French Onion Meatloaf: A Surprisingly Delicious Twist on a Classic
This recipe elevates the humble meatloaf to gourmet status with the rich, savory depth of French onion soup. Forget bland, dry meatloaf; this version is juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly sophisticated. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this French Onion Meatloaf is sure to become a family favorite.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe combines the comforting familiarity of meatloaf with the complex flavors of French onion soup. We achieve this juicy, tender result through several key techniques:
- Caramelized Onions: The foundation of any good French onion soup, and therefore this meatloaf, is deeply caramelized onions. Their sweetness balances the richness of the meat, adding incredible depth of flavor.
- Beef Broth Infusion: Adding beef broth to the meat mixture keeps the meatloaf incredibly moist.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a savory umami punch that complements the onions perfectly.
- Breadcrumbs & Egg Binder: These ensure a cohesive and tender meatloaf that holds its shape beautifully.
Ingredients You'll Need
- For the Caramelized Onions:
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Meatloaf:
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Caramelized onions (from above)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions: This is the most time-consuming step, but crucial for flavor. Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-30 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and caramelized. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Incorporate the Caramelized Onions: Stir in the caramelized onions.
4. Shape and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan (9x5 inches). Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the prepared pan and shape into a loaf.
5. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Success
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing can result in a tough meatloaf.
- Use good quality ground beef: The flavor of the meatloaf will be directly impacted by the quality of the ground beef you use.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your liking.
- Make it ahead: This meatloaf can be made ahead of time and reheated.
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