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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

4.9 from 28 reviews

This French Onion Meatloaf combines the rich, caramelized flavors of slow-cooked onions with savory ground beef, enhanced with Swiss or Gruyere cheese and seasoned with thyme and garlic powder. A comforting and flavorful twist on a classic meatloaf, perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatloaf

  • 2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a lean option)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • ½ cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 packet onion soup mix for extra flavor

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Onions: Thinly slice two large onions to ensure even caramelization.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and sweetly caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 pounds of ground beef (or turkey), 1 cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt and pepper to taste, optional onion soup mix, and the cooled caramelized onions. Gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  4. Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a parchment-lined baking sheet or press it evenly into a loaf pan for a uniform shape.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps retain juices and makes slicing easier. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Using turkey instead of beef reduces fat content for a leaner meatloaf.
  • Ensure onions are fully caramelized for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • If using onion soup mix, reduce added salt to prevent oversalting.
  • Resting the meatloaf after baking helps keep it moist and easier to slice.
  • Try serving with mashed potatoes or a green vegetable for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion meatloaf, caramelized onions, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty meal