French Onion Meatloaf

A Cozy and Flavor-Packed Comfort Food

When the weather turns chilly or you’re just craving something rich and satisfying, there’s nothing like a hearty, home-cooked meal to warm you up.

This French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect dish to cozy up with—it combines the deep, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the comforting heartiness of a traditional meatloaf.

If you love meatloaf but want to try a new twist that takes it to the next level, this recipe is for you. The combination of savory ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese makes every bite an explosion of flavor.

Plus, the homemade French onion glaze on top ensures a moist, tender texture with a rich, slightly sweet finish.

This meatloaf is a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner, a Sunday family meal, or even a cozy holiday gathering. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies, and you have an unforgettable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly flavorful – The slow-cooked onions give this meatloaf a deep, sweet, and savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Cheesy and juicy – Melting Gruyère or Swiss cheese inside the meatloaf keeps it moist and rich.
• Easy to make – Despite its gourmet flavors, this dish comes together with minimal effort.
• Perfect for leftovers – The flavors develop even more the next day, making it a great meal prep option.
• Crowd-pleaser – Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• 1/2 of the caramelized onions (from above)

For the French Onion Glaze:

• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Remaining caramelized onions

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Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large skillet – For caramelizing the onions to bring out their rich, sweet flavor.
• Mixing bowls – To combine the meatloaf ingredients evenly.
• Loaf pan or baking sheet – For shaping and baking the meatloaf.
• Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Whisk – To mix the glaze ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring onions and mixing the meatloaf ingredients.
• Sharp knife – For slicing onions thinly and evenly.

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Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown.
3. Stir in the dried thyme, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Fold in 1/2 of the caramelized onions and the shredded cheese. Mix until just combined—do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

7. Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the prepared pan or baking sheet.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together the glaze ingredients (ketchup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar).
9. Brush half of the glaze over the meatloaf.
10. Bake for 45 minutes.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

11. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with the remaining caramelized onions and shredded cheese.
12. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Ground meat – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Cheese – Use mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone instead of Gruyère.
• Breadcrumbs – Replace with crushed crackers, panko, or almond flour for a low-carb option.
• Milk – Use heavy cream, broth, or plant-based milk for dairy-free alternatives.

Variations

• Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Mushroom Lover’s – Sauté mushrooms with onions for extra umami.
• BBQ Style – Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup in the glaze.
• Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.

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Serving Suggestions

1. Mashed potatoes – The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the rich meatloaf.
2. Roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a nice balance.
3. Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful glaze.
4. Side salad – A fresh green salad cuts through the richness.
5. Rice or quinoa – A lighter alternative to potatoes.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

• To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

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FAQ

1. Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance.

2. What’s the best cheese for French Onion Meatloaf?

Gruyère or Swiss provide the best melt and flavor.

3. Can I use pre-cooked onions?

Yes, but fresh caramelized onions have the best taste.

4. How do I prevent my meatloaf from falling apart?

Make sure to use eggs and breadcrumbs as binders and don’t overmix.

5. Can I cook this in an air fryer?

Yes, shape into smaller loaves and air fry at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.

6. Can I use store-bought French onion soup mix?

Yes, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor as homemade caramelized onions.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me (@tasiahub_) or use the hashtag (#tasiahub). I’d love to see your creations!