Description
A delicious and comforting French Onion Meatloaf that combines savory ground beef with rich onion soup mix, bread crumbs, and melted cheeses for a hearty meal. This easy-to-make recipe features classic flavors inspired by French onion soup, enhanced with mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses, baked to perfection and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatloaf Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients
- Caramelized onions (approximately 1 cup, folded into meat mixture and for garnish)
- Shredded Gruyere cheese (about 1/2 cup, folded into meat mixture and for garnish)
- Cooking spray (for greasing loaf pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, dry onion soup mix, eggs, milk, black pepper, and garlic powder. This mixture forms the base of your meatloaf with savory and aromatic flavors.
- Mix Thoroughly: Mix all ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can make the meatloaf dense and tough. Aim for an even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Gently fold in the caramelized onions and shredded Gruyere cheese until they are evenly distributed through the meat mixture, adding moisture and a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and gently press it down to shape it evenly, creating a uniform loaf that will cook evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatloaf reaches 160°F (71°C), ensuring it is safely cooked through.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period helps juices redistribute within the meat, making each slice moist and tender.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve it warm. Garnish with extra caramelized onions and shredded Gruyere cheese, if preferred, to enhance presentation and flavor. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish!
Notes
- Use freshly caramelized onions for the best flavor and texture; you can caramelize them by slowly cooking sliced onions in butter or oil until golden brown and sweet.
- Make sure not to overmix the meat to keep your meatloaf tender and juicy.
- Letting the meatloaf rest before slicing ensures the juices don’t run out when cut.
- Internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is critical for safe consumption of ground beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option if preferred.
