French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf

French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf

ByVerj Recipes

There’s something about meatloaf that feels like home. It’s the kind of dinner that makes the whole kitchen smell warm and welcoming, like you’ve been cooking all day — even if you haven’t. Now imagine that classic comfort food wrapped around sweet, jammy caramelized onions and gooey melted cheese. That’s exactly what this French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf delivers.

It’s cozy. It’s rich. It’s the kind of meal you make on a chilly evening when you want something hearty and satisfying. The onions cook down slowly until they’re deep golden and almost silky, and when you slice into the loaf, that melted Gruyère stretches just enough to make everyone at the table lean in a little closer. It’s comfort food with a little extra magic.

If you love French onion soup and classic meatloaf, this is where the two meet — and trust me, they get along beautifully.

French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

  • 2 pounds ground beef

  • 1/2 pound ground pork

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup whole milk

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the French Onion Filling & Topping:

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions

Start with the onions — they’re the heart of this recipe.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Stir them gently and let them cook low and slow. After about 20–25 minutes, they’ll turn soft, golden, and beautifully caramelized. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point.

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until slightly reduced. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool a bit.

2. Mix the meat

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overwork it — think of it as folding everything together rather than kneading. This keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.

3. Build the loaf

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

On a lined baking sheet or in a loaf pan, press half of the meat mixture into a loaf shape. Make a slight well down the center. Spoon half of the caramelized onions into that space and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the onions.

Top with the remaining meat mixture. Carefully seal the edges so all that cheesy goodness stays tucked inside. Shape it into a compact loaf.

4. Bake

Place the meatloaf in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).

5. Add the finishing touch

Take the meatloaf out of the oven. Spoon the remaining caramelized onions over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

Return it to the oven for 8–10 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles. You’ll see it turn glossy and irresistible.

6. Rest and slice

Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it stay juicy and hold its shape.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving.

Presentation

For a beautiful presentation, slice the meatloaf thick enough to show off that cheesy onion center. Arrange the slices slightly overlapping on a warm platter. Spoon any extra pan juices over the top for a glossy finish.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color against the golden cheese. Serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those savory flavors, or roasted vegetables for a little balance. If you’re feeling extra cozy, a piece of crusty bread on the side never hurts.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 520 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 6 servings

Conclusion

This French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf isn’t just dinner — it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone linger at the table a little longer. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting without being boring, and familiar with just enough of a twist to make it feel special.

If you’ve been craving something hearty and homemade, this is your sign to make it soon. Light a candle, put on your favorite playlist, and let that onion-and-cheese aroma fill your kitchen. You’re going to love every last bite.

Spread the love