French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic meatloaf, featuring rich caramelized onions and savory seasonings that create a deliciously moist and hearty dish perfect for any dinner occasion.
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Why You’ll Love Easy French Onion Meatloaf
This recipe is a perfect meal for busy weeknights and special family dinners thanks to:
- Rich, deeply caramelized onions that infuse the meatloaf with savory sweetness
- Easy-to-follow, one-pan preparation that saves time and cleanup
- A juicy, tender texture that pleases both kids and adults
- A versatile dish that pairs well with many sides and can be served in different ways
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute; remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and caramelized onions with garlic to the bowl.
- Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
- Spread extra ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Easy French Onion Meatloaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Easy French Onion Meatloaf is a savory and comforting meal featuring caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef baked to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup ketchup (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute; remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef, eggs, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and caramelized onions with garlic to the bowl.
5. Mix gently until combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a loaf pan or shape into a loaf on a baking sheet.
7. Spread extra ketchup on top of the meatloaf.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature 160°F/71°C).
9. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For make-ahead, prepare mixture and refrigerate overnight before baking.
Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk for best texture.
Resting meatloaf helps retain moisture.
Reheat leftovers covered in oven or microwave until warmed through.
Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
How to Serve Easy French Onion Meatloaf
Serving this meatloaf can be both classic and creative. Traditionally, slices of meatloaf go well with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. For a quick comfort meal, pair it with a simple side salad and warm dinner rolls.
You can also serve meatloaf slices as a sandwich filling with your favorite condiments and fresh lettuce on a soft bun for a tasty twist. Adding caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms on the side enhances the French onion flavor profile. For a special occasion, pair the meatloaf with creamy garlic mashed potatoes and a glass of red wine.
Discover great ideas like combining this meatloaf with rich mushroom gravies or serving it alongside buttery roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate. This versatile recipe is well-loved because it pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides and elevates simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience.
How to Store Easy French Onion Meatloaf
Proper storage ensures the meatloaf retains its flavor and texture for later enjoyment. Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze meatloaf slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or stored in freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until warmed through to maintain the best quality.
Use leftover meatloaf in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles to reduce waste and create delicious new meals. It’s helpful to slice meatloaf before freezing for easy portioning later.
Tips to Make Easy French Onion Meatloaf
- Use equal parts ground beef and ground pork or veal for a moister texture.
- Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to bring out the sweetest flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid a dense meatloaf.
- Let the meatloaf rest after baking to help juices redistribute.
- Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of aroma.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs soaked in milk rather than dry for better binding and tenderness.
- Avoid packing the mixture too tightly in the pan to keep it light.
For more recipe inspiration with beef, check out our
- Hamburger Steak with Onion Mushroom Gravy
- Christmas Stuffed Beef Tenderloin
- Best Beef Wellington Recipe
Variations of Easy French Onion Meatloaf
- Cheesy French Onion Meatloaf: Add shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese to the meat mixture or on top for a melty finish.
- Turkey or Chicken Version: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option with the same rich flavors.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to reduce carbs.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese into the mixture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the meatloaf for warming heat.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the meatloaf mixture and refrigerate it overnight before baking for enhanced flavors.
Q2: What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
A: Oats, crushed crackers, or almond flour are great substitutes for breadcrumbs.
Q3: How do I prevent the meatloaf from drying out?
A: Incorporate milk-soaked breadcrumbs and avoid overbaking. Also, resting before slicing helps retain moisture.
Q4: Can I freeze the meatloaf?
A: Yes, it freezes well. Slice before freezing for easier thawing and reheating.
Final Thoughts
Easy French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting, classic dish with a flavorful French onion twist that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Its versatility, ease of preparation, and rich flavor profile make it a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.
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