Name: Delicious French Onion Meatloaf
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 pounds ground beef (80% lean); 1 cup breadcrumbs; ½ cup whole milk; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese), divided; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're craving a cozy, savory twist on classic comfort food, you're going to love this Delicious French Onion Meatloaf. It's tender ground beef blended with caramelized onions, melty cheese, and finished with a golden-crusted top. Whether it's a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this meatloaf will steal the show with its bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Let's get cooking!

Save

Why You'll Love This

Rich, Savory Flavor: Caramelized onions and melted cheese add irresistible depth.
Moist & Tender: The blend of ingredients keeps every slice juicy and soft.
Easy to Make: Simple steps and foolproof results, even for beginners.
Family Favorite: Perfect for gatherings, leftovers, and meal prep.
Classic Twist: Combines the best parts of French onion soup and meatloaf.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 pounds ground beef (80% lean)
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup whole milk
2 eggs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese), divided
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prep & Caramelize the Onions (15 minutes)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool briefly.

Mix & Shape the Meatloaf (10 minutes)

In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk. Let sit for 2 minutes.
Add ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, caramelized onions (reserve ⅓ cup for topping), and half of the shredded cheese. Mix gently until just combined.
Transfer mixture to the prepared loaf pan and shape it into a loaf, smoothing the top.

Bake & Finish (45-50 minutes)

Bake meatloaf for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, top with reserved caramelized onions and the remaining cheese.
Return to oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Be sure not to overmix the meat mixture—this keeps the meatloaf extra tender.
If you don't have Gruyère, Swiss or provolone cheese make tasty substitutes.
Double the recipe and freeze one loaf for future easy dinners.

Variations

Mushroom French Onion Meatloaf: Add ½ cup sautéed mushrooms to the meat mixture for added umami.
Turkey French Onion Meatloaf: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep this recipe celiac-friendly.

Required Equipment

Loaf pan (9x5-inch recommended)
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Storage Instructions

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, wrap meatloaf tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the juices.
Leftover slices make delicious sandwiches!

Pro Tips

Let the meatloaf rest before slicing to lock in the juices and prevent crumbling.
For caramelizing onions faster, add a splash of beef broth midway through cooking.
Line your loaf pan with parchment for easy removal and cleanup.

FAQ

Can I make this meatloaf ahead?: Yes! Prepare and shape the loaf up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of ground beef?: Ground turkey or chicken both work; adjust cooking time as needed to ensure doneness.
How do I keep my meatloaf from falling apart?: Use the right ratio of breadcrumbs and eggs to bind, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 6-8