The French onion meat loaf recipe is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. It has the flavors of French onion soup! A tasty, flavorful combination of sweet onions and melted cheese.
In this recipe, you’re going to get ground beef, onions, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce and cheese. It will make a hearty homemade dinner.
Table of Contents
What is French Onion Meatloaf?
It features caramelized onions and ground beef and cheese. To add flavour to the mixture, Worcestershire sauce and herbs and beef broth are added.
It results in a soft and juicy meatloaf with sweet onions and melted cheese.
Ingredients
You Will Need:
- 2 lb ground beef : The traditional base of meatloaf
- 2 large onions sliced up to add a French onion taste.
- 4 tbsp butter : To deep fry the onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced : add for extra savoury flavour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs : To bind the mixture
- 2 large eggs: To hold the mixture together
- Milk required ½ cup.
- Two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
- For extra savory flavor add
- 1 tsp salt : For flavor
- ½ tsp black pepper : For spice
- 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese – melted cheese flavor
- Beef broth, ½ cup – For additional moisture and savoriness
Recipe for French Onion Meatloaf
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
In a large skillet, butter over medium heat
Add the onion to the skillet and fry until softened, golden and caramelized.
Add the garlic and beat to mix.
Take off the heat and allow the onions to cool.
Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper to a large bowl.
Add most of the caramelized onions. Stir well to ensure they’re combined.
Pour into a baking dish or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Shape into a loaf.
Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake meatloaf for approximately 1 hour or until almost done.
Almost ready: Sprinkle the gruyère or Swiss over the meat loaf.
Add caramelized onions to the meatloaf (11).
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake until the meatloaf is thoroughly cooked and cheese melted.
Allow meatloaf to rest for an approximately 10 minute period before cutting it up.
Serve meatloaf slices with the side dishes of your choice.
The best French Onion Meatloaf tips
- Slowly Caramelize the Onions: To bring out the natural sweetness in the onions, slowly cook them.
- Don’t Overmix the Beef: Mix the beef only until the ingredients are combined. If mixing is done too much, a dense loaf will result.
- Keep It Moist: Using milk, eggs and caramelized onions will keep the meatloaf moist.
- Flavorful Cheese: For rich, nutty taste, use Gruyère cheese, and Swiss cheese for creamy, mild taste.
- Let It Rest: Letting the meatloaf rest after baking will allow the meat juices to redistribute itself.
- Cook through: Before serving meatloaf, check to see if it’s cooked all the way through.
Variations on French Onion Meatloaf
Meatloaf with French Onion and Gruyère cheese.
: Using shredded Gruyère cheese is a great option for this meatloaf.
Prior to serving, serve with French onion meat loaf with Swiss cheese.
: Using Swiss cheese is another great option for this meatloaf.
French onion meatloaf with Mushrooms
: Cook some mushrooms with the onions for a meatloaf with a mushroom flavor.
French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf
Place a layer of cheese in the middle of the meat mixture prior to forming the loaf. Cheese will impart flavor during baking.
French onion meatloaf and gravy.
: Make an onion or beef gravy and serve with slices of the meatloaf.
Best things to serve with French Onion Meatloaf
French onion meatloaf is versatile in that you can serve it with a variety of side dishes.
Try these old-fashioned sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: A creamy, rich side dish to perfectly complement the meatloaf.
- Roasted Potatoes: These are also crispy and warm potatoes, but a fine choice as well.
- Steamed or roasted green beans are healthy and flavorful.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli and Brussels sprouts are excellent choices
- A light and fresh green salad is a good choice.
- Bread : Dinner rolls or crusty bread are good choices to accompany
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground beef substitute
Use ground turkey or ground chicken, rather than ground beef. The texture and flavor of the meatloaf will be different.
Gruyère cheese substitute
If you don’t have Gruyère cheese, use Swiss cheese, mozzarella or provolone.
Breadcrumb substitute
Crushed crackers can be used in lieu of breadcrumbs.
Milk substitute
Instead of milk, use an unsweetened milk alternative or a little bit of beef broth.
Thyme substitute
Use Italian seasoning or dried oregano instead of thyme.
Stored for later use
Allow meatloaf to cool before putting it in a covered container.
Heat remaining slices of meatloaf until hot in the oven, skillet or microwave.
If storing meatloaf for more than a few days, divide into slices and place in a sealed container or freezer bag. After that, the containers/bags may be frozen.
If you wish to eat the meatloaf, defrost it and reheat it.
French onion meatloaf is a delicious variation on the classic meatloaf that has juicy ground beef, sweet caramelized onions and melted cheese.
The meatloaf is very tender and savory, and tastes like French onion soup. French Onion Meatloaf is a simple and easy recipe that makes a great home cooked meal. Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or green beans or salad.
