Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this French onion meatloaf! It’s a savory delight that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with the comforting goodness of French onion soup. I remember making this for family gatherings, and it was always a showstopper! The moment it comes out of the oven, the aroma fills the whole house, making everyone rush to the table. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, perfect for cozy dinners or those special occasions when you want to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients for French Onion Meatloaf
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup chopped caramelized onions (homemade or store-bought, your choice!)
- 1 cup French onion soup (this adds so much flavor!)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect texture)
- 2 large eggs (they help bind everything together)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (just a pinch for some warmth)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (trust me, it’s a game changer!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, but who doesn’t love cheesy meatloaf?)
How to Prepare French Onion Meatloaf
Preheat and Mix Ingredients
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want that meatloaf to cook evenly and get nice and cozy in the oven. While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your ground beef, chopped caramelized onions, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, here’s where the magic happens: mix everything together with your hands! Don’t be shy; just dive in and combine until it’s all well incorporated. The texture should be a little sticky but hold together nicely.
Shape and Bake the Meatloaf
Now that your mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it into a loaf! Just take the mixture and form it into a nice loaf shape, then place it in a baking dish. If you’re feeling cheesy, now’s the time to sprinkle that shredded cheese right on top! Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (70°C). Once it’s out, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period is key; it helps keep all those delicious juices inside!
Tips for Success with French Onion Meatloaf
To really elevate your French onion meatloaf, I recommend using homemade caramelized onions if you have the time. They add such a rich depth of flavor that you’ll absolutely love! Also, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste—maybe a little extra garlic or a splash of soy sauce for umami! If you find the mixture a bit too wet, just add a touch more breadcrumbs. And remember, every oven is different, so keep an eye on that baking time. You want a beautifully browned top, but don’t let it dry out. Trust me, these little tweaks will make a big difference!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The rich flavors from the caramelized onions and French onion soup create a savory delight that everyone will love.
- It’s a hearty dish that’s great for family meals or special occasions.
- You can customize it with your favorite seasonings or add-ins, making it your own!
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious, perfect for lunch the next day.
- The aroma as it bakes is simply irresistible and will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.
Nutritional Information for French Onion Meatloaf
So, you might be wondering about the nutritional side of this delicious French onion meatloaf! Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated values per serving (that’s about one slice!). Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
With those hearty protein levels and comforting flavors, this meatloaf makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to keep you full and happy!
FAQ About French Onion Meatloaf
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can definitely substitute ground turkey for the beef in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so you might want to add a bit more moisture, like an extra splash of French onion soup or a tablespoon of olive oil. It’ll still turn out delicious, just a little lighter!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices, but I love the oven method for keeping that lovely texture!
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf?
Of course! Adding vegetables can be a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition. Finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini work well. Just remember to keep the moisture in check—too many veggies may make the mixture too wet. If you add them, consider reducing the amount of French onion soup slightly or increasing the breadcrumbs to maintain that perfect meatloaf texture!
Serving Suggestions for French Onion Meatloaf
Now that you have this delicious French onion meatloaf ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I absolutely love pairing it with creamy mashed potatoes—there’s something about that buttery goodness that just complements the savory meatloaf so perfectly. You could also whip up some garlicky green beans for a pop of color and crunch; they add a nice freshness to the meal. If you’re looking for something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great option to balance the richness. And don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all those tasty juices! Trust me, these sides will make your meal complete and bring everyone back for seconds!
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French onion meatloaf: 5 Savory Secrets to Love it
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
French onion meatloaf is a savory dish combining ground beef with caramelized onions and French onion soup for added flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1 cup French onion soup
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, caramelized onions, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place in a baking dish.
- If using, top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use homemade or store-bought caramelized onions.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: french onion meatloaf, meatloaf recipe, savory meatloaf
