Here’s a delicious recipe for French Onion Meatloaf:
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Meatloaf Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, eggs, shredded cheese, thyme, and the cooled caramelized onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined, but avoid over-mixing as this can make the meatloaf tough.
3. Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:
- Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
4. Prepare the Topping:
- While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the topping by combining beef broth, cornstarch, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the Cheese Topping:
- Once the meatloaf is cooked, remove it from the oven and drain any excess fat.
- Pour the prepared topping over the meatloaf.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
6. Broil to Melt the Cheese:
- Place the meatloaf under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Enjoy your French Onion Meatloaf with mashed potatoes or your favorite side dish!
