French Onion Meatloaf

A rich and savory twist on a classic, infused with caramelized onion flavor and melty cheese.

French Onion Meatloaf combines the cozy comfort of meatloaf with the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup. Juicy ground beef is blended with caramelized onions, herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese — then topped with more cheese and baked to golden perfection. It’s melty, meaty, and mouthwatering — perfect for weeknights or Sunday dinner!

Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

For the meatloaf:
2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20)

¾ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

2 eggs

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)

For the topping:
½ cup shredded cheese (Gruyère or mozzarella)

¼ cup beef broth or onion soup (optional for brushing on top)

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

Add sliced onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and soft.

Add garlic in the last 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.

Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, caramelized onions, and shredded cheese.

Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined (don’t overmix — this keeps it tender).

Shape & Bake:
Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet or place into a loaf pan.

(Optional) Brush the top with a bit of beef broth or onion soup for extra flavor and moisture.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center reaches 160°F / 70°C.

In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle remaining cheese on top and return to oven until melted and bubbly.

️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted carrots

Add a spoonful of caramelized onion gravy on top for an extra punch

Leftovers make incredible meatloaf sandwiches!

Tips
Want it extra moist? Mix in ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese.

For a lighter version, substitute part of the beef with ground turkey.

Let meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing — this helps juices redistribute.