Description

This French Onion Meatloaf recipe combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and a savory French onion soup mix with tender ground beef, all baked to perfection and topped with melted Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this meatloaf features a gooey cheesy center and a flavorful crust of onions and cheese, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (preferably a mix of lean and fatty)
2 medium onions, sliced
½ cup beef broth
1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian)
1 large egg
1 packet French onion soup mix
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons butter

Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the meatloaf.
Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside a portion of these onions to be used later as topping.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, most of the caramelized onions (reserve some for topping), breadcrumbs, beef broth, egg, and French onion soup mix. Gently mix all ingredients until just combined, avoiding overworking to keep the meatloaf tender.
Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet for baking.
Add Cheese and Toppings: Make a small well or indentation in the center of the meatloaf. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the well, then cover it with the remaining cheese and the reserved caramelized onions.
Bake Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) ensuring the meatloaf is cooked through and safe to eat.
Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

Using a mix of lean and fatty ground beef helps keep the meatloaf moist and flavorful.
Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing their sweet and rich flavor.
Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures it holds together well and remains juicy.
The cheese center adds a delicious gooey surprise, feel free to substitute with other melting cheeses like mozzarella if preferred.