There's nothing quite like the deep, rich flavors of French Onion Meatloaf filling your kitchen. The irresistible combination of caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and melty cheese transforms a classic comfort food into something extraordinary.
I first created this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving French onion soup but needed something heartier. The result? A juicy, flavor-packed meatloaf infused with all the best parts of the beloved soup. This dish quickly became a family favorite, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings.
Why You'll Love This French Onion Meatloaf
Get ready to fall in love with this elevated take on traditional meatloaf. This French Onion Meatloaf isn't just delicious – it's packed with incredible flavors and textures that make it unforgettable.
First off, it's incredibly flavorful. The caramelized onions bring a deep, rich sweetness that perfectly balances the savory beef and cheese. Every bite bursts with umami goodness.
It's also easy to make. While it may sound fancy, this recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal effort. With just a little patience for the onions to caramelize, you'll have a gourmet meal with ease.
Not to mention, it's family-friendly. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds thanks to the gooey cheese and rich, comforting flavors. It’s a great way to elevate weeknight dinners without a ton of extra work.
Finally, it's perfect for meal prep. This meatloaf reheats beautifully, making it an ideal choice for leftovers or packed lunches. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this French Onion Meatloaf lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ground beef forms the base of this dish. I recommend using an 80/20 blend, as it provides enough fat to keep the meatloaf moist without becoming greasy. Leaner blends may result in a drier loaf.
The caramelized onions are the star ingredient. Cooking them low and slow brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing the depth of flavor in the meatloaf. Be patient during this step – it makes all the difference.
Gruyère cheese is a must for that classic French onion flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty taste. If you can't find Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
A blend of breadcrumbs and eggs helps bind everything together. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well.
Finally, a touch of Worcestershire sauce and beef broth ties everything together, infusing the meatloaf with deep, savory notes reminiscent of French onion soup.
How To Make This French Onion Meatloaf

Creating this mouthwatering French Onion Meatloaf is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.
Start by caramelizing the onions. Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add butter, and toss in thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally, allowing them to cook slowly until they turn a deep golden brown. This step takes about 25-30 minutes, but the result is well worth the wait.
While the onions cook, prepare the meat mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Once the onions are ready and slightly cooled, mix them into the beef mixture for maximum flavor infusion.
Next, shape the meatloaf. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a loaf pan. Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape, making sure it's evenly packed but not too dense.
Now for the cheese surprise. Create a shallow indentation down the center of the meatloaf and fill it with shredded Gruyère cheese. Gently fold the meat over to seal in the cheese, ensuring it stays inside while baking.
Bake the meatloaf in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing – this helps retain all the delicious juices.
Storage Options
This French Onion Meatloaf stores beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
For refrigeration, store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to retain moisture.
For freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
To reheat in the microwave, place slices on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this French Onion Meatloaf is how versatile it is. Here are some fun ways to customize it:
- Use a different protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Experiment with cheese: While Gruyère is traditional, you can also try mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a twist on flavors.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or finely crushed rice crackers.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms mixed into the meatloaf add extra umami depth.
- Kick up the spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give the dish a slight heat boost.
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! No matter how you prepare it, this French Onion Meatloaf is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintFrench Onion Meatloaf Recipe
This French Onion Meatloaf is a flavorful twist on the classic, featuring rich caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a savory glaze. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish is juicy, tender, and bursting with French onion soup flavors. Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American, French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup French onion soup mix
- ½ cup ketchup (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, caramelized onions, cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and soup mix. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan.
- Spread ketchup evenly over the top as a glaze.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra moisture, mix in a tablespoon of sour cream.
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
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