French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients:
Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup caramelized onions (see below)
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup beef broth (optional, for extra richness)
Topping:
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
- If the onions start to dry out, add beef broth a little at a time to deglaze the pan and deepen the flavor.
- Once caramelized, remove from heat and let cool.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cooled caramelized onions, grated cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Shape and Bake:
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in a baking dish or loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
4. Add the Topping:
- Remove the meatloaf from the oven and sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top.
- Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your French Onion Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad for a comforting meal!