Description
This Savory French Onion Meatloaf is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines caramelized onions with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to create a moist, tender loaf. Enhanced with a rich gravy and extra caramelized onions, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal that soothes the soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 2 large Caramelized Onions (follow a guide on how to caramelize for perfect results)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (swap with almond flour for a gluten-free version)
- 2 Eggs (ensure they are at room temperature for best incorporation)
- ½ cup Milk or Broth (using broth enhances flavor)
- To taste Seasonings (salt, pepper, herbs, adjust based on personal taste preferences)
For Serving
- Gravy (homemade or store-bought varieties work well)
- Extra Caramelized Onions (optional, for an extra flavor punch)
Instructions
- Prepare Caramelized Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add 2 large sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, the caramelized onions, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 eggs (at room temperature), ½ cup of milk or broth, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon to avoid overworking the meat, which helps keep the meatloaf tender.
- Shape and Bake: Form the mixture into a loaf shape and place it carefully into a greased baking dish or loaf pan. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through and a thermometer inserted into the center reads 160°F (71°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve topped with warm gravy and extra caramelized onions if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner meatloaf, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Room temperature eggs mix better and ensure a tender texture.
- Using broth instead of milk enhances the umami flavor of the meatloaf.
- Letting the meatloaf rest after baking results in juicier slices.
- Homemade caramelized onions always elevate the flavor, but store-bought can be used in a pinch.
