French Onion Meatloaf – A Savory Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish

Name: French Onion Meatloaf
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 3 large sweet onions; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup beef broth; 2 eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp fresh thyme; 1 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 cup Gruyère cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp flour; 1/2 cup milk

This French Onion Meatloaf takes traditional meatloaf to a whole new level of flavor and elegance. Imagine the rich, savory depth of French onion soup combined with tender, juicy beef, caramelized onions, and a luscious layer of melted cheese. It’s hearty, comforting, and sophisticated enough for a special family dinner or weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🧅 Incredible flavor: Sweet caramelized onions and melted Gruyère add a restaurant-quality touch.
🍖 Moist and tender: Panko breadcrumbs and broth keep the meatloaf juicy.
🧀 Cheesy topping: The rich, golden cheese sauce creates the perfect finishing layer.
🍽️ Perfect for gatherings: Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

For the Cheese Sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup milk

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir often for 25–30 minutes until deeply golden. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth as needed. Stir in minced garlic for the last 2 minutes. Set aside half for the topping.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and half the caramelized onions. Mix gently—avoid overworking the meat.
Shape and Bake: Transfer the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape into a loaf and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and remaining broth, whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Gruyère until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Broil: Remove meatloaf from oven. Top with reserved caramelized onions and spoonfuls of cheese sauce. Sprinkle extra Gruyère on top. Broil 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Chef Tips & Variations

💡 Use fresh thyme: It adds a fragrant, earthy balance to the rich onion flavor.
🔥 Add heat: Stir a dash of cayenne or crushed red pepper into the cheese sauce.
🥖 Serve with: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty French bread.
🧄 Make ahead: Prepare the loaf one day in advance and refrigerate before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through.
Freeze baked meatloaf (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Add fresh cheese sauce when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Swiss, provolone, or fontina all melt beautifully and complement the onion flavor.

How do I keep my meatloaf moist?
Use an 80/20 beef blend and avoid overmixing the ingredients. The broth and onions also lock in moisture.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the roux.