French Onion Meatloaf
This French Onion Meatloaf recipe transforms the classic flavors of French onion soup into a juicy, flavorful meatloaf. Made with caramelized onions, French onion soup mix, and melty Swiss cheese, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for gatherings.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef 80/20 for juiciness
- 2 medium onions sliced, for caramelizing
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter for caramelizing
- 1 packet French onion soup mix or substitute with additional caramelized onions + Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs Panko or gluten-free alternative
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¼ cup milk any type, for moisture
- 1 cup Swiss or Gruyere cheese shredded, optional topping
- ½ cup French fried onions optional topping
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes until golden and soft. Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar to speed up the process. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease a loaf pan.
- Mix the Meatloaf Base – In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, soup mix (or caramelized onions), salt, and pepper. Gently mix until combined—don’t overwork the meat.
- Shape the Meatloaf – Form the mixture into an 8x4-inch loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet or press it into a loaf pan. Smooth the top for even cooking.
- Bake the Meatloaf – Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Add the Toppings – In the last 10 minutes, sprinkle shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese on top. Add French fried onions for extra crunch. Broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve – Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
For a leaner option: Use ground turkey or chicken and add a splash of broth for moisture.
To save time: Use French onion soup mix instead of caramelizing onions.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
To save time: Use French onion soup mix instead of caramelizing onions.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months