Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 33 reviews

This French Onion Meatloaf recipe combines rich caramelized onions and savory Gruyere cheese for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. Mini meatloaves infused with onion soup mix and Parmesan cheese are baked to perfection, topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere, delivering a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, petite diced (about 4 cups)
  • A few splashes dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (for onions)

Meatloaf Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 ounce packet onion soup mix
  • 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Topping

  • 2 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions along with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring every 5 minutes, for about 35-40 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized. Deglaze the pan with a few splashes of dry white wine, scraping up all the browned bits. Remove onions from the pan and set aside on a plate to cool.
  2. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the meatloaves.
  3. Combine Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, add about two-thirds of the cooled caramelized onions, ground beef, onion soup mix, Italian breadcrumbs, half and half, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and season with a few large pinches of kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
  4. Form Mini Meatloaves: Using your hands, gently combine the mixture thoroughly. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a mini meatloaf.
  5. Bake Meatloaves: Place the mini meatloaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  6. Add Toppings: Spread the remaining caramelized onions evenly over each mini meatloaf and sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese on top.
  7. Finish Baking: Return the meatloaves to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring they are fully cooked.
  8. Rest: Remove the meatloaves from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes to let juices redistribute.
  9. Serve: Serve your French Onion Meatloaves with your favorite side dishes like air-fried green beans and creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich flavors!
  10. Feedback: If you loved this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and review to share your experience.

Notes

  • Use ground beef with a 90/10 lean-to-fat ratio for moist and flavorful meatloaf.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly over medium heat is key to bringing out their natural sweetness.
  • Allow meatloaves to rest before serving to keep them juicy.
  • Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
  • The leftover caramelized onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used in other dishes.
  • Cooking times may vary slightly depending on oven accuracy; use a meat thermometer for best results.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American