Juicy, savory, and packed with deep onion flavor
French Onion Meatloaf is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, inspired by the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Slow-caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and a flavorful glaze come together to create a meatloaf that’s incredibly moist and bursting with depth in every bite.
This recipe takes everything you love about traditional meatloaf and elevates it with sweet golden onions and rich savory notes, making it perfect for family dinners, cozy evenings, or when you want something comforting but special.
Why You’ll Love French Onion Meatloaf
What makes this meatloaf stand out is the caramelized onions. Cooking the onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness and adds a rich, almost silky texture to the meat. Combined with simple seasonings, the result is a meatloaf that tastes homemade, hearty, and unforgettable.
It’s also a great make-ahead dish and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatloaf
- 900 g (2 lb) ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ¾ cup milk or beef broth
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Topping
- ½ cup beef gravy or onion gravy
- Optional: shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft. Add garlic in the last minute, then set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Add eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and the cooled onions. Mix gently.
3. Add the Beef
Add ground beef and mix just until combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatloaf tender.
4. Shape & Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased loaf pan or shape it on a lined baking tray. Spread gravy over the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes.
5. Optional Cheesy Finish
If using cheese, sprinkle it on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Meatloaf
- Take your time caramelizing onions—this is key
- Let onions cool before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs
- Use beef broth instead of milk for deeper flavor
- Resting the meatloaf prevents crumbling
What to Serve with French Onion Meatloaf
This rich dish pairs beautifully with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans or carrots
- Buttered egg noodles
- Simple green salad
Final Thoughts
French Onion Meatloaf is comfort food with a gourmet touch—rich, juicy, and full of deep onion flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple dinner into something memorable and satisfying.