Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic comfort food favorite – French Onion Meatloaf! This recipe takes traditional meatloaf to a whole new level by infusing it with the sweet, caramelized goodness of onions and the rich flavors of French onion soup mix.

Imagine tender ground beef mixed with Italian herb breadcrumbs, milk, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, all topped with a layer of melty Swiss cheese. The slow cooker works its magic, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping the meat incredibly juicy.

Whether you’re a meatloaf enthusiast or looking for a new recipe to impress your family, this French Onion Meatloaf is a game-changer. Let the slow cooker do all the work while you savor the mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this easy and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Quick Benefits

• Tender and juicy meat: Slow cooking allows the meatloaf to stay incredibly tender and juicy.
• Rich and flavorful: Caramelized sweet onions, French onion soup mix, and Swiss cheese create a depth of flavor reminiscent of a steakhouse.
• Easy and convenient: The slow cooker does all the work, making this French onion meatloaf practically foolproof.
• Versatile cheese options: Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone all melt well and complement the onion flavors perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe Recipe

• Incredible Flavor Combination: The sweet caramelized onions combined with the savory ground beef, French onion soup mix, and melty Swiss cheese create a rich and unique taste experience.
• Moist and Tender: The slow cooker method ensures the meatloaf stays incredibly juicy and tender, unlike traditional oven-baked meatloaf.
• Easy and Convenient: Let the slow cooker do all the work for you – perfect for busy days when you want a delicious meal without the hassle.
• Versatile: Can be served for dinner with mashed potatoes and greens, or used for killer sandwiches the next day.
• Restaurant-Worthy: Impress your family and friends with this gourmet twist on classic meatloaf, paired with a glass of Pinot Noir for a fancy touch.
• Customizable: Swap out cheese options and adjust ingredients to suit your preferences, making it adaptable to different tastes.
• Pro Tips: Helpful cooking tips provided in the recipe ensure your meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, from caramelizing the onions to cooking to the right temperature.

Ingredients for Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

• 1 egg.
• 1 pound ground beef.
• 4 oz Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese.
• 1/2 cup cooking sherry.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• 1 package French onion soup mix.
• 1 cup milk.
• 4 tablespoons salted butter.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1 teaspoon sea salt.
• 3-4 large sweet onions, sliced.
• 1 teaspoon sugar.
• Fresh thyme for garnish.
• 1 cup Italian herb breadcrumbs.
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.

Pro Tips for Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

For the best results with this French Onion Meatloaf recipe, be sure to caramelize the sweet onions until they are golden and delicious in the slow cooker. This process enhances their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor to the meatloaf. Additionally, using lean ground beef and not overworking the meat mixture will ensure a tender and juicy meatloaf.

When making this meatloaf, consider adding Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone cheese on top during the last stages of cooking. These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the rich onion flavors perfectly. To serve, pair the French Onion Meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious juices. Adding a side of green beans or a fresh salad will complete the meal, along with a glass of Pinot Noir for a restaurant-worthy dinner experience.

How to Make Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Place sliced onions in a 6-quart slow cooker. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. Add butter and cook on LOW for 9 hours.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and soup mix, then form into a loaf shape.

Step 3: Step 03

Drizzle sherry and Worcestershire sauce over onions, then place the meatloaf on top.

Step 4: Step 04

Cook on high for 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Step 05

Place cheese slices on top and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted.

Step 6: Step 06

Cook onions in a skillet over medium heat for 15-20 minutes until caramelized.

Storage Tips

To store the finished French onion meatloaf, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The meatloaf can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can place the meatloaf slices on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their tenderness and flavors.

If you have leftovers or want to meal prep, you can also freeze the cooked French onion meatloaf. Wrap individual slices or the whole meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The meatloaf can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this French onion meatloaf even on busy days with these storage tips.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the French Onion Meatloaf recipe, you can make a few ingredient substitutions based on your preferences and what you have on hand. If you don’t have sweet onions, you can use yellow onions or red onions for a slightly different flavor profile. They will still caramelize nicely and add a savory sweetness to the meatloaf. If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to use other melting cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses that you enjoy.

If you don’t have French onion soup mix on hand, you can substitute with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of beef bouillon for a similar depth of flavor. Additionally, if you don’t have cooking sherry, you can replace it with red wine or beef broth to add richness to the meatloaf. Just adjust the amount to your taste preferences. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption. Enjoy this delicious twist on classic meatloaf with your favorite sides and a glass of wine for a cozy and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try slicing the French onion meatloaf into thick slices and sandwiching them between two pieces of crusty French bread for a delectable French onion meatloaf sandwich. The melted Swiss cheese and caramelized onions will create a gooey, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the hearty bread.

Another fun idea is to use the French onion meatloaf as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the meatloaf mixture. Top each pepper with a slice of Swiss cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This unique twist on stuffed peppers will be a hit at your next dinner party!

FAQs for Savory French Onion Meatloaf Recipe

Can I speed up the process of caramelizing the onions?

Yes, you can speed up the process by caramelizing onions in a skillet for 15-20 minutes instead of slow cooking for 9 hours.

What type of cheese can I use as a topping for this French onion meatloaf?

Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone all work great. They melt well and complement the onion flavors perfectly.

Can I substitute cooking sherry with something else in this recipe?

You can replace it with beef broth, though the sherry adds nice depth to the flavor.

How do I ensure the meatloaf is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer – it should reach 160°F internal temperature for safe eating.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this delicious French Onion Meatloaf recipe as much as I do! The slow cooker truly does wonders in creating a tender and flavorful dish that will have your whole family coming back for more. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese options or side dishes to make this meal truly your own.

Remember, the key to a successful French Onion Meatloaf is patience – let those onions caramelize to perfection and savor the rich flavors that come from slow cooking. Whether you’re serving this up for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meatloaf is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and delicious. Cheers to creating culinary magic in your own kitchen with this French Onion Meatloaf recipe!