French Onion Soup Meatloaf
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a twist on a classic? Ever thought of mashing up french onion soup meatloaf ? It sounds a bit bonkers, I know.
Honestly, though, the savory, sweet, cheesy flavors are unbelievably good.
Brief Overview
This french onion soup inspired meatloaf recipe is a genius take on comfort food. Its origins are purely whimsical. The goal is to capture the taste of french onion soup into the form of meatloaf.
It is a medium difficulty recipe. It takes about an hour and a half from start to finish. This recipe will serve 6-8 hungry folks.
Main Benefits
The caramelized onion meatloaf is hearty and packed with protein. It is perfect for a Sunday dinner or a casual weeknight meal with the family.
The best thing? It elevates a humble meatloaf to something truly special.
Craving Comfort?
You know those days when only comfort food will do? Let's dive into a meatloaf recipe that seriously delivers. It’s not just any meatloaf.
It’s gruyere topped meatloaf heaven, inspired by the flavours of French onion soup. Honestly, it will become your favorite comfort food meatloaf .
The magic starts with slowly caramelizing those onions. Seriously, don't rush it! That deep, sweet flavour is everything . Then, we mix it all with some ground beef, breadcrumbs, herbs and spices.
It’s all topped with cheese and baked until it's bubbly and golden. It's like a warm hug on a plate.
Let’s talk ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Arsenal for Awesome!
Ready to whip up this French onion soup meatloaf masterpiece? First, let's gather our gear! Nothing too fancy, just good quality ingredients and a few essential tools.
This beef broth meatloaf recipe will soon become your new favourite comfort food meatloaf .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here’s what you’ll need, both US and metric, because, you know, we're civilised.
-
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (approx. 600g )
- 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml )
- 1 tablespoon butter ( 15g ) – real butter only, please!
- 1 teaspoon sugar ( 5g )
- ½ teaspoon salt ( 3g )
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper ( 1g )
- ¼ cup dry red wine ( 60ml ) – optional, but highly recommended!
-
Meatloaf Magic:
- 2 pounds ground beef ( 850g ) – 80/20 blend is fab
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs ( 60g )
- ½ cup beef broth ( 120ml )
- 1 large egg – lightly beaten, like you mean it
- 2 cloves garlic – minced. 'Cause nobody likes big garlic chunks.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ( 15ml )
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 2g )
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary ( 1g )
- Salt and pepper – to taste, darling
-
Gruyere Topped Meatloaf:
- 4 cups beef broth ( 950ml )
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ( 8g )
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese ( 225g ) – freshly shredded is the bomb!
I remember the first time I made this. The smell of the caramelized onion meatloaf filling the kitchen was just unreal.
I almost ate all the onions before they even made it into the meatloaf. Honesty!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Fiesta!
Time for the flavour enhancers!
- Essential Spice Combo: Thyme and rosemary are your best mates here.
- Aromatics: Garlic is non-negotiable.
-
Quick Sub:
If you're out of thyme, oregano will do in a pinch.
- Consider adding a little smoked paprika to your savory meatloaf recipe .
- Don’t skimp on the Worcestershire sauce it adds a great umami kick to the beef and onion loaf .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
No need for a kitchen gadget graveyard. Here's the bare minimum:
- Large skillet – for those onions
- Mixing bowl – for getting your hands dirty
- 9x5 inch loaf pan – because we're making a loaf
- Meat thermometer – crucial for safety!
- Dutch oven You need this for the cheese and to create the onion gravy.
- A good chef knife – Honestly, I can't live without my Wüsthof.
Craving that perfect blend of French elegance and American comfort? Our french onion soup inspired meatloaf is it! The meatloaf with french flavors is easy to make.
So, go on, grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
French Onion Soup Meatloaf: Bistro Comfort Food
Oh my gosh, have I got a treat for you! Imagine your favourite comfort food meatloaf getting a serious upgrade.
We're talking about a french onion soup inspired meatloaf . Honestly, it's like a warm hug on a cold day, but in loaf form! Forget your standard classic meatloaf variations , this one's going straight to the top of the charts.
Let's dive in!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission
Right, first things first prep is key. Get your onions sliced nice and thin. Thinly sliced onions are best for caramelized onion meatloaf .
Chop your garlic. Whisk your egg. Got it? Good. This savory meatloaf recipe deserves your full attention. Also, safety first! Wash your hands before touching any food.
You know?
step-by-step: Loaf-ly Cooking
Here's how to bring this beauty to life:
- Caramelize those onions! Sauté them low and slow in olive oil and butter. Add your sugar, salt, and pepper. Aim for a deep golden brown. This could take up to 30 minutes . Trust me, it's worth it!
- Mix your beef. Add the ground beef, panko, broth, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Don't overmix. Overmixing is a mortal sin in meatloaf land.
- Layer it up. Press half the meat mixture into your loaf pan. Add half the onions. Then the rest of the meat, topped with the remaining onions.
- Make the gravy . Whisk a little beef broth with cornstarch and then cook with the remaining broth until thickened.
- Bake for 50 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) . Then, increase the temp to 400° F ( 200° C) cover the top with that glorious Gruyère. The gruyere is important for gruyere topped meatloaf !
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf
Here's the magic: Don't rush the onions. Seriously, low and slow is the way to go. Patience is key to unlock their sweetness.
Ever make a meatloaf that's dry? Ugh, the worst! Beef broth is your secret weapon here for a beef broth meatloaf recipe .
Lastly, let that bad boy rest after baking! Give it 10 minutes to settle. It'll be easier to slice and way juicier.
This allows for the beef and onion loaf to redistribute it's juices.
Honestly, this french onion soup meatloaf is such a winner. So get in the kitchen. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes: Elevating Your French Onion Soup Meatloaf Game
Alright, let's chat about those extra bits and bobs that make this french onion soup meatloaf sing! Honestly, it's all about those details. You know?
Plating Like a Pro (Or Just Looking Good!)
Presentation matters, innit? Forget limp lettuce leaves! Slice the gruyere topped meatloaf nice and thick. Fan it out on a plate.
Drizzle a bit of extra beef broth mixture around. A sprig of thyme adds a touch of class.
Fancy a bit of colour? Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips do the trick. Or a simple green salad.
Think pub grub meets fine dining! It's about making your comfort food meatloaf look as amazing as it tastes.
Store it Right
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Keep your savory meatloaf recipe in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 3-4 days.
Want to freeze it? Slice it first. That way, you can grab individual portions. Wrap each slice well in cling film.
Then put them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. It'll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Honestly, reheating can be tricky. Keep an eye and make sure to not overheat it!
Twists and Turns: French Onion Soup Inspired Meatloaf Remix!
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk classic meatloaf variations .
Want a lighter beef and onion loaf ? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey. It's still lush!
Need a gluten-free option? Easy peasy! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. No one will know the difference!
For a meatloaf with french flavors , consider adding a splash of brandy to the onions while they caramelize. Ooh la la!
Nutrition Nutshell
Okay, I'm not a dietitian, right? But here's the gist. This beef broth meatloaf recipe is packed with protein. It's got a fair amount of fat, too.
All that lovely cheese, you know? The onions bring some fibre. And the beef broth is a decent source of vitamins and minerals.
Basically, it's proper tasty and gives you energy. But maybe don't eat the whole loaf in one sitting. Unless you're feeling really brave!
Right then, go forth and cook! Seriously, don’t stress. Even if it's not perfect, it'll still taste blooming delicious! Remember, cooking should be fun.
So, get stuck in and enjoy your caramelized onion meatloaf !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the french onion soup meatloaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire meatloaf a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly with cling film and store it in the fridge. Then, when you're ready, pop it straight into the oven. Keep in mind, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going in cold from the fridge.
My onions aren't caramelizing properly. What am I doing wrong?
Caramelizing onions is an exercise in patience, a bit like queuing for Wimbledon tickets! Make sure your heat isn't too high, as that will just burn them. You want a gentle, slow cooking process over medium low heat, stirring frequently.
Adding a pinch of sugar helps with caramelization, and a little salt draws out moisture. Remember low and slow is the name of the game, so stick with it, mate!
How do I store leftover french onion soup meatloaf, and how long will it last?
Store any leftover French onion soup meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices, or warm it up in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through. You could even use the leftovers to make a cracking meatloaf sandwich!
Can I substitute the Gruyère cheese in this french onion soup meatloaf recipe?
Of course! Gruyère is the classic choice for French Onion Soup, but if you don't have any to hand, or if you fancy something different, Swiss cheese makes a great substitute as it melts similarly and has a nutty flavour. You could even try a sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, or a mix of cheeses for a bit of fun!
Is there a way to make this french onion soup meatloaf recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, double check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
With those simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version of this comfort food classic.
What internal temperature should the meatloaf reach to be safely cooked?
To ensure your meatloaf is cooked safely, it needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loaf to check. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy, so always err on the side of caution!
French Onion Soup Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |