Our French onion meatloaf takes the comfort of a traditional meatloaf and elevates it with the savory flavors of French onion soup. This dish is packed with depth, from the caramelized notes of condensed French onion soup to the nutty creaminess of Gruyere cheese. Crispy fried onions add the perfect crunch, bringing balance to the tender, juicy meat.
A blend of ground beef, oats, panko crumbs, and an egg ensures the meatloaf remains moist yet holds its structure. A combination of black pepper, thyme, and parsley enhances its flavor. The addition of Gruyere cheese creates a luscious melt, making each bite even more indulgent. Once baked to perfection, the final touch of cheese and crispy onions is broiled briefly, creating a golden, irresistible crust.
This meatloaf is ideal for a cozy family dinner, and it’s elegant enough for guests. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal to suit any occasion. Whether served as the centerpiece of a homestyle meal or repurposed into a delicious sandwich the next day, this French onion meatloaf will become a household favorite.
Recipe Variations
- More Cheese – For a cheesy surprise, form half of the meat mixture into the pan, add a layer of about 1/2 cup of Gruyere or Swiss cheese, then top with the remaining meat mixture before baking. This creates a gooey, cheesy center when sliced.
- Spicy – Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the meatloaf mixture and replace the Gruyère cheese with pepper jack.
- BBQ – Brush a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce over the top of the meatloaf before baking and replace the Gruyère with smoked gouda.
How to Serve
- Hearty: Enjoy the meatloaf with buttered egg noodles and glazed carrots.
- Elegant: Pair with a salad with a tangy Italian dressing or French-inspired vinaigrette and serve with a crusty baguette.
- Classic: Serve the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli or green beans, and an easy ready-made beef or onion gravy.
Sandwich Style: Serve slices on toasted brioche buns with a Dijon mustard spread.
How to Store
Transfer cooled meatloaf to a shallow airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze leftover meatloaf, transfer portions to freezer containers or resealable freezer bags. Label with the name and date and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven – Place the leftover meatloaf in a baking dish with a splash of beef broth or water. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 325 F for about 12 to 15 minutes or until it is heated through.
Stovetop – Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place slices of meatloaf in the pan, cover it with a lid, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side.
Microwave (Quick, but not ideal) – Place slices of meatloaf on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on 50 percent power for 1 to 3 minutes. Check and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until evenly heated.
Air Fryer – Place slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and heat at 350 F for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
PrintFrench Onion Meatloaf
Enjoy a cozy family dinner with our French onion meatloaf, combining juicy ground beef, the rich taste of Gruyere cheese, and a crispy fried onion topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Meatloaf
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90%)
- 1/2 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
- 1/2 cup panko crumbs
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 10 1/2-ounce can condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 to 4 ounces sliced or shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup crispy French-fried onions
Instructions
Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly oil a 9-by5-inch loaf pan.
Mix: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, oats, panko, egg, soup, pepper, thyme, salt, and parsley. Mix well.
Bake the meatloaf: Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Add the topping: Remove the meatloaf to a rack and top with the cheese and French-fried onions. Return it to the oven and cook for 10 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and the fried onions are golden brown.
Cool: Remove the meatloaf to a rack and let it
cool for about 10 minutes. Carefully transfer the meatloaf to a cutting board.
Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve. Enjoy!
Equipment
Cuisinart 9-Inch Classic Loaf Pan
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Notes
Finish with a French onion jus – Make an optional jus to spoon over the meatloaf. Combine 1 can of French onion soup with 1/2 cup of beef broth, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon, and pepper, to taste. Simmer in a saucepan for 5 to 10 minutes and serve as a sauce alongside the meatloaf.
