Here’s a complete, classic French Onion Meatloaf recipe—savory, tender, and full of caramelized onion flavor 🧅🍖
French Onion Meatloaf
Makes 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef & pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup caramelized onions (see instructions below)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Topping
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp flour
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, enhances onion flavor)
Instructions
1. Caramelize Onions
- Slice 1 cup of onions thinly.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tsp oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook onions slowly, stirring occasionally, 15–20 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
2. Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
3. Make the Meatloaf
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and caramelized onions.
- Mix gently—don’t overwork, or the meatloaf will be dense.
- Shape into a loaf and place in prepared pan.
4. Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, whisk beef broth and flour until smooth.
- Pour over the meatloaf.
- Optional: sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
5. Bake
- Bake 55–65 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips
- Extra flavor: Sauté mushrooms with onions for a French onion soup twist.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the meatloaf mixture, wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Leftovers: Great for sandwiches or reheated with mashed potatoes.
💡 Variation: For a slow cooker version, pour a French onion soup-based sauce over the loaf and cook on low 4–5 hours for super tender, hands-off meatloaf.
If you want, I can write a French Onion Meatloaf with soup-style sauce recipe that’s extra cozy and slow-cooked. Do you want me to do that?
