If you love the deep, irresistible flavor of caramelized onions and crave the cozy comfort of a classic meatloaf, this French Onion Meatloaf will absolutely win you over. Imagine all the richness of your favorite hearty soup, woven through a juicy, cheesy meatloaf that’s crowned with melty Swiss. This easy recipe takes everything you adore about French onion soup and wraps it into a crowd-pleasing main dish you’ll be proud to share at the dinner table. Trust me, one bite and you’ll want to add French Onion Meatloaf to your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about these ingredients, but each one plays a big role in creating that deep, layered flavor. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen, and together, they build the unforgettable taste, texture, and golden finish that make French Onion Meatloaf so extraordinary!
- Ground beef: Go for 80/20 for just the right balance of juicy and hearty texture.
- French onion soup: This brings that iconic rich flavor—canned soup keeps it easy, but homemade is fabulous, too.
- Chopped onion: Adds sweet savoriness and ensures every slice pops with oniony flavor.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Helps bind the loaf and infuses a subtle herby note throughout.
- Large eggs: Keep everything moist and add richness.
- Minced garlic: Deepens the savory flavor with aromatic punch.
- Worcestershire sauce: A dash brings umami magic and depth.
- Dried thyme: Savory warmth that echoes classic French onion flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the layers of flavor forward.
- Black pepper: A touch of heat to keep things lively.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that classic gooey finish.
How to Make French Onion Meatloaf
Step 1: Get Ready and Gather Supplies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab either a loaf pan or a rimmed baking sheet. Prepping first makes the whole process smooth and helps ensure you don’t forget a delicious ingredient!
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, French onion soup, chopped onion, Italian breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use clean hands or a sturdy spoon to gently mix everything together just until combined—overmixing can make the loaf tough, so keep a light touch.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Transfer the meat mixture to your loaf pan or shape it into a mound on a baking sheet. Press it together lightly so it holds its shape. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 minutes. The French Onion Meatloaf will already start to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas!
Step 4: Add That Cheesy Finish
Once the time’s up, carefully remove the meatloaf from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese should melt into a bubbly, golden crown and the meatloaf should reach an internal temp of 160°F for safe, perfectly cooked results.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
This is the hard part: let your French Onion Meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This step locks in all those delicious juices. Once you’ve waited (or at least tried to), cut thick, satisfying slices for serving!
How to Serve French Onion Meatloaf
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Shower each slice with extra chopped parsley, a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, or even a few extra shreds of Swiss cheese for lovely presentation and a bit of crunch or creaminess.
Side Dishes
The classic pairing for French Onion Meatloaf has to be creamy mashed potatoes or herb-roasted vegetables. Steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad are also welcome choices, delivering freshness to balance the savory richness of the meatloaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving thick slices of French Onion Meatloaf open-faced on toasted sourdough, drizzled with warm extra onion soup for a French onion “sandwich.” Or cut leftovers into cubes and pile them over cheesy mashed potatoes for a comforting meatloaf bowl everyone will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your French Onion Meatloaf cool to room temperature, then wrap slices tightly in foil or store them in airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ready for quick lunches or weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you’re in luck: French Onion Meatloaf freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the whole (or partial) loaf tightly in both plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date so you never lose track.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm slices in a 325°F oven, covered, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedy meal—just add a splash of broth to help the meatloaf stay moist.
FAQs
Can I make French Onion Meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the meatloaf a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake fresh following the instructions for that irresistible aroma right before dinnertime.
What type Main Course
An 80/20 blend gives you the juiciest French Onion Meatloaf with just enough fat to stay tender and flavorful. If you prefer leaner beef, add a tablespoon of milk to keep things moist.
Can I use a different cheese?
Swiss is classic, but Gruyère or provolone make delicious swaps if you’re looking to change things up. Use what you love—meltiness and flavor are the top priorities!
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your French onion soup is gluten-free, and you’ll have a gorgeous loaf for everyone to enjoy.
Do I have to use canned French onion soup?
Nope! Homemade French onion soup is fantastic if you have it on hand and adds even more depth. The canned variety is a convenient shortcut that still brings loads of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this French Onion Meatloaf is the kind of recipe that transforms a simple meal into something special and deeply satisfying. I hope you give it a spot at your table soon—your family and friends will be amazed at how a few familiar ingredients can turn into such a memorable, mouthwatering main course. Happy cooking!
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French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Meatloaf combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with a juicy, tender meatloaf topped with melted Swiss cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful twist on a traditional meatloaf recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes.
- Add cheese: Remove from oven and sprinkle Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté onions before adding to the meat mixture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
