Dinner

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

ByLily Cross October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting twist on a classic, combining rich caramelized onions with savory ground beef and melted Gruyère cheese. This dish offers deep flavors and a gooey cheese topping that make it a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

A close-up of a thick slice of browned meatloaf showing a juicy, slightly coarse texture, topped with two layers of translucent golden-brown onion slices, with melted creamy yellow cheese dripping down the sides. The meatloaf rests in a shallow pool of glossy brown gravy, and small green herb leaves are scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup beef broth (for deglazing)
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Caramelize the onions by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the thinly sliced onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Add a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pan and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Set the onions aside to cool.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Fold the caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture.
Step 5: Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar while caramelizing the onions to enhance their sweetness.
Substitute ground beef with a mixture of beef and pork for a richer texture.
Use Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère if preferred; both melt nicely and complement the onions.
To make the meatloaf gluten-free, replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or crushed oats.

Storage

Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Meatloaf can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.