French Onion Meatloaf

 

🧅 French Onion Meatloaf: A Comfort Food Classic with a Gourmet Twist

If you're a fan of classic meatloaf and rich, savory French onion soup, prepare to fall in love with this mouthwatering French Onion Meatloaf. It’s the best of both worlds — juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a flavorful glaze, all baked to perfection in one comforting dish.

This isn’t your grandma’s meatloaf (though she'd probably ask for the recipe). It’s elegant enough for Sunday dinner, but easy enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

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💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, Deep Flavor: Inspired by French onion soup — caramelized onions, beef, cheese, and herbs.

• Cheesy Surprise: Melted Swiss or provolone in the center for a gooey, irresistible bite.

• Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevates traditional meatloaf into something special.

• Family-Friendly: Kid-approved and hearty enough for the hungriest eaters.

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📝 Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tsp sugar

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)

• 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 eggs

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss, provolone, or Gruyère cheese

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized. Add balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes (if using), then remove from heat and let cool.

2. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan.

3. Mix the Meatloaf Base:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the cooled caramelized onions. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

4. Assemble the Loaf:
   Form half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape on the baking sheet. Layer the shredded cheese in the center, then top with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges around the cheese.

5. Top & Bake:
   Spread the glaze (ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard mixed together) over the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

6. Finish with Onions:
   In the last 5 minutes of baking, top the meatloaf with the remaining caramelized onions and a little extra shredded cheese if desired. Return to oven just to melt.

7. Rest & Serve:
   Let the meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted veggies.

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Make It Ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the uncooked meatloaf up to a day in advance.

• Lighter Option: Use ground turkey or chicken and low-fat cheese.

• Extra Savory: Add a packet of French onion soup mix to the meat mixture for a shortcut version.

• Mini Loaves: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions and faster cooking.

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❄️ Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze slices or the full loaf (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months.

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🧅 A Meatloaf Worth Craving

This French Onion Meatloaf is everything you want in comfort food—savory, juicy, melty, and absolutely packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite after just one bite.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or prepping for an easy dinner with leftovers, this upgraded meatloaf will have everyone asking for seconds.