Here’s a comprehensive and unique article about French Onion Meatloafs, including a step-by-step method to make them perfectly juicy and flavorful.
French Onion Meatloafs: A Savory Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
Meatloaf is a quintessential comfort food—warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. But when you combine it with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, it becomes something truly extraordinary. French Onion Meatloafs bring the aromatic sweetness of onions and the tangy, savory notes of a classic French onion topping into a personal-sized meatloaf masterpiece. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a special occasion, this recipe transforms traditional meatloaf into a gourmet delight.
Ingredients
For the meatloaf:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
- 1 cup finely chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional, for a melty surprise)
For the French onion topping:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (optional, adds depth)
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar and salt, and stir occasionally.
- Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft.
- Pour in the beef broth and balsamic vinegar, simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Remove from heat and set aside. These caramelized onions will serve as the luscious topping for your meatloafs.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onions, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix gently using your hands or a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatloaf tender.
- If using, fold in the shredded cheese for pockets of gooey goodness.
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