French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
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.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Prepare Onions: Thinly slice two large onions to ensure even caramelization.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: French onion meatloaf, caramelized onions, baked meatloaf, ground beef recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty meal