French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on the classic meatloaf, featuring the rich, deep flavors of French onion soup. It’s deliciously tender and packed with savory onions and seasonings. Here’s a simple recipe for making French Onion Meatloaf:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra moisture)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably dry or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for added richness)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Gruyère, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese work well)
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Let this mixture cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the bowl. If using, also add shredded mozzarella cheese for added richness.
- Mix the ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined. Avoid overworking the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
2. Shape the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meatloaf mixture into a lightly greased loaf pan, or shape it into a loaf shape on a lined baking sheet. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
3. Bake the Meatloaf:
- Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
4. Add the Topping:
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of French onion soup with the shredded cheese.
- About 10 minutes before the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and spread the French onion soup and cheese mixture over the top of the meatloaf.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for the final 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Once the meatloaf is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a more tender result.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dishes.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, you can mix caramelized onions into the meatloaf mixture for even more depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken and swap in whole-grain breadcrumbs.
- Freezing: This meatloaf freezes well! Make the meatloaf ahead of time, bake it, and freeze it before adding the cheese topping. When ready to serve, just reheat and add the topping for a freshly baked flavor.
This French Onion Meatloaf combines the savory richness of French onion soup with the comfort of classic meatloaf. Enjoy! Let me know if you’d like any variations or additional tips.
