French Onion Meatloaf: A Delicious Twist on a Classic!

This French Onion Meatloaf takes your traditional comfort food and elevates it with the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup. Think caramelized onions, melty cheese, and tender beef in every bite — a cozy, flavor-packed dinner perfect for fall nights or Sunday suppers.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Meatloaf
🧅 Savory & Sweet: Caramelized onions add depth and richness.
🧀 Cheesy Perfection: Melted Gruyère or Swiss gives every slice a creamy finish.
🍖 Juicy & Flavorful: A blend of beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs ensures perfect texture.
🍽️ Elegant Comfort Food: Feels gourmet, but comes together with pantry ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the French Onion Topping:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

How to Make French Onion Meatloaf

Step 1 – Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until golden and caramelized. Add a splash of beef broth near the end to deglaze and deepen the flavor.

Step 2 – Mix the Meatloaf:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, half of the caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork it.

Step 3 – Shape & Bake:
Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes.

Step 4 – Add the French Onion Topping:
Top the loaf with the remaining caramelized onions, pour over the beef broth, and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese. Bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 5 – Rest & Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables and a spoonful of the onion gravy from the pan.

Tips for the Best French Onion Meatloaf

🧅 Low & Slow: Take your time caramelizing onions — it’s worth it!
🧀 Cheese Choices: Try Gruyère for authentic flavor or Swiss for a milder twist.
🍖 Moisture Matters: Don’t skip the eggs or broth — they keep the loaf tender.
🍷 Make It a Meal: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted carrots, or a green salad.

Serving Ideas

• Serve slices over creamy mashed potatoes with pan drippings as gravy.
• Add a side of green beans almondine or roasted asparagus.
• Top with extra caramelized onions for a decadent finish.

Conclusion

This French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting yet sophisticated twist on a beloved classic. With caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a juicy, flavorful loaf, it’s everything you love about hearty home cooking — elevated to something truly special. Perfect for cozy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners. 🍷✨