Description
A savory French Onion Meatloaf combining caramelized onions, rich Worcestershire sauce, and melted Gruyère cheese baked to perfection. This comforting dish offers a delicious twist on classic meatloaf with deep onion flavor and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatloaf.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the thinly sliced onions until they become caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Deglaze the pan with beef broth, stirring until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add Onions and Cheese: Fold the cooled caramelized onions and half of the shredded Gruyère cheese into the meat mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
- Shape Meatloaf: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a baking dish suitable for oven use.
- Bake Meatloaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps juices redistribute for moist slices. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly ground black pepper and high-quality Worcestershire sauce.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing a deep, sweet onion flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Leftover meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Optional additions include chopped fresh parsley or a glaze made from ketchup and brown sugar for a sweet-savory finish.
