French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe takes the humble, all-American meatloaf and transforms it into an indulgent, restaurant-worthy dish. Imagine the rich flavors of French onion soup baked right into tender ground beef, topped with caramelized onions, and finished with a creamy, cheesy Gruyère sauce. It’s cozy, hearty, and surprisingly elegant.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving comfort or for impressing guests at your next gathering. If you’re a fan of homestyle meals like this, you’ll also love our Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe or our creamy Basic Vegetable Soup for the ultimate comfort food spread.

Ingredients –French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

For the Meatloaf

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)

• 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 ½ tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

For the Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• ½ cup milk

French Onion Meatloaf Recipe – 7 Irresistible Steps to Comfort Food Perfection

Directions – Step by Step

1. Caramelize the Onions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often until golden and caramelized. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth as needed. Stir in garlic during the last 2 minutes. Reserve half the onions for topping.

2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and half the caramelized onions. Combine gently—avoid overmixing.

3. Shape and Bake

Form into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add milk and the rest of the beef broth, cooking until thickened. Stir in mozzarella and Gruyère until smooth.

5. Assemble and Broil

Top baked meatloaf with remaining caramelized onions and the cheese sauce. Sprinkle with extra Gruyère. Broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Tips & Variations

• Lighter Option: Swap half the beef for ground turkey.

• Herb Boost: Add rosemary or parsley for fresh flavor.

• Extra Cheesy: Use Swiss instead of Gruyère for a milder flavor.

• Make Ahead: Prep the meatloaf up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 325°F.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 6–8

Final Thoughts – French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

This French Onion Meatloaf Recipe is where comfort food meets gourmet dining. Juicy, tender beef paired with sweet caramelized onions and rich cheese sauce makes every bite unforgettable. Pair it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal that feels like pure comfort.

It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into something truly special, perfect for cozy weeknights or impressing guests at the table. The layers of flavor—from the slow-cooked onions to the creamy cheese topping—make it stand out as both nostalgic and elevated.

For more irresistible comfort classics, check out our Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs or sweet treats like Pineapple Juice Cake. And if you need more inspiration, explore Delish or AllRecipes for endless cozy ideas that will warm your heart and kitchen.