French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

French Onion Meatloaf takes the classic comfort food to the next level by combining the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with a tender and juicy meatloaf. Topped with melted cheese and a caramelized onion glaze, this dish is a mouthwatering twist on tradition.

Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking dish or loaf pan
• Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Oven-safe foil

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork or turkey
• 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Onion Glaze:

• 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, soup mix, milk, egg, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
3. Shape and Bake: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
4. Prepare the Onion Glaze: While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, stirring until caramelized (about 10 minutes). Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking until thickened.
5. Top and Finish: Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the onion glaze over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

55 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatloaf can make it dense. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Use Fresh Onions: For the best flavor, caramelize fresh onions instead of using prepackaged fried onions.
• Let It Rest: Allow the meatloaf to rest before slicing to lock in juices and make slicing easier.

FAQs

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook the onions low and slow over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and soft. Adding a pinch of sugar helps enhance their sweetness.

Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! Gruyère, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar work wonderfully in this recipe.

Storing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.

Substitutions & Variations

• Meat Options: Use all ground beef, or replace pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions for a tangy twist.

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

French Onion Meatloaf takes the classic comfort food to the next level by combining the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with a tender and juicy meatloaf.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Large mixing bowl
• - Baking dish or loaf pan
• - Skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• - Oven-safe foil

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Meatloaf:
• - 1 lb 450g ground beef
• - 1/2 lb 225g ground pork or turkey
• - 1 cup 100g breadcrumbs
• - 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 packet 1 oz French onion soup mix
• - 1/2 cup 120ml milk
• - 1 egg lightly beaten
• - 1/2 tsp black pepper
• - 1 tsp garlic powder
• #### For the Onion Glaze:
• - 2 medium onions thinly sliced
• - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• - 1 tsp sugar
• - 1/2 cup 120ml beef broth
• - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 cup 50g shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
• **Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:** In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, soup mix, milk, egg, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until just combined.
• **Shape and Bake:** Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
• **Prepare the Onion Glaze:** While the meatloaf bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sugar, stirring until caramelized (about 10 minutes). Sprinkle flour over the onions and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, whisking until thickened.
• **Top and Finish:** Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Spread the onion glaze over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• **Rest and Serve:** Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.