Embrace the rich, savory goodness of French Onion Meatloaf with this delectable recipe. Combining juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese, this dish is a comforting twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions until golden brown (about 20-25 minutes). Deglaze with beef broth, stir until absorbed, and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Add Onions and Cheese: Fold in caramelized onions and half of the shredded cheese. Shape mixture into a loaf and place in a baking dish.
Bake the Meatloaf: Bake for 1 hour or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over meatloaf and bake for 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and savor the hearty flavors!
Serving Tips:
Slices or Portions: Slice the meatloaf into thick portions for serving. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added flavor.
Sauce or Gravy: Serve with a side of gravy or a drizzle of extra Worcestershire sauce for an extra savory touch.
Leftovers: Use leftover slices to make meatloaf sandwiches with crusty bread and your favorite condiments.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Allow leftover meatloaf to cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Meatloaf freezes well. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing: When ready to eat frozen meatloaf, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through. For extra moisture, add a splash of beef broth or sauce while reheating.
Related Recipes:
- Mac and Cheese Meatloaf Casserole
- Mini Meatloaf Muffins with Mashed Potato Frosting
- Philly Cheesesteak Meatloaf
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère or Swiss cheese with other varieties like mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone based on your preference. Each cheese will add its unique flavor profile to the meatloaf.
How can I make the meatloaf juicier?
To enhance moisture, consider using ground beef with a slightly higher fat content. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like milk and egg into the meat mixture helps retain juiciness during baking.
Can I prepare French Onion Meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the meatloaf ahead of time and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it a convenient option for meal prep.
What can I serve with French Onion Meatloaf?
French Onion Meatloaf pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. These sides complement the savory flavors of the meatloaf and create a satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the comforting flavors of French Onion Meatloaf, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With its blend of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey cheese, this recipe promises to be a new favorite at your table. Embrace the warmth and richness of this dish and treat yourself to a meal that satisfies both heart and soul.
📖 Recipe:
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French Onion Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
Description
Indulge in the savory and comforting flavors of French Onion Meatloaf, a delicious blend of juicy ground beef, caramelized onions, and melted cheese that promises to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup beef broth
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, stirring until absorbed. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Fold in the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of the meatloaf and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use a blend of Gruyère and Swiss cheese.
Ensure the onions are fully caramelized to bring out their sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 6-8
