Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese add depth and a gourmet touch to the traditional meatloaf.
- Comfort Food: This dish combines two comfort food classics—meatloaf and French onion soup—into one satisfying meal.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Versatile Pairings: It pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they are deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add half of the caramelized onions to the mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense meatloaf.
- Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, return the remaining caramelized onions to the skillet. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to reduce slightly, creating a savory onion sauce.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and top with the grated Gruyère cheese. Switch the oven to broil and return the meatloaf for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the French onion sauce spooned over the top.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 30 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour, including time to caramelize the onions and bake the meatloaf.
Variations
- Cheese Options: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Mushroom Addition: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms into the meat mixture for added earthiness.
- Herb Substitutions: Replace dried thyme with fresh thyme or rosemary to enhance the herbal notes.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftover meatloaf in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent my meatloaf from drying out?
Ensure not to overbake the meatloaf and consider using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Also, resting the meatloaf before slicing helps retain moisture.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply place it in the oven and proceed with the recipe.
Can I freeze this meatloaf?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatloaf for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze cooked meatloaf and reheat it in the oven.
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be used as a substitute, depending on your taste preference.
French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This French Onion Meatloaf recipe blends the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with the savory, rich taste of French onion soup. Featuring caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and seasoned ground beef, this moist and delicious dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook for 1-2 more minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare Meatloaf Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add half of the caramelized onions and gently combine.
- Shape and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the meat mixture into a loaf or place in a loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Make Onion Sauce:
- Heat remaining caramelized onions in the skillet. Add beef broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Broil with Cheese:
- Top baked meatloaf with grated Gruyère cheese.
- Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve with onion sauce on top.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for variation.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Resting the meatloaf after baking helps retain moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-French Fusion
