French Onion Meatloaf

A French Onion Meatloaf combines the savory flavors of a classic meatloaf with the rich, sweet taste of caramelized French onion soup. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional meatloaf, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings. Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredients:
For the meatloaf:
1 1/2 lbs (680g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for more flavor)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a lighter texture)
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix (or use homemade caramelized onions and seasonings)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the topping:
1/2 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or Gruyère work well)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method:
1. Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, French onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatloaf tender.
2. Shape the meatloaf:
Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan and press it down gently to shape it evenly. Alternatively, you can form it into a free-standing loaf and place it on a lined baking sheet if you prefer.
3. Bake the meatloaf:
Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
4. Prepare the topping:
While the meatloaf is baking, in a small saucepan, heat the French onion soup over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
When the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven and pour the French onion soup over the top of the meatloaf.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the soup layer.
5. Finish baking:
Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is slightly golden.

6. Serve:
Once the meatloaf is cooked and the cheese has melted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Tips:
For extra flavor, you can caramelize some onions separately and mix them into the meatloaf mixture or use them as an additional topping.
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your French Onion Meatloaf—a comforting dish packed with savory flavors and topped with cheesy goodness!