Picture the comforting aroma of caramelized onions wafting through your kitchen, inviting you to indulge in a hearty, flavorful feast.
This French Onion Soup Meatloaf is incredibly easy to make and perfect for creating a cozy, satisfying meal at home.
As the ground beef and pork meld with rich Gruyère cheese and savory soup mix, they transform into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life together!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 oven-safe loaf pan
- 1 frying pan
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the French Onion Soup Meatloaf, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:10: Read through the entire recipe and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Time (15 minutes)
- 0:10 – 0:15: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 0:15 – 0:25: Slice the onions and set them aside.
- Cooking Onions (15 minutes)
- 0:25 – 0:40: Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized.
- Assembling Meatloaf (5 minutes)
- 0:40 – 0:45: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients: ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, eggs, French onion soup mix, beef broth, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions. Mix well.
- Forming Meatloaf (5 minutes)
- 0:45 – 0:50: Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe loaf pan, pressing it down evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top.
- Cooking Time (1 hour)
- 0:50 – 1:50: Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Resting Time (10 minutes)
- 1:50 – 2:00: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, eggs, French onion soup mix, beef broth, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions.
Mix all the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top of the meatloaf.
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf perfectly.
- Steamed Green Beans: A simple, healthy side that adds a pop of color and vibrancy to the plate.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up any juices from the meatloaf, offering a delightful texture contrast.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light and invigorating salad balances the hearty meatloaf, providing a crisp, fresh bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables enhance the meal with additional savory flavors and textures.
Storage
To store French Onion Soup Meatloaf, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Freezing
To freeze French Onion Soup Meatloaf, let it cool completely.
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil.
Store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat French Onion Soup Meatloaf, cover slices with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power to preserve moisture.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Soup Meatloaf is a delightful twist on the classic meatloaf recipe.
The combination of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese gives it a rich, savory flavor reminiscent of French onion soup.
The use of both ground beef and pork guarantees a juicy, flavorful result.
For an added touch, consider serving it with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Gruyère Cheese With Another Type of Cheese?
You can substitute Gruyère with Swiss or Emmental cheese, which offer similar melting properties and a nutty profile. Make certain the cheese complements the dish’s savory notes while maintaining a creamy texture for ideal flavor balance and consistency.
Is There a Vegetarian Alternative to This Meatloaf Recipe?
Transform this recipe by substituting ground beef and pork with lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Incorporate umami-rich mushrooms for depth. Retain the caramelized onions and Gruyère or a vegetarian cheese replacement.
What Can I Use Instead of French Onion Soup Mix?
Replace the French onion soup mix by blending 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon each of celery salt, paprika, and black pepper. This mix enhances savory umami and aromatic depth.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free French onion soup mix. Confirm your beef broth is certified gluten-free. These swaps maintain the savory, umami flavors while guaranteeing the dish is safe for gluten-sensitive individuals. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Prepare the Meatloaf in Advance and Bake It Later?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Assemble the meatloaf, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed. This enhances flavors as ingredients meld together, enriching taste.
French Onion Soup Meatloaf
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 oven-safe loaf pan
- 1 Frying pan
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Oven
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions to the pan and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, half of the shredded Gruyère cheese, eggs, French onion soup mix, beef broth, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and caramelized onions.
- Mix all the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe loaf pan, pressing it down evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese on top of the meatloaf.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
