Easy 3 French Onion Meatloaf Recipes

If you’re looking for recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Below, I’ll share a classic French Onion Meatloaf recipe, plus adaptations for slow cooker and Instant Pot cooking. Each one brings that rich, savory French onion flavor to the table. Let’s dive in!

The History and Evolution of Meatloaf

Meatloaf is more than just a weeknight staple—it’s a dish with deep cultural roots. This section uncovers its fascinating journey.

• Origins of Meatloaf in Different Cultures: From ancient Roman minced meat dishes to German “falscher Hase,” meatloaf has global beginnings.
• How Meatloaf Became a Staple in American Cuisine: Explore its rise during the Great Depression and its place in mid-century cookbooks.
• Evolution of Meatloaf Recipes Over Time: How ingredients and techniques have shifted, leading to modern twists like French Onion Meatloaf.

The Perfect French Onion Meatloaf Recipe (Oven-Baked)

This is your go-to recipe for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with caramelized onions and melted cheese. It’s comfort food perfection!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 for the best texture)
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese (Swiss works too)
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the gravy:
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden and sweet. Set aside.
2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Mix the Meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
4. Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.
5. Make the Gravy: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup beef broth and the remaining onions, stirring until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
6. Finish It Off: Pour the gravy over the meatloaf, sprinkle with Gruyère cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Rest and Serve: Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

Yield & Time

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes

The Perfect French Onion Meatloaf

This is your go-to recipe for a juicy, flavorful meatloaf with caramelized onions and melted cheese. It’s comfort food perfection!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 410 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Oven
• Loaf pan
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

Meatloaf

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20) for the best texture
• 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese Swiss works too
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy

• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

 

• Caramelize the onions: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden and sweet. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
• Form the mixture into a loaf shape on a baking sheet or in a loaf pan. Bake for 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make the gravy: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 cup beef broth and the remaining onions, stirring until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
• Pour the gravy over the meatloaf, sprinkle with Gruyère cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use Swiss cheese if Gruyère is unavailable. You can also make the onions ahead to save time on cooking day.

Keyword Comfort Food, Meatloaf

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatloaf

Perfect for a hands-off approach—set it and forget it!

Ingredients

• Same as the oven-baked recipe above (skip the gravy flour if you prefer a simpler sauce)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Follow step 1 from the oven recipe—or use store-bought caramelized onions to save time.
2. Prep the Slow Cooker: Spread half the onions in the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Mix and Shape: Combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, pepper, and the remaining onions (save a spoonful for topping). Shape into a loaf and place it on the onion layer.
4. Cook: Pour 1/4 cup beef broth over the loaf. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Add Cheese: In the last 30 minutes, top with Gruyère cheese and let it melt.
6. Serve: Slice and serve with the onions and juices from the pot as a built-in gravy.

Yield & Time

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Instant Pot French Onion Meatloaf

For a quick yet delicious version, the Instant Pot delivers!

Ingredients

• Same as the oven-baked recipe (gravy optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: Use the Sauté function on your Instant Pot. Melt 1 tbsp butter, add onions, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Remove half and set aside.
2. Mix the Meatloaf: In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, pepper, and the onions left in the pot. Shape into a loaf.
3. Prep the Pot: Add 1 cup beef broth to the Instant Pot with a trivet. Place the meatloaf on the trivet (wrap in foil if you prefer less mess).
4. Cook: Seal the lid, set to High Pressure for 25 minutes. Quick release when done.
5. Finish: Transfer the meatloaf to a baking sheet, top with reserved onions and Gruyère, and broil in your oven for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
6. Serve: Slice and enjoy—use the pot liquid as a light gravy if desired.

Yield & Time

• Serves: 6
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes (plus pressure build-up)

Variations for Dietary Needs

Customize your meatloaf with these swaps:

• Gluten-Free: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
• Low-Carb: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for plant-based meat and use vegetable broth.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your meatloaf with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes with garlic
• Roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze
• Crusty baguette with herb butter
• Pair this recipes with a Blackberry, Avocado & Arugula Salad

FAQ Section

Answers to your burning questions, straight from “People Also Ask.”

• What is French Onion Meatloaf?
  • A savory twist on classic meatloaf with caramelized onions and soup-inspired flavors.
• How do you make French Onion Meatloaf?
  • Combine beef, onions, and cheese, then bake with a rich gravy topping.
• What sides go well with French Onion Meatloaf?
  • Mashed potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
• Can you make French Onion Meatloaf in a slow cooker?
  • Yes—cook on low for 6-8 hours!
• Is French Onion Meatloaf healthy?
  • It can be with lean meat and veggie additions.
• How do you store and reheat French Onion Meatloaf?
  • Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze; reheat at 350°F.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatloaf is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and tradition. Try our recipe, experiment with variations, and share your creations! Want more comfort food inspiration? Subscribe for weekly recipes.