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French Onion Meatloaf

Cozy Up to This Cheesy French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Enjoy this French Onion Meatloaf, a comforting dish infused with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Onions
  • 2 large sweet onions yellow onions can be used for a sharper taste.
  • 2 tbsp salted butter adds richness and aids in caramelizing the onions.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil can be replaced with another oil.
  • 1 tsp sea salt reduce if using salted butter.
  • ½ tsp coarse black pepper adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar optional if less sweetness is preferred.
  • 1 tbsp cooking sherry optional, can be replaced with broth.
Meatloaf
  • 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20) consider ground turkey or chicken as substitutes.
  • ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute.
  • ¼ cup whole milk swap for non-dairy milk to make lactose-free.
  • 1 large egg can substitute with a flax egg for vegan.
  • 1 packet French onion soup mix a homemade version can be made.
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce teriyaki sauce can work.
  • ½ of the caramelized onions reserve the remaining for topping.
Topping
  • 6-8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese substitute with other melting cheeses if needed.
  • Fresh thyme sprigs garnish, can use parsley as an alternative.

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of salted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Sauté the onions for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in half of the caramelized onions. Mix until just combined.
  3. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and transfer it to the greased crockpot.
  4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  5. During the last 15 minutes, top the meatloaf with remaining caramelized onions and cheese. Cover to melt.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For extra crispy cheese, broil the meatloaf briefly after slow cooking. Prepare ahead and refrigerate to save time on busy weeknights.

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