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Onion Meatloaf

Featured in Reliable Evening Meals.

Mix ground beef with Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions for a French onion-inspired dish that's both comforting and unique. Ideal for cozy family dinners.
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Aisha
Updated on Fri, 21 Mar 2025 19:45:40 GMT
Golden meatloaf topped with melty Gruyère, caramelized onions, and parsley on a wooden board next to sliced bread. Pin it
Golden meatloaf topped with melty Gruyère, caramelized onions, and parsley on a wooden board next to sliced bread. | cookingflavor.com

This handcrafted Caramelized Onion Meatloaf puts a tasty spin on an old favorite, combining juicy beef with sweet, rich caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese. It turns everyday meatloaf into something special that works great for family meals or when you've got guests to impress.

What Makes This Meatloaf Special

You'll get all the comfort you crave with exciting new flavors in this dish. Sweet onions, earthy thyme, and gooey cheese work together to make every bite amazing. It's super simple to put together but looks and tastes fancy enough for company. You'll want to add this to your regular dinner lineup.

What You'll Need

  • Ground Beef: 2 pounds with 80/20 fat content.
  • Yellow Onions: 3 large ones, sliced thin.
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, finely chopped.
  • Breadcrumbs: 1 cup regular or flavored.
  • Eggs: 2 large ones to hold everything together.
  • Beef Broth: 1/2 cup strong.
  • Gruyère Cheese: 2 cups grated, split in half.
  • Fresh Thyme: 2 tablespoons chopped up.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tablespoons.
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons for cooking onions.
  • Salt and Pepper: 2 teaspoons of each.
  • Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup chopped for topping.

Easy Cooking Guide

Make Golden Onions
Melt butter in a big pan over medium heat. Throw in your sliced onions and cook them slowly for 30-40 minutes, giving them a stir now and then until they turn deep gold. Add your garlic for the last 2 minutes. Let everything cool off completely.
Get Your Oven Ready
Warm it to 350°F (175°C). Put parchment paper in a 9x5-inch loaf pan with extra hanging over the sides so you can lift it out later.
Mix Everything Up
In a big bowl, throw together your beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, half of those yummy onions, 1 cup of cheese, broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt and pepper. Mix it all with your hands but don't overdo it.
Build Your Meatloaf
Push half the meat mix into your pan. Make a little dip in the middle and fill it with the rest of those onions and 1/2 cup cheese. Cover it all up with the remaining meat and press the edges down well.
First Cooking Stage
Cook it uncovered for 45 minutes. If you want, carefully pour off any extra liquid.
Add The Cheesy Top
Sprinkle that last 1/2 cup of cheese on top. Put it back in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese gets all melty and golden, and it reaches 160°F (71°C) inside.
Let It Rest
Wait 10-15 minutes before lifting your meatloaf out using the paper sides. Sprinkle with parsley and more thyme if you'd like.

Tasty Pairings

Cut a slice and enjoy it with creamy mashed potatoes, some green beans, or a fresh side salad. The melty cheese top goes great with crusty bread for dipping. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme on top to make it look extra nice and bring out all those amazing flavors.

A delicious meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious meatloaf topped with caramelized onions and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley, served on a white plate. | cookingflavor.com

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Pop any extra meatloaf in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you want to eat it again, warm slices in the microwave with a damp paper towel on top to keep it moist, or heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Don't freeze it if you want the best texture and taste.

Make It Your Own

Try using cheddar or mozzarella instead of Gruyère for a different taste. Throw in some cooked mushrooms or peppers to add more texture. Drizzle some balsamic glaze or onion jam on top for extra flavor. You can also swap the beef for ground turkey or mix beef and pork together if you want to change things up.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do onions need to caramelize?
Caramelizing onions makes them sweeter and adds a more complex taste to the dish. It may take a bit of time, but it’s key for that signature flavor.
→ Can another type of cheese be used?
Sure, Swiss cheese is a great option if you don’t have Gruyère. Just pick a cheese that melts nicely and has a similar rich taste.
→ How can I tell when it’s fully cooked?
Use a thermometer to check the inside. When it reaches 160°F (70°C), the meatloaf is ready to serve.
→ Why not skip the resting step?
Letting the meatloaf sit for about 10 minutes keeps the juices locked in. That way, when you slice it, everything stays moist and together.
→ Can I prep this dish early?
Absolutely! Shape the meatloaf and chill it before cooking. The onions can also be made in advance to save time.

Conclusion

Turn your everyday meatloaf into something special with the flavors of French onion soup.

This dish features cheese-packed ground beef and sweet caramelized onions, making it perfect for any comfort food craving.

Onion Meatloaf

Tender meatloaf loaded with Gruyère cheese and caramelized onions. A great mix of homey comfort food and bold French onion flavors.

Prep Time
35 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
105 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup beef broth.
02 1 1/2 pounds ground beef.
03 1/2 cup milk.
04 1 cup breadcrumbs.
05 1 beaten egg.
06 2 tablespoons butter.
07 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce.
08 1 teaspoon thyme (dried).
09 2 chopped garlic cloves.
10 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
11 2 large onions, thinly sliced.
12 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
13 1/2 teaspoon salt.
14 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up.

Step 02

Melt butter in a pan on medium. Cook the onions until they turn golden and sweet (this takes about 20-25 minutes). Add beef broth to the pan, stir it around, and let the liquid disappear. Let the onions cool off.

Step 03

Use a big mixing bowl to combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s blended well.

Step 04

Mix in the caramelized onions and half of the cheese. Shape the meat into a loaf and place it in a dish for baking.

Step 05

Pop it in the heated oven and bake for an hour, or until the inside of the meatloaf hits 160°F (70°C).

Step 06

Scatter the rest of the shredded cheese on top. Stick it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes, so the cheese melts and gets gooey.

Step 07

Give the meatloaf a 10-minute break before slicing it up. Pair it with anything you love eating on the side.

Notes

  1. Great option for a cozy family meal.
  2. Blends the taste of French onion soup with a classic loaf.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Mixing bowl.
  • Oven-safe dish.
  • Thermometer for meat.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products.
  • Egg-based.
  • Contains wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~