French Onion Meatloaf

French Onion Meatloaf combines two classic comfort foods: the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and the hearty satisfaction of meatloaf. This dish elevates the humble meatloaf to a gourmet level with a mixture of caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and fresh herbs, topped with a luscious onion gravy. The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground meatloaf mix (equal parts beef, pork, veal): This blend of meats adds a depth of flavor and ensures the meatloaf stays juicy and tender.
• 1 caramelized onion: Caramelizing the onion adds a sweet, savory depth to the meatloaf that is reminiscent of French onion soup.
• 1 egg: The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatloaf together.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the overall flavor, adding a fragrant and slightly spicy note to the dish.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and color to the meatloaf.
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme: Thyme contributes a subtle earthiness that pairs well with the caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese.
• 2 tbsp milk: Milk adds moisture to the meatloaf, ensuring it remains tender.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: This sauce provides a savory umami flavor that deepens the taste of the meat.
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help to bind the meatloaf and absorb some of the moisture, giving it the perfect texture.
• 1/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the caramelized onions.
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of spice and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Salt enhances all the flavors and brings out the savory notes in the meatloaf.

For the Gravy:

• 1 tbsp olive oil: Used to sauté the onions for the gravy.
• 2 tbsp butter: Butter adds richness to the gravy and helps caramelize the onions.
• 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced: Sweet onions become wonderfully soft and caramelized, adding a deep flavor to the gravy.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent for the gravy, ensuring it has the perfect consistency.
• 2 cups beef stock: Beef stock adds a rich, savory base to the gravy.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the gravy.
• 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese: Gruyere cheese in the gravy creates a creamy, cheesy sauce that pairs perfectly with the meatloaf.
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the rich flavors of the gravy and adds a touch of color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings balance out the flavors in the gravy and enhance the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

The first step to creating this delicious meatloaf is to caramelize the onions, which will add a rich sweetness to both the meatloaf and the gravy.

• In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat: The combination of olive oil and butter helps prevent the onions from burning while allowing them to cook slowly and evenly.
• Add the sweet onions and cook slowly for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized: Patience is key here. Cooking the onions slowly over low heat allows their natural sugars to develop, resulting in a deep, caramelized flavor. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Set aside half of the onions for the meatloaf: You’ll use half of the caramelized onions in the meatloaf mixture and the other half for the gravy. This ensures that the flavor of caramelized onions is present throughout the dish.

2. Prepare the Gravy

The onion gravy is what truly elevates this dish from a regular meatloaf to something special. Rich and flavorful, it complements the meatloaf perfectly.

• Stir 3 tablespoons of flour into the skillet with the remaining onions and cook for 1-2 minutes: The flour helps to thicken the gravy. Stir it into the onions until it’s fully combined, and cook for a minute or two to remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef stock and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce: Slowly adding the beef stock while whisking prevents lumps from forming in the gravy. The Worcestershire sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the richness of the gravy.
• Continue to whisk until the gravy is smooth and thickened: Whisk the gravy until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
• Add 1 cup of grated Gruyere cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley, and cook until the cheese is fully melted: The Gruyere cheese adds a creamy, rich texture to the gravy, while the parsley provides a fresh, herby finish.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. The salt and pepper should balance the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the cheese.
• Keep warm until ready to serve: Once the gravy is done, keep it warm over low heat until the meatloaf is ready to be served.

3. Prepare the Meatloaf

Now it’s time to prepare the meatloaf itself. This meatloaf is packed with flavor, thanks to the combination of caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and Gruyere cheese.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C): Preheating the oven ensures that the meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meatloaf mix, caramelized onions, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, milk, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, grated Gruyere cheese, ground black pepper, and salt: Mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf tough.
• Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C): Baking the meatloaf for an hour ensures that it’s fully cooked through, with a juicy, tender interior. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C) before removing it from the oven.

4. Serve the Meatloaf

Once the meatloaf is done, it’s time to slice and serve it. The rich, savory meatloaf pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy onion gravy.

• Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for a few minutes before slicing helps to lock in the juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Serve slices of the meatloaf topped with the warm onion gravy: Spoon the warm onion gravy over each slice of meatloaf, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions takes time, but it’s worth it for the deep, rich flavor they add to both the meatloaf and the gravy. Be patient and cook them slowly over low heat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme add a brightness to the meatloaf that dried herbs just can’t match. If possible, opt for fresh herbs to maximize the flavor.
• Mix the Meat Gently: When mixing the meatloaf ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Rest the Meatloaf: Letting the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing helps to lock in the juices, making it more flavorful and moist.
• Serve with Sides: This French Onion Meatloaf pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to round out the meal.

Variations and Additions

• Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms to the gravy. Mushrooms add an earthy, umami-rich flavor that complements the caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese.
• Use Different Cheeses: While Gruyere is the traditional cheese used in French onion soup, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Swiss cheese or even a sharp cheddar would work well in this recipe.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatloaf mixture or the gravy. This will add a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the regular versions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The caramelized onions, fresh herbs, and Gruyere cheese add a gourmet touch to the classic meatloaf, while the rich onion gravy ties everything together. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, offering a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is a delicious and impressive choice.