Description
Hearty French onion meatloaf blends classic comfort with sophisticated flavor. Caramelized onions and rich beef create a delicious twist on traditional meatloaf that will make home cooks proud of their culinary creation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 2 large eggs
Dairy and Cheese:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) Gruyère cheese (grated)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until deeply caramelized and golden. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently incorporate half of the caramelized onions, mixing until just combined without overworking the meat.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it into a uniform loaf.
- Bake the meatloaf for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the onion sauce by combining the remaining caramelized onions with of beef broth in a separate skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens slightly.
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and generously sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese over the top. Broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown with crispy edges.
- Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Plate individual servings and drizzle the rich onion sauce over each slice, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly transforms their sharp bite into a deep, sweet flavor that becomes the secret weapon of this meatloaf.
- Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami punch that elevates the ground beef from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Gruyère cheese creates a luxurious golden crust that melts perfectly, bringing French onion soup vibes to every bite.
- Broiling the final layer ensures a crispy, bubbly cheese topping that adds irresistible texture and visual appeal.
- Using a meat thermometer guarantees perfectly cooked meatloaf without drying out the tender, flavorful interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American-French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg