French Onion Meatloaf – A Comfort Food Twist on a Classic

Tender, savory meatloaf meets the irresistible flavor of French onion soup—with melty cheese and caramelized onions in every bite.
If you love the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup, get ready to meet your new favorite comfort dish: French Onion Meatloaf! This cozy recipe takes all the best parts of the beloved soup—caramelized onions, thyme, beefy broth, and melty cheese—and transforms them into a hearty, satisfying meatloaf the whole family will love.
Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner or as a crave-worthy weeknight meal, this dish delivers deep flavor and cheesy goodness with every bite.
🧾 Ingredients
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
👨🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan.
2️⃣ Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
Add minced garlic during the last 2 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3️⃣ Mix the Meatloaf
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir in half of the caramelized onions.
4️⃣ Shape & Bake
Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in your greased pan.
Pour ¼ cup beef broth over the top.
Bake for 45 minutes.
5️⃣ Top with Onions & Cheese
Remove from the oven and top with the remaining caramelized onions and shredded cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and flavorful.
⏱️ Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: ~380 kcal per serving
🧀 Tips & Serving Ideas
- Make it ahead: Assemble the meatloaf earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Serving suggestion: Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, or a crisp garden salad.
- Cheese swap: Don’t have Gruyère? Swiss or even provolone works beautifully.
Cozy, Cheesy, and Full of Flavor!
This French Onion Meatloaf is everything you want in a comfort meal—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table and just as good the next day for leftovers!