Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Delight

Crafting a hearty French onion meatloaf brings comfort food to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as caramelized onions mingle with rich ground beef.

Familiar ingredients take on a luxurious twist when combined with classic French onion soup flavors.

Tender meat becomes something extraordinary through this clever culinary reimagining.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the melted gruyère that adds depth and complexity to every slice.

Weeknight dinners transform from mundane to magnificent with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Let’s dive into a meal that promises to become an instant family favorite.

Storing French Onion Meatloaf Properly

• Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the cooled meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen meatloaf in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350F (175C) for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Check internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for food safety.

FAQs

• What makes French onion soup mix special in this meatloaf?

The French onion soup mix adds deep, rich umami flavor and helps season the meat thoroughly, creating a more complex taste profile compared to traditional meatloaf seasonings.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef, but the fat content will be lower, so add an extra tablespoon of milk to keep the meatloaf moist and prevent it from becoming dry.

• How do I know the meatloaf is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C), which ensures the meat is safe to eat and prevents any potential foodborne illness.

French Onion Meatloaf Highlights

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty, one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for satisfying hungry families.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, transforming a classic dish into a personalized culinary experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Champion: Packed with cheesy goodness and savory ground beef, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful gathering.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this dish ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready, providing a stress-free solution for busy households seeking delicious home-cooked meals.

Ingredients Required For French Onion Meatloaf

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and juicy base that provides the main protein for the meatloaf.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg, Milk: These ingredients help hold the meatloaf together and keep it moist during cooking.

• French Onion Soup Mix: Adds a rich, savory taste to the meatloaf.
• Caramelized Onions: Provides a sweet and deep onion flavor.
• Cheese: Adds creaminess and extra richness to the meat mixture.

• Ketchup, Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet and tangy coating that caramelizes during baking.

How To Prepare French Onion Meatloaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and let it heat up while you prepare the meatloaf.

Step 2: Create the Meatloaf Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• French onion soup mix
• Caramelized onions
• Shredded cheese
• Milk

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well blended.

Step 3: Shape the Meaty Masterpiece

Gently form the meat mixture into a classic loaf shape. Transfer the loaf onto a baking tray or place it inside a loaf pan.

Step 4: Whip Up the Tangy Glaze

• Ketchup
• Brown sugar

Spread this sweet and zesty glaze evenly across the top of the meatloaf.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the meatloaf into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check that the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven.

This helps the juices redistribute, making each slice moist and flavorful. Slice and serve to eager dinner guests.

Tips For French Onion Meatloaf

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter meatloaf texture.
• Enhance flavor by using caramelized onions, which add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
• Balance the glaze by adjusting brown sugar and ketchup ratios for desired sweetness level.
• Experiment with different cheese types like gruyère or sharp cheddar for varied flavor profiles.

Alternative Flavors For French Onion Meatloaf

• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Fold crispy chopped bacon into the meatloaf mixture for added smokiness and crunch, enhancing the savory French onion flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Meatloaf: Replace French onion soup mix with dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Add crumbled feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese into the ground beef for a zesty, spicy take on the classic French onion meatloaf.
• Mushroom Swiss Fusion: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese into the meat mixture, creating a rich, earthy alternative that complements the caramelized onions.

Recommended Pairings For French Onion Meatloaf

• Cozy Comfort Plate Pairing: Serve this savory meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans. The soft potato texture complements the rich, meaty flavors while adding a comforting side dish.
• Gourmet Sandwich Transformation: Slice the cooled meatloaf thinly and create delicious cold sandwiches on crusty sourdough bread. Add a layer of sharp provolone cheese and crisp lettuce for extra texture and zest.
• Hearty Dinner Ensemble: Pair the meatloaf with a fresh garden salad and buttery dinner rolls. Drizzle the salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the meat's deep, caramelized onion notes and create a complete meal that feels like a warm embrace.

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory french onion meatloaf blends classic comfort with french bistro elegance, merging ground beef and caramelized onions into a hearty main dish. Cheese-topped and rich with deep flavor, this meatloaf will satisfy hungry diners seeking a memorable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 cup (240 ml) caramelized onions
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsps ketchup (for glaze)
• 2 tbsps brown sugar (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, whisking in the egg to create a cohesive mixture.
3. Incorporate French onion soup mix, richly caramelized onions, grated cheese, and milk, gently folding ingredients until uniformly distributed.
4. Mold the meat mixture into a compact, symmetrical loaf, carefully transferring it to a prepared baking tray or ceramic loaf pan.
5. Craft a tangy glaze by whisking ketchup and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
6. Generously brush the glaze across the entire surface of the meatloaf, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Transfer the meatloaf to the preheated oven, allowing it to roast for 50-60 minutes until the internal temperature precisely reaches 160F (71C).
8. Once cooked, remove from oven and let the meatloaf rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.
9. Slice into thick, hearty portions and serve immediately while still warm.

Notes

• Toast breadcrumbs lightly before mixing to enhance their texture and prevent sogginess in the meatloaf.
• Drain caramelized onions thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the meatloaf too wet.
• Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to keep the meatloaf tender without being greasy.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg