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This French Onion Meatloaf takes the comforting classic meatloaf and gives it a savory makeover inspired by French onion soup. Rich caramelized onions, a hearty beef base, and a velvety cheese sauce combine to create a dish that is both familiar and wonderfully elevated. It’s a dinner that fills the house with inviting aromas and satisfies a crowd.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Two pounds of ground beef with an 80/20 ratio for the perfect balance of fat and flavor
- Sweet onions: Three large sweet onions thinly sliced to slowly caramelize and build a rich base for the meatloaf and topping
- Olive oil: Two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking the onions gently without burning
- Garlic: Four cloves of garlic minced to provide a subtle, aromatic kick
- Worcestershire sauce: Two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce for depth and umami
- Beef broth: One cup of beef broth to keep the onions moist and deglaze the pan during caramelization
- Eggs: Two large eggs to bind everything together without turning dense
- Panko breadcrumbs: One cup of Panko breadcrumbs adds lightness to the meat, helping it hold together without heaviness
- Fresh thyme: One tablespoon of fresh thyme chopped for a gentle herbal note that brightens the loaf
- Salt: One and a half teaspoons of salt to enhance each flavor
- Ground black pepper: One teaspoon of ground black pepper for subtle heat
- Dijon mustard: Two teaspoons of Dijon mustard for tang and complexity in the meat mixture
- Shredded mozzarella: One cup of shredded mozzarella for melty softness in the cheese sauce
- Shredded Gruyère cheese: One cup of shredded Gruyère cheese for nuttiness and richness in the sauce and topping
- Butter: Two tablespoons of butter to start the cheese sauce roux
- All-purpose flour: One tablespoon of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce
- Milk: Half a cup of milk to make the sauce creamy and smooth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt, which draws out moisture to speed softening. Stir frequently to prevent burning and allow the onions to slowly turn golden and sweet over 25 to 30 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth now and then to deglaze the pan and deepen the flavor. Once the onions reach a deep golden brown, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant. Remove half of the caramelized onions and set them aside for topping later.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Panko, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently by hand or with a spatula to bring everything together just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatloaf tough and dry.
- Shape and Bake:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Transfer the meat mixture onto the sheet and shape it gently into a loaf shape about eight inches long and four inches wide. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for one to two minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce nicely. Slowly whisk in the milk followed by the remaining beef broth. Keep whisking as the liquid simmers until thickened to a smooth creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Gruyère cheese until melted completely and silky.
- Assemble and Broil:
- Take the meatloaf out of the oven and top it with the reserved caramelized onions. Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with a little extra shredded Gruyère for a golden bubbly crust. Place under the broiler for three to five minutes, watching carefully, until the topping is beautifully golden and lightly crisped.
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Storage Tips
Store leftover meatloaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This meatloaf also freezes beautifully — slice it before freezing, separate portions with parchment paper, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or a blend of ground pork and beef can be used instead of all beef for a lighter but still flavorful meatloaf. You can swap out the Gruyère for Swiss or even sharp cheddar depending on your taste. If you don’t have Panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine but Panko adds a lighter texture. Bone broth can replace beef broth to boost richness.
Serving Suggestions
This meatloaf is great served with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Leftovers make great sandwiches with a bit of horseradish mayo for a quick, flavorful lunch.
Cultural Context
Meatloaf is a beloved staple in many American homes often associated with comfort and family gatherings. By integrating elements of French onion soup — the slow-cooked onions and savory broth-soaked flavor — this recipe bridges classic French and American comfort food traditions, making something familiar feel new and special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you caramelize onions for this dish?
Slice onions thinly and cook them slowly in olive oil over medium heat, stirring often, until deeply golden and sweet, about 25-30 minutes. Adding a splash of beef broth helps deglaze the pan and enhances flavor.
- → What is the best way to avoid a dense meatloaf?
Mix the ground beef and other ingredients gently and just until combined. Overmixing presses out juices and tightens the texture, leading to a tougher loaf.
- → Can I use a meat thermometer for doneness?
Yes, check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is cooked through and safe to eat.
- → How is the cheese sauce prepared?
The sauce starts with a roux of butter and flour cooked briefly, then milk and beef broth are whisked in until thickened. Finally, shredded mozzarella and Gruyère melt into a smooth, creamy topping.
- → What can I use instead of beef broth?
Bone broth can be substituted for a richer, deeper flavor, but regular beef broth works well too.
- → How do I achieve a bubbly, golden topping?
After adding the cheese sauce and caramelized onions on top, broil the meatloaf for 3-5 minutes until the cheese browns and crisps slightly.