French Onion Meatloaf
A comforting twist on classic meatloaf featuring caramelized onions and Swiss cheese for a hearty and memorable dish.
Ingredients
For the caramelized onions
- 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing the onions
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced Caramelized for added flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced To enhance the flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme Dried or fresh
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning
For the meatloaf
- 1.5 pounds ground beef Main protein source
- 0.5 cup bread crumbs Acts as a binder
- 0.5 cup milk Keeps meatloaf moist
- 2 eggs For binding
- 0.5 cup grated Swiss cheese Adds creaminess
- 0.25 cup beef broth For flavor and moisture
Instructions
Preparing the Caramelized Onions
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally until they develop a deep golden-brown color, about 15-20 minutes.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, add the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and enhance the flavors.
- Remove the caramelized onion mixture from heat and let it cool completely.
Assembling the Meatloaf
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, and eggs. Mix gently but thoroughly, avoiding overmixing.
- In a loaf pan, press half of the meat mixture into an even layer.
- Layer half of the caramelized onions over the meat mixture and sprinkle the Swiss cheese on top.
- Cover with the remaining meat mixture, sealing the edges.
- Pour beef broth over the meatloaf and top with the remaining caramelized onions.
Baking the Meatloaf
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs for more flavor. Leftovers can be reheated easily, and the meatloaf can be made gluten-free with appropriate substitutes.