Get ready to indulge in a mouth-watering french onion meatloaf. It combines caramelized onions with the comfort of a classic meatloaf. Made with 1 pound of ground beef, it’s about 85% lean meat. It’s paired with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir.
This homemade meatloaf recipe is a game-changer. It yields 6 servings and takes 12 hours and 30 minutes to cook.
Creating this delicious french onion meatloaf takes about 10 minutes. It serves 4-6 people, typically. The full recipe uses 1.5 pounds of ground beef.
The secret to a perfect meatloaf is reaching an internal temperature of 160°F. Use the right ingredients, like 1 cup of Italian herb breadcrumbs and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
Key Takeaways
- You can make a delicious french onion meatloaf with a homemade meatloaf recipe that yields 6 servings.
- The recipe requires a total cooking time of 12 hours and 30 minutes and a recipe prep time of approximately 10 minutes.
- The meatloaf is made with 1 pound of ground beef, which typically contains around 85% lean meat, and 1.5 pounds of ground beef for the full recipe.
- The dish is paired with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir and features a meatloaf made with 1 cup of Italian herb breadcrumbs and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
- The internal temperature of the meatloaf should reach 160°F for optimal flavor and texture.
- The suggested freezing duration for leftovers is up to 3 months and.
What is French Onion Meatloaf?
French Onion Meatloaf is a twist on the classic meatloaf. It combines caramelized onions and melted cheese for a unique taste. It’s great for those looking to spice up their meatloaf game.
The dish’s origins are a bit of a mystery. Yet, it’s thought to be inspired by French onion soup.
Preparing French Onion Meatloaf takes about 20 minutes to prep and 1 hour to cook. It’s best baked at 350°F until the meatloaf reaches 160°F. This recipe makes 10 servings, perfect for big groups or meal prep.
Overview of the Dish
French Onion Meatloaf is a hearty mix of ground beef and pork, caramelized onions, cheese, and more. It’s moist and full of flavor. Each serving has 34g of protein and about 424kcal, making it both filling and healthy.
Origin and Inspiration
The idea for French Onion Meatloaf comes from French cooking. It combines caramelized onions and melted cheese with a meatloaf. This creates a tasty twist on a classic dish, perfect for those who love onions.
- Ground beef and pork: 1 lb each
- Caramelized onions: 15 to 20 minutes to cook
- Cheese: melted and mixed with the meat
- Cooking time: 1 hour at 350°F
These elements come together to make a delicious French Onion Meatloaf. It’s a classic dish with a unique onion flavor.
Key Ingredients for French Onion Meatloaf
To make a tasty homemade meatloaf, like French Onion Meatloaf, you need the right ingredients. You’ll need ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and onion soup mix. You can pick from beef, turkey, or pork ground meat. Add caramelized onions and melted cheese for extra flavor.
Choosing the right ground meat is key. A mix of lean beef and pork makes the meatloaf juicy and flavorful. Start with a 50% beef to 50% pork ratio. Add breadcrumbs, milk, and egg to keep the meatloaf moist.
For a classic French Onion Meatloaf, onion soup mix is essential. You might also add grated cheese, diced onions, or herbs for extra taste and texture. With the right ingredients and a simple recipe, you can make a delicious French Onion Meatloaf for any event.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Ground pork | 1 lb |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Milk | ¾ cup |
| Egg | 2 large |
| Onion soup mix | 1 envelope |
Essential Cooking Tools
To make a delicious French Onion Meatloaf, you’ll need the right tools. A 6-quart slow cooker is key for even cooking and the perfect texture. You’ll also need mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a knife for slicing onions, and a cutting board.
For shaping your meatloaf, a meatloaf pan or a loaf pan is handy. You can store your meatloaf in the fridge for up to three days. This answers the question of how long Meatloaf can be stored in the fridge.
Here are some essential utensils you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A knife for slicing onions
- A cutting board
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make a delicious French Onion Meatloaf that everyone will love10.
| Cooking Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Slow Cooker | For even cooking and perfect texture |
| Meatloaf Pan | For shaping the meatloaf |
| Mixing Bowls | For combining ingredients |
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make a delicious homemade meatloaf, like french onion meatloaf, start by preparing the onion mixture. Slice the onions and lay them in the bottom of a slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and sugar, and dot with butter. This step is key for bringing out the onion flavors.
Next, mix the meatloaf ingredients. This includes ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and onion soup mix. It’s important to handle the meat gently to avoid making it dense. Shape the meatloaf and place it in the slow cooker on top of the onion mixture.
Now, let’s talk about cooking. The meatloaf needs to reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Cooking time can be 40 to 50 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, remember the total time for cooking the french onion meatloaf is about 80 minutes, including prep and cooking.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when cooking your homemade meatloaf recipe:
- Cooking time: 40 to 50 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit
- Internal temperature for doneness: 160°F
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a mouth-watering french onion meatloaf. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Tips for Perfecting Your Meatloaf
To make a tasty meatloaf, like an onion-flavored one, managing moisture and flavor is key. Using a slow cooker helps keep it moist. Adding caramelized onions and melted cheese boosts the taste. It’s important to use the right mix of meat and fat, like 80/20 ground beef, for the best flavor and moisture.
Getting the meat-to-binder ratio right is also vital. Use 1 cup of breadcrumbs or oats per pound of meat to keep it from falling apart. Mixing ground beef with ground pork adds extra moisture. Adding milk and breadcrumbs to the mix helps keep it moist, as breadcrumbs soak up moisture.
For a French Onion Meatloaf, you’ll need 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 large eggs, and ½ cup of milk. Caramelize 2 large yellow or sweet onions with 3 tablespoons of butter for a deep flavor. Bake it at 375°F for 50-60 minutes until it reaches 160°F inside for safety.
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes after baking to keep it juicy. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for 3 months. By following these tips, you’ll make a delicious meatloaf, like an onion-flavored one, that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve your french onion meatloaf. You can pair it with a light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir. This wine goes well with the meat and cheese. Or, you can try it with side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad.
This homemade meatloaf recipe can be served in different ways. Here are some ideas:
- Serving with roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Paring with a side of creamy mashed potatoes
- Adding a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
No matter how you serve your french onion meatloaf, it’s bound to be a hit. The mix of flavors and textures will delight everyone. So, get creative and find your favorite way to enjoy this tasty dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
You can store your French Onion Meatloaf in the fridge for up to three days. This is great for meal prep throughout the week. Just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. You can also freeze it for up to three months for later use.
Reheating your meatloaf is simple. You can use the microwave or oven. For the microwave, slice it and heat for 30-45 seconds per slice. In the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
Here are some additional tips for storing and reheating your meatloaf:
- Always store it in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Label the container with the date it was stored, so you can keep track of how long it’s been in the fridge or freezer.
- When reheating, make sure the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure food safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your French Onion Meatloaf for days. It’s perfect for quick meals or delicious leftovers. So, get creative with your storage and reheating, and enjoy your meatloaf any way you like!
Variations of French Onion Meatloaf
Creating a classic meatloaf with a twist is fun and endless. You can use different cheeses like Gruyère or provolone. Or add bacon or mushrooms. This adds flavor and excitement to your dish.
Seasonings and spices can also change your meatloaf. Try adding dried thyme or rosemary for a herbaceous taste. Use sweet onions or shallots for a unique flavor.
Here are some variations of French Onion Meatloaf you can try:
- Cheesy Meatloaf: Add shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Meatloaf: Use tofu or tempeh for a meatless version.
- Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf: Wrap it in crispy bacon for a smoky taste.
Remember, the key to a delicious French Onion Meatloaf is to experiment and have fun. Try new ingredients and flavors. Make it your own.
| Variation | Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesy Meatloaf | Shredded cheese, onions, ground meat | Rich, savory, umami |
| Vegetarian Meatloaf | Tofu, tempeh, onions, spices | Earthy, herbaceous, slightly sweet |
| Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf | Bacon, ground meat, onions, spices | Smoky, savory, slightly sweet |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a homemade meatloaf, like a french onion one, it’s key to avoid common mistakes. Overmixing the ingredients can make the meatloaf tough and dense. To prevent this, mix the ingredients just until they come together. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
Another mistake to avoid is ignoring temperature control. It’s important to cook the meatloaf to the right internal temperature for safety. The recommended internal temperature for a meatloaf is 160°F (70°C). Use a meat thermometer to check if the meatloaf has reached a safe temperature.
Some other common mistakes to avoid when making a homemade meatloaf recipe include:
- Not using the right type of ground meat, such as ground beef with a fat content ranging from 20% to 30%
- Not cooking the meatloaf at the right temperature, such as 350°F (175°C)
- Not letting the meatloaf rest before slicing, which can cause the juices to run out
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make a delicious and moist french onion meatloaf. Use the right ingredients, cook at the right temperature, and let it rest before slicing. With practice and patience, you’ll be making homemade meatloaf recipes like a pro.
Nutritional Information
French Onion Meatloaf is a dish full of nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals24. It has 3,516 calories per serving, with 59% from fat24. It also has a lot of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. So, it’s best to eat it in small amounts as part of a healthy diet.
To make it healthier, you can use leaner ground meat and less cheese. Adding more veggies can also help lower calories and fat. This way, you can enjoy the French onion taste without harming your health.
Enjoying French Onion Meatloaf should be a special treat, not a daily food. By choosing the right ingredients and controlling how much you eat, you can satisfy your cravings and stay healthy.