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+ servings
A hearty serving of baked meatloaf with visible layers of onion and cheese.

French Onion Meatloaf

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Rest Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on the classic dish, featuring ground beef, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and a rich onion sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.
6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese grated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions:

  1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the final 1–2 minutes of cooking. Set the caramelized onions aside.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Incorporate half of the caramelized onions into the mixture. Gently mix until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.

Shape the Meatloaf:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.

Bake the Meatloaf:

  1. Bake the meatloaf for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

Prepare the Onion Sauce:

  1. In the same skillet used for caramelizing the onions, combine the remaining onions with the beef broth. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken into a flavorful sauce.

Add the Cheese and Broil:

  1. Remove the baked meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese over the top. Broil for 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let Rest and Serve:

  1. Allow the meatloaf to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the prepared onion sauce spooned over the top.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, are certified gluten-free. Follow the same preparation steps for a delicious gluten-free version.
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