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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

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4.1 from 81 reviews

A rich and savory French Onion Meatloaf combines caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and a luscious onion sauce topped with melted Swiss and provolone cheeses. This comforting classic is baked to perfection and finished with a flavorful sauce that elevates the rustic meatloaf into an elegant dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meatloaf

  • 3 Tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Onion Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup Swiss cheese (shredded)
  • 4-5 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
  2. Caramelize Onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and caramelized. Remove half of the onions and set aside for the sauce.
  3. Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and the remaining half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatloaf.
  4. Shape and Bake: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Prepare Onion Sauce: While the meatloaf bakes, return the reserved caramelized onions to the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and top with shredded Swiss cheese followed by the slices of provolone. Return the meatloaf to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with the warm onion sauce spooned over the top for a delicious finish. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the meatloaf ingredients to keep it tender.
  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing deep flavor for the dish.
  • Allow the meatloaf to rest after baking to keep it moist when sliced.
  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter sauce.
  • Use day-old breadcrumbs for better texture in the meatloaf.