Here’s a cozy, flavor-packed recipe:
🧅 French Onion Meatloaf
Serves: 6
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 hr
🧂 Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
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1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
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1 large egg
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½ cup bread crumbs (or crushed crackers)
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½ cup grated Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese
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½ cup caramelized onions (recipe below)
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¼ cup beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the caramelized onions:
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2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp sugar (optional, helps with browning)
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¼ cup beef broth (to deglaze)
For topping:
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½ cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella)
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Fresh thyme (optional)
🍳 Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions
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In a large skillet, melt butter and oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and jammy.
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Deglaze with a splash of beef broth, scraping up brown bits. Let cool slightly.
2. Make the meatloaf
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, cheese, caramelized onions (reserve a few for topping), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Mix gently — don’t overwork the meat.
3. Shape and bake
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Form the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes.
4. Add the topping
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Sprinkle the remaining onions and shredded cheese on top.
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Return to the oven for 10–15 more minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden.
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(Optional: broil for 2–3 minutes for a bubbly, browned finish.)
5. Rest & serve
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Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with thyme or parsley if desired.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or buttered egg noodles.
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A drizzle of beef gravy or onion au jus on top makes it extra luxurious.
Would you like me to give you a French Onion Meatloaf Muffins version (mini, baked in a muffin tin — great for meal prep) or a slow cooker version next?
