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French Onion Meatloaf Gruyère
The French Onion Meatloaf Gruyère is a luxurious twist on the classic American comfort dish, merging the heartiness of traditional meatloaf with the deep, caramelized sweetness of French onion soup and the creamy melt of Gruyère cheese. This recipe transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet experience, perfect for family meals or special occasions. Each slice delivers tender beef infused with rich onion flavor, topped with a gooey, golden layer of cheese that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons beef broth or water, for deglazing
For the Meatloaf Mixture:
• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)
For the Topping:
• Remaining caramelized onions
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to enhance caramelization)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 2 tablespoons beef broth or water, for deglazing
For the Meatloaf Mixture:
• 2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ of the caramelized onions (reserve the rest for topping)
For the Topping:
• Remaining caramelized onions
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir until coated. Sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, until the onions turn soft and golden brown. This process should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Add thyme and deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth to lift any brown bits from the bottom. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère and half of the caramelized onions. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the pan. Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Onion Gravy
While the meatloaf bakes, make the gravy. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the remaining caramelized onions and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil
Once the meatloaf is nearly done, remove it from the oven and spoon the onion gravy over the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère. Return to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and enhances flavor. Serve thick slices topped with extra onion gravy and melted cheese.
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and stir until coated. Sprinkle with salt and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring every few minutes, until the onions turn soft and golden brown. This process should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Add thyme and deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth to lift any brown bits from the bottom. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded Gruyère and half of the caramelized onions. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet or loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it in the pan. Bake uncovered for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Onion Gravy
While the meatloaf bakes, make the gravy. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Add the remaining caramelized onions and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Broil
Once the meatloaf is nearly done, remove it from the oven and spoon the onion gravy over the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded Gruyère. Return to the oven and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and enhances flavor. Serve thick slices topped with extra onion gravy and melted cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This French Onion Meatloaf pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or roasted garlic potatoes, as they soak up the rich gravy perfectly. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables, such as green beans, carrots, or asparagus, for a balanced and hearty meal. For a gourmet touch, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
• Use Gruyère for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the onions beautifully. However, Swiss cheese or provolone can be used as a substitute.
• Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors — don’t rush this step.
• If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing keeps it from falling apart and allows the juices to redistribute.
• To save time, make the caramelized onions a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
• Caramelize the onions slowly over low heat to develop deep, sweet flavors — don’t rush this step.
• If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs; if it’s too dry, add a splash of milk.
• Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing keeps it from falling apart and allows the juices to redistribute.
• To save time, make the caramelized onions a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
Why This Recipe Works
This meatloaf stands out because it’s not just comfort food — it’s comfort food elevated. The caramelized onions bring a sweet-savory depth that infuses every bite, while the Gruyère cheese adds richness and elegance. The beef remains moist thanks to the milk and eggs, and the onion gravy ties everything together with a glossy, restaurant-style finish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and sophisticated enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknights.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 670mg
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 670mg
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. You can also freeze the meatloaf for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The flavor intensifies after a day, making it even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Meatloaf Gruyère is a comforting, indulgent dish that merges two beloved flavors — savory meatloaf and rich French onion soup — into one irresistible creation. The slow-cooked onions and melted cheese elevate it beyond the ordinary, turning a humble classic into a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, pour over the onion gravy, and enjoy the comforting warmth of every bite.