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French Onion Meatloaf topped with melted cheese and crispy onions.

French Onion Meatloaf: The Ultimate in Hearty, Delicious Meals


  • Author: Louisa
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 min
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This French Onion Meatloaf combines the comforting flavors of classic meatloaf with the rich, savory goodness of French onion soup. Topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, it’s a crowd-pleasing main dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatloaf:

  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Topping:

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the Onions:

    • Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Sauté for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Meatloaf:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, French onion soup mix, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and parsley. Mix until just combined.
    • Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake the Meatloaf:

    • Bake the meatloaf for 40 minutes.
  • Add the Topping:

    • Remove the meatloaf from the oven and spread the caramelized onions over the top. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
    • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve:

    • Let the meatloaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Caramelize the onions in advance to save time on busy evenings.
  • Cheese Option: Swap Gruyère with Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
  • Leftovers: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: French Onion Meatloaf, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food Recipe, Easy Meatloaf, Cheese-Topped Meatloaf, French Onion-Inspired Dish