French Onion Meatloaf – Juicy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor

If you think meatloaf can’t be exciting, this French Onion Meatloaf will prove you wrong. Imagine all the comforting flavors of French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and a rich savory glaze—tucked inside a juicy, tender meatloaf. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

French Onion Meatloaf takes the classic dish you grew up with and transforms it into something unforgettable. By blending ground beef with caramelized onions, seasonings, and cheese, you get layers of flavor in every bite. A golden, slightly sweet glaze ties it all together, and when you slice into it, you’ll find cheesy pockets of melty goodness that make the dish irresistible.

The best part? This recipe is surprisingly simple. With a little extra time to caramelize the onions, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it came from a French bistro, yet is hearty enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This French Onion Meatloaf is the definition of cozy, homemade comfort food—rich, satisfying, and perfect for sharing around the table.

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What Makes This French Onion Meatloaf Special?

• Caramelized Onions: Sweet, golden onions bring a deep, savory flavor.

• Cheesy Filling: Melted mozzarella or Gruyère cheese makes every bite irresistible.

• Moist and Juicy: The onions lock in moisture, preventing the meatloaf from drying out.

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A fun twist on classic meatloaf that even picky eaters love.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready for stress-free dinners.

If you love French onion soup but want something more filling, this recipe is a must-try.

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Ingredient Notes

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 for juiciness. Ground turkey or chicken can also work.

• Onions: Yellow onions are best for caramelizing, but white or sweet onions also work.

• Cheese: Gruyère gives authentic French onion flavor; mozzarella or provolone are great budget-friendly options.

• Bread crumbs: Help bind the meatloaf. Panko or crushed crackers are good substitutes.

• Beef broth: Adds moisture and enhances flavor.

• Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory notes. Soy sauce can be swapped in.

• Eggs: Help hold the meatloaf together.

• Glaze: A mix of ketchup, Worcestershire, and a touch of brown sugar balances savory and sweet.

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How To Make French Onion Meatloaf

1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Add 2 large sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Add ½ cup beef broth and let it reduce. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix the meatloaf base: In a large bowl, combine 2 lbs ground beef, 1 cup bread crumbs, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, ½ cup beef broth, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently until combined (don’t overmix or it’ll be tough).

3. Shape and fill: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, shape half the mixture into a loaf. Create a shallow well in the center and fill with 1 cup shredded cheese. Top with remaining meat mixture, sealing edges.

4. Glaze the top: Mix ½ cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Spread evenly over loaf.

5. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes, until internal temp reaches 160°F. Halfway through, spoon a little extra glaze on top.

6. Finish with onions: In the last 10 minutes, spoon the remaining caramelized onions on top of the loaf.

7. Rest & serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. The cheese should be gooey, and the loaf tender and juicy.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Don’t leave out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For extra moisture, add a splash of broth before reheating.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Swap Gruyère for Swiss or mozzarella for a budget-friendly twist.

• Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth (like French onion soup with mushrooms).

• Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make it gluten-free.

• Make mini loaves or meatloaf muffins for portion control and faster cooking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

Do I have to use Gruyère cheese?
No, mozzarella, Swiss, or provolone are all great options.

How do I keep meatloaf from falling apart?
Make sure you use enough breadcrumbs and eggs as binders. Letting it rest before slicing also helps.

Why is my meatloaf dry?
Overbaking is the main cause. Check internal temperature and don’t exceed 160°F.

Can I make this without ketchup glaze?
Yes! Try topping with beef gravy or extra caramelized onions instead.

What sides go best with French Onion Meatloaf?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans are classic pairings.

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Conclusion

French Onion Meatloaf takes everything you love about a cozy bowl of French onion soup and transforms it into a hearty, cheesy dinner. With caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and a rich glaze, this recipe is sure to win over family and friends. Give it a try, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of comfort food at its best.

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