why make this recipe
French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf, bringing rich flavors and comforting ingredients together. Caramelized onions mixed with ground beef and melted cheese create a mouthwatering dish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or when you want something warm and satisfying.
how to make French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup beef broth (for deglazing)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Set the onions aside to cool.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add onions and cheese: Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture.
- Shape the meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Cheese topping: Once the meatloaf is cooked, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, for a complete and satisfying meal.
how to serve French Onion Meatloaf
Enjoy French Onion Meatloaf hot right out of the oven. You can serve it with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget a drizzle of gravy or a side of crusty bread to soak up any juices.
how to store French Onion Meatloaf
To store leftovers, let the meatloaf cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make French Onion Meatloaf
- Make sure to caramelize the onions well; this adds a sweet depth of flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to help it hold its shape.
variation
You can customize the recipe by adding different herbs or spices. Try substituting the Gruyère cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as turkey may cook faster.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix all ingredients and shape the meatloaf the day before. Just cover it and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I do with leftover meatloaf?
Leftover meatloaf can be sliced and made into sandwiches, added to salads, or used in pasta dishes for a quick meal.
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the Meatloaf
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter For caramelizing onions
- 0.25 cup beef broth For deglazing
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
- Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Set the onions aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top.
- Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
