There's nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of French Onion Meatloaf baking in the oven. This recipe takes the classic comfort food up a notch by infusing it with the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. The result? A tender, juicy meatloaf packed with cheesy goodness and a sweet-savory glaze that makes every bite unforgettable.

I first made this dish on a chilly fall evening when I was craving something warm and hearty. After one bite, my family was hooked! Now, it’s a staple on our dinner table, especially when we need a satisfying meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Why You'll Love This French Onion Meatloaf
Get ready to meet your new favorite meatloaf recipe! French Onion Meatloaf is everything you love about the classic dish, but with an irresistible French onion twist.
First off, the flavor is incredible. Caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, and a blend of herbs infuse the meat with a rich, savory depth that makes it taste like it’s been slow-cooked for hours.
It’s also super easy to make. While it might sound fancy, this meatloaf comes together in just a few simple steps. No complicated techniques—just a foolproof method for a delicious, stress-free dinner.
Another reason to love this dish? It’s budget-friendly. Made with affordable ingredients like ground beef, onions, and breadcrumbs, this meal is perfect for feeding a family without breaking the bank.
Finally, let’s talk about leftovers. If you’re lucky enough to have any, this meatloaf makes the ultimate next-day lunch. Slice it up for sandwiches or serve it with a fried egg for a protein-packed breakfast!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of French Onion Meatloaf comes from its carefully selected ingredients. Each component adds to the deep, comforting flavors that make this dish so special.
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 blend for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. A little fat ensures your meatloaf stays juicy and rich.
Caramelized Onions: Slowly cooked onions give this dish its signature French onion flavor. Be patient—low and slow is the way to go for perfectly golden, sweet onions.
Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully into the meatloaf, adding a nutty richness. If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss or provolone are great substitutes.
Breadcrumbs & Eggs: These bind everything together, giving the meatloaf its perfect texture. Use panko for a lighter feel or traditional breadcrumbs for a denser loaf.
Worcestershire Sauce & Beef Broth: These liquids enhance the umami flavor, making the meatloaf taste like it came straight from a steakhouse.
You’ll also need a loaf pan and a sturdy baking sheet to ensure even cooking and easy slicing.
How To Make This French Onion Meatloaf

Making French Onion Meatloaf is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Start by caramelizing your onions. Heat a pan over medium-low heat and cook sliced onions in butter until they turn deep golden brown. This process takes about 20-25 minutes, but the rich, sweet flavor is worth every second!
While the onions are cooking, prepare the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make your meatloaf tough.
Once the onions are ready, let them cool slightly, then mix them into the meat. Fold in shredded Gruyère cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.
Shape the meatloaf mixture into a loaf and place it in a prepared pan. For extra flavor, brush the top with a mixture of ketchup and a touch of brown sugar. This creates a sweet-savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 50-60 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to keep all the juices inside.
Storage Options
Storing French Onion Meatloaf is simple, and leftovers taste just as amazing as the first bite!
If you have extra slices, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about French Onion Meatloaf is how easy it is to customize!
Want to make it leaner? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a mix of beef and pork for a slightly different flavor.
For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
If you love bold flavors, try adding mushrooms to the caramelized onions for an extra umami boost.
Not a fan of Gruyère? Swap it out for cheddar, Swiss, or even mozzarella—each brings its own unique twist to the dish.
Spice lovers can add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a little heat.
However you choose to customize it, this French Onion Meatloaf is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and enjoy a dish that’s packed with deep, savory flavors, melty cheese, and irresistible comfort!
PrintFrench Onion Meatloaf Recipe
French Onion Meatloaf is a savory twist on the classic dish, blending rich caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. This comforting, flavorful meatloaf is easy to prepare and makes for a hearty family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup mix
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 1 small onion, caramelized
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup ketchup (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Fold in caramelized onions and shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan, shaping it evenly.
- Spread ketchup on top and bake for 50-60 minutes or until fully cooked.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth.
- Swap Swiss cheese with mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
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