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Ultimate French Onion Meatloaf with Gruyère Crust

A thick slice of juicy french onion meatloaf topped with browned, melted cheese, served on a white plate.
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Create a comforting main dish by combining the rich flavors of French Onion Soup with a classic meatloaf structure, topped with melted Gruyère cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan.
  2. Caramelize the onions: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onion and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25 to 35 minutes until the onions are deep brown and sweet. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let stand for 5 minutes to soak.
  4. Add the ground beef, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and half of the caramelized onions to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Press the meat mixture evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
  6. Pour the beef broth over the top of the meatloaf. Spread the remaining caramelized onions over the broth layer.
  7. Bake for 45 minutes.
  8. Remove the meatloaf from the oven. Combine the Gruyère and Swiss cheeses. Sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the gourmet meatloaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, ensure your onions are deeply caramelized, not just softened. This step builds the soup flavor foundation.
  • If you prefer a crispier topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning the cheese.
  • This savory beef loaf recipe works well as a beef and onion casserole alternative when baked in a shallow oven-safe dish instead of a loaf pan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/french-onion-meatloaf-recipe-gruyere-crust/