A Gourmet Upgrade to Classic Meatloaf

If you love traditional meatloaf but want something a little more indulgent, this French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect recipe. Juicy ground beef is mixed with caramelized onions, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, then topped with more onions and a luscious Gruyère–mozzarella cheese sauce. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with rich flavor—the ultimate comfort food for family dinners or special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the humble meatloaf and elevates it to restaurant-quality comfort food. The slow-cooked caramelized onions add natural sweetness, while Worcestershire and Dijon bring depth and tang. The creamy cheese sauce—loaded with Gruyère and mozzarella—melts over the top for a decadent, golden finish. It’s a dish that feels both cozy and gourmet, making it perfect for Sunday dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want to wow your family with minimal effort.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Serve your French Onion Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered noodles for a complete meal. You can also use leftover meatloaf slices for hearty sandwiches the next day. For variations, swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or add mushrooms to the caramelized onions for an earthy twist.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
• 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth as needed. Stir in garlic, cook 2 more minutes. Set aside half for topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and half the onions. Mix gently until combined.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Place mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape into a loaf and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour, cooking 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk and remaining beef broth until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in mozzarella and Gruyère until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Broil

Remove meatloaf from oven. Top with reserved onions and spoon over cheese sauce. Sprinkle extra Gruyère on top. Broil 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 8 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 4g

French Onion Meatloaf

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble and refrigerate the raw loaf, then bake when ready.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven.

Q: Can I use different cheese?

A: Yes, Swiss or provolone are great substitutes if you don’t have Gruyère.

Q: How do I keep the meatloaf juicy?

A: Avoid overmixing the beef and don’t overbake—it should stay moist inside.