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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe


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  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This French Onion Meatloaf recipe combines rich caramelized onions and savory Gruyere cheese with classic meatloaf ingredients for a flavorful twist on a comforting dish. The ground beef is mixed with onion soup mix, Italian breadcrumbs, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, then baked in individual mini loaves topped with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner served with green beans and mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions, petite diced (about 4 cups)
  • a few splashes dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Meatloaf

  • 1 pound ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 ounce packet onion soup mix
  • 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup half and half
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • fresh cracked pepper (to taste)

Topping

  • 2 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese


Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, cooking slowly while stirring every 5 minutes for about 35-40 minutes until deeply golden and caramelized. Deglaze the pan with a few splashes of dry white wine, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Remove the onions and set aside on a plate to cool.
  2. Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine about two-thirds of the cooled caramelized onions, ground beef, onion soup mix, Italian breadcrumbs, half and half, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and season with a few large pinches of kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper. Mix gently and just until everything is thoroughly combined.
  3. Form Mini Meatloaves: Using your hands, gently combine the mixture without overworking it. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, shaping each into a mini meatloaf.
  4. Bake First Phase: Place the mini meatloaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
  5. Add Onion Topping and Cheese: Remove the baking sheet and top each mini meatloaf with the remaining caramelized onions, dividing them evenly. Then sprinkle 2 ounces of shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of the loaves.
  6. Bake Final Phase: Return the meatloaves to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaves reaches 160°F (71°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Rest Meatloaves: Allow the meatloaves to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute and ensure moistness.
  8. Serve: Serve the mini French Onion Meatloaves hot, paired perfectly with your favorite air fryer green beans and creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
  9. Enjoy and Review: If you love this recipe, feel free to leave a 5-star rating and review to share your experience!

Notes

  • Be patient while caramelizing onions; slow cooking develops deep flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness at 160°F internal temperature.
  • Mini meatloaves cook faster and are great for portion control.
  • Gruyere cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the onions well.
  • Leftover meatloaf is delicious reheated or sliced for sandwiches.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, adjusting cooking times as needed.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American