Cheesy French Onion Meatloaf

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than cheesy French onion meatloaf. This hearty dish takes classic meatloaf to the next level by layering caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese into every bite. Inspired by the flavors of French onion soup, it’s savory, cheesy, and packed with rich umami goodness.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, Sunday family meals, or meal prep for the week, this meatloaf combines ground beef and pork for juicy tenderness, with flavor-packed onions and cheese baked to melty perfection.

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Why French Onion Meatloaf?

French onion soup is famous for its deeply caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and gooey melted cheese topping. Translating these flavors into meatloaf allows you to enjoy a thick slice of comfort that’s both hearty and indulgent, without needing a soup bowl.

The caramelized onions infuse the meat with sweetness and depth, while the Swiss cheese provides a creamy finish. The result is a meatloaf that’s anything but ordinary.

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Ingredients

Meatloaf

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 medium onions, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onions)

Topping

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions with garlic until softened and caramelized (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper, and the sautéed onions. Mix gently until evenly combined.
4. Fold in shredded Swiss cheese into the meat mixture.
5. Transfer mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing gently to shape into a loaf.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
7. Meanwhile, for the topping, melt butter in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions and sugar. Sauté until deeply caramelized, about 10–12 minutes. Add beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
8. Remove meatloaf from oven. Spoon caramelized onion topping over the meatloaf and sprinkle remaining Swiss cheese on top.
9. Return meatloaf to oven and bake an additional 5–7 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let meatloaf rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

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Tips for the Best Cheesy French Onion Meatloaf

• Use a mix of beef and pork: Pork adds juiciness while beef provides flavor.
• Caramelize onions slowly: Low and slow prevents burning and develops deep sweetness.
• Don’t overmix meat: Overmixing can make meatloaf dense; mix until just combined.
• Let it rest: Resting before slicing ensures slices hold together perfectly.

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Variations

• Cheddar version: Swap Swiss for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
• Mushroom lovers: Add sautéed mushrooms with onions for extra umami.
• Spicy twist: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes to the meat mixture.
• Mini meatloaves: Use muffin tins for individual cheesy French onion meatloaves—perfect for parties or meal prep.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices with mashed potatoes and gravy.
• Pair with roasted root vegetables for a hearty, warming meal.
• Make sliders using leftover meatloaf, caramelized onions, and cheese on small buns.

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Storage and Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

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Why This Recipe Works

The combination of caramelized onions, creamy Swiss cheese, and perfectly seasoned meat ensures a juicy, flavorful meatloaf every time. The topping adds an extra layer of indulgence that turns a classic dish into a comfort food masterpiece.

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Fun Fact

French onion meatloaf takes inspiration from French onion soup, which dates back to the 18th century. Transforming these flavors into meatloaf is a modern twist that retains the soup’s rich essence while creating a hands-on, hearty dish.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meatloaf recipe that delivers maximum flavor and comfort, cheesy French onion meatloaf is the answer. Juicy, cheesy, and topped with sweet caramelized onions, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.