Description
French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on classic comfort food, combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheddar cheese with hearty ground beef. This recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners, featuring a moist and cheesy meatloaf baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 cups Caramelized Onions (cook until golden brown)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large Eggs (can use flax eggs for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup Milk (or low-sodium broth)
- to taste Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (or reduced-fat cheese if preferred)
- 1 cup Extra Cheddar Cheese (can incorporate different cheeses like Swiss)
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- Caramelize Onions: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a sweet, savory flavor.
- Mix Meatloaf Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs or almond flour, eggs, milk or broth, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Onions and Cheese: Fold the caramelized onions and half of the cheddar cheese into the meat mixture, distributing them well for balanced flavor throughout the meatloaf.
- Shape Meatloaf: Shape the mixture into a loaf form with your hands and place it evenly in a baking dish prepared to catch any drippings.
- Add Topping Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the loaf to create a cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender texture.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use almond flour and flax eggs to make this recipe gluten-free and vegan-friendly.
- If you prefer less sodium, use low-sodium broth instead of milk and reduced-fat cheese.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F to safely cook the meatloaf.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking improves texture and juiciness.
