Description
French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with tender ground beef and melted cheese to create a comforting and savory dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This hearty one-pan meal is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and easily adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs lean or medium lean ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for caramelizing onions)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Start by slicing the onions thinly and sauté them slowly in butter over medium-low heat. Stir often and allow them to caramelize until golden brown and sweet, about 25-30 minutes. This step builds the deep flavor that defines the French onion base.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the caramelized onions and mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Shape and Add Cheese: On a baking sheet or in a loaf pan, shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Layer slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the top, then gently press the edges to seal some cheese inside if desired for an ooey-gooey center.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the French Onion Meatloaf uncovered for 55-65 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juiciness.
Notes
- Don’t rush the onions; slow caramelization is key for deep flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf is perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender slice.
- Mix gently to avoid a dense, tough meatloaf.
- Customize the topping with a thin glaze of ketchup, mustard, or caramelized onion jam for extra flavor layers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6th of meatloaf)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: French Onion Meatloaf, comfort food, caramelized onions, meatloaf recipe, family dinner, savory meatloaf