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**French Onion Meatloaf: A Savory Twist on a Classic Comfort Food**
When it comes to comfort food, **meatloaf** has long been a family favorite. But what if you could take this classic dish and elevate it with an irresistible, savory twist? Enter **French Onion Meatloaf**—a delicious variation that combines the rich, savory flavor of French onion soup with the hearty, satisfying goodness of meatloaf.
This recipe infuses tender ground beef with caramelized onions, French onion soup mix, and melted cheese, creating a flavorful loaf that’s moist, juicy, and packed with umami. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or need a comforting weeknight dinner, **French Onion Meatloaf** is sure to become a new favorite. Here’s how to make it:
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### **Why You’ll Love French Onion Meatloaf**
– **Rich, Savory Flavor**: The caramelized onions and French onion soup mix add depth and richness to the meatloaf, giving it a mouthwatering flavor that’s anything but ordinary.
– **Juicy and Moist**: The addition of French onion soup mix ensures that the meatloaf stays moist and tender, even after baking.
– **Cheesy Goodness**: Melted cheese on top adds an indulgent layer of flavor, while also giving the meatloaf a nice golden, crispy finish.
– **Easy to Make**: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this meatloaf comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
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### **Ingredients You’ll Need**
For the **Meatloaf**:
– **1 lb ground beef** (you can also use a combination of beef and pork for extra flavor)
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **1 packet French onion soup mix** (the kind you’d use for the soup)
– **1/2 cup breadcrumbs** (preferably plain)
– **1/4 cup milk**
– **1 large egg**
– **1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce**
– **1 teaspoon garlic powder**
– **1 teaspoon dried thyme** (optional, for added flavor)
– **Salt and pepper** to taste
For the **Topping**:
– **1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese** (or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar)
– **1/2 cup caramelized onions** (optional, for extra onion flavor)
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### **How to Make French Onion Meatloaf**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or you can form the meatloaf into a free-standing loaf on a baking sheet if you prefer a crispy crust.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Onion Mixture**
In a medium skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the **chopped onion** and cook until golden and caramelized, about **8-10 minutes**, stirring occasionally. This step adds a deep, sweet flavor to your meatloaf. If you’re short on time, you can also use frozen caramelized onions or simply sauté the onions until softened.
#### **Step 3: Combine the Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **ground beef**, **French onion soup mix**, **breadcrumbs**, **milk**, **egg**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **garlic powder**, and **thyme**. Add the caramelized onions (if you’re not using pre-cooked ones) and mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
#### **Step 4: Form the Meatloaf**
Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, shaping it into a loaf shape. If you’re baking it on a sheet pan, shape it into a loaf and place it on the sheet.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Meatloaf**
Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for about **45-55 minutes**, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. You may want to check the meatloaf at the 40-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
#### **Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping**
When the meatloaf is nearly done, sprinkle the **shredded mozzarella cheese** (and cheddar, if desired) evenly on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven for an additional **5-7 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For extra flavor, you can add a layer of **caramelized onions** on top of the cheese.
#### **Step 7: Rest and Serve**
Once the meatloaf is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **10 minutes** before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and juicy.
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
1. **Bold, Onion Flavor**: The use of **French onion soup mix** and **caramelized onions** ensures a rich, onion-infused taste that pairs perfectly with the beef. The sweetness of the caramelized onions balances the savory flavors of the soup mix.
2. **Moist and Tender**: The addition of breadcrumbs, milk, and eggs ensures that the meatloaf stays tender and doesn’t dry out. The French onion soup mix adds moisture as well, giving the meatloaf a juicy texture.
3. **Cheese Topping**: The melted cheese creates a golden, gooey topping that adds richness and texture to the dish, making each bite even more indulgent.
4. **Easy to Make**: The recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. With just a few steps, you can create a flavor-packed meatloaf that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
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