion Meatloaf combines the best of both worlds—the comforting heartiness of meatloaf with the savory, rich flavors of French onion soup.
Cheesy, Melty Goodness: With Gruyère or Swiss cheese mixed into the meatloaf and melted on top, each bite is infused with cheesy flavor.
Perfect for Leftovers: This meatloaf holds up well for leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day sandwiches.

Family-Friendly: The sweet glaze and savory, cheesy flavor make this dish a hit for all ages, perfect for a family-friendly meal.

Dietary Information:

High Protein: This meatloaf is protein-packed, thanks to the combination of ground meat and cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Low-Carb Adaptable: For a lower-carb meatloaf, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and omit the brown sugar from the glaze, replacing it with a sugar-free alternative.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free alternative, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Why This Recipe Works:

This recipe takes classic meatloaf and enhances it with the flavors of French onion soup. Caramelized onions add a sweet, savory depth, while Gruyère cheese provides a creamy, nutty flavor that complements the meat perfectly. The French onion soup mix boosts the flavor even more, ensuring the meatloaf is anything but bland. A touch of Worcestershire sauce adds umami, and the sweet, tangy glaze balances the rich flavors. By combining ground beef with pork, you get a tender, juicy meatloaf that is elevated by the unique, flavorful twist of French onion.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, add fresh thyme or parsley to the meatloaf mixture.
Use a Different Cheese: Substitute Gruyère with mozzarella or cheddar for a different cheesy experience.
Serve with Mashed Potatoes: French Onion Meatloaf pairs well with creamy mashed potatoes, adding to its comforting, classic feel.

Make Meatloaf Muffins: Divide the meat mixture into muffin tins and bake for 25-30 minutes for individual servings or easy meal prep.
Leftover Meatloaf Sandwiches: French Onion Meatloaf makes an amazing sandwich filling the next day—simply slice and add to toasted bread with some extra cheese.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freeze: Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices for a quicker option.

FAQs:

Can I use all beef instead of a beef-pork mixture? Yes, you can use all ground beef. Ground pork adds extra juiciness, but the meatloaf will still be delicious with only beef.

How can I keep my meatloaf from falling apart? Mixing in breadcrumbs and allowing the meatloaf to rest before slicing are key steps that help it hold its shape.
Is it okay to add extra cheese? Absolutely! Extra cheese inside or on top of the meatloaf will add more richness and flavor.

Prep and Cook Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55-65 minutes

Conclusion:

French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting, flavorful dish that elevates classic meatloaf with the richness of caramelized onions and melty cheese. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, this meatloaf is a satisfying, family-friendly meal that combines familiar flavors with a twist. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or next-day sandwiches, this French Onion Meatloaf is a recipe you’ll return to time and again. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of a traditional meatloaf, enhanced with French-inspired flavors that make each bite unique and memorable.

French Onion Meatloaf: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 1hr 20mins

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
- Slice the onion thinly. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the onion with a bit of oil or butter, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, French onion soup mix, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep it tender.
Shape the Meatloaf:
- Place the mixture in the prepared loaf pan and press it gently to shape, ensuring an even surface.

Add the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Bake:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). In the last 10 minutes, top with additional cheese if desired for a cheesy crust.
Rest and Serve:
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together when cut. Serve warm and enjoy!
- Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
  - Slice the onion thinly. In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the onion with a bit of oil or butter, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven:
  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
  - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, caramelized onions, shredded cheese, French onion soup mix, milk, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat mixture to keep it tender.
- Shape the Meatloaf:
  - Place the mixture in the prepared loaf pan and press it gently to shape, ensuring an even surface.
- Add the Glaze:
  - In a small bowl, mix together ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Spread evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
- Bake:
  - Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). In the last 10 minutes, top with additional cheese if desired for a cheesy crust.
- Rest and Serve:
  - Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together when cut. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20mins

Cook Time: 1hr

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