French Onion Meatloaf with Gruyère Cheese

This French Onion Meatloaf is one of those dishes that instantly makes a kitchen feel warmer. It’s inspired by the cozy flavors of classic French onion soup — sweet, slow-cooked onions, rich beef, and melty Gruyère — all wrapped up in a comforting, sliceable meatloaf.

It’s the kind of meal you make on a quiet evening when you want something hearty but a little special. As it bakes, the house fills with the smell of caramelized onions and savory beef, and by the time it comes out of the oven, bubbling and golden, it feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for family dinners, leftovers the next day, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a twist.

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Meatloaf

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramelized onions, cooled
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

For the Topping

1/2 cup caramelized onions (reserved)
1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions
Start with a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Cook slowly, stirring now and then. After about 25–30 minutes, they’ll turn soft, deep golden, and sweet. If they brown too fast, lower the heat. Set them aside to cool. Measure out 1 cup for the meatloaf and reserve 1/2 cup for the topping.

2. Prepare the meatloaf mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until spongy. Add the ground beef, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, caramelized onions, and Gruyère cheese. Mix gently — just until everything comes together.

3. Shape the meatloaf
Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking sheet or loaf pan. Shape it into a loaf about 8 inches long.

4. Bake
Place it in the oven and bake for 40 minutes.

5. Add the topping
Carefully pull the meatloaf out. Spoon the reserved caramelized onions over the top and sprinkle with the remaining Gruyère.

6. Final bake
Return it to the oven for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, lightly golden, and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

7. Rest and serve
Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything stay juicy and neat.

Presentation

Serve thick slices with a little extra melted cheese stretching over the sides. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness. This meatloaf pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For extra coziness, drizzle a bit of pan juice over the slices before serving.

Conclusion

This French Onion Meatloaf is comfort food at its best — rich, savory, and deeply satisfying without being fussy. The sweet onions and nutty Gruyère make it feel elevated, while still being familiar and easy to love. If you’re looking for a dinner that feels homemade, comforting, and just a little indulgent, this recipe is well worth trying. Light the oven, take your time with the onions, and enjoy every cozy bite.