Go Back
–+ servings
Easy French Onion Meatloaf

Easy French Onion Meatloaf

A cozy recipe for Easy French Onion Meatloaf, packed with caramelized onions, thyme, and Gruyère, perfect for weeknights or special dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine French
Servings 8 slices
Calories 392 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring Spoon
  • measuring cup
  • Loaf pan
  • baking sheet

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar optional

For the Meatloaf

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 works best
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs or oat flour for gluten-free
  • 0.5 cup low-fat milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

For the Topping

  • 0.5 cup caramelized onions reserved from above
  • 0.5 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions
 

Cooking Instructions

  • Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add onions, sprinkle with salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until deep golden brown.
  • Stir in thyme and balsamic vinegar (if using). Reserve about ½ cup for topping and let the rest cool for the meat mixture.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in breadcrumbs and let sit for 5 minutes so they absorb the liquid.
  • Add ground beef, ground pork, most of the caramelized onions, and Gruyère cheese.
  • Mix gently with your hands until just combined, do not overmix.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil a loaf pan.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the sheet (or into the pan). Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
  • Remove meatloaf from oven and top with reserved caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese.
  • Return to oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Caramelized Onions: Low and slow for 25–30 minutes until deep golden; a splash of balsamic or beef broth adds extra depth. Don’t Overmix: Fold the meat mixture gently for a tender texture. Bake Temp: Cook to an internal temp of 160°F; rest 10 minutes before slicing. Gluten-Free Swap: Use oat flour, ground oats, or almond flour in place of breadcrumbs. Pan Choice: Free-form on a sheet pan = more browned edges; loaf pan = sliceable shape.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 392kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 26gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 532mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 584IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 134mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword Comfort Food, Dinner, easy meatloaf, French onion, recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!