French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

A classic twist on the traditional meatloaf, French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is a comfort food masterpiece. Combining the savory essence of French onion soup with a juicy, flavorful meatloaf and gooey, melted Swiss cheese, this recipe delivers an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Meatloaf:

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 packet (1 ounce) French onion soup mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Topping:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to absorb the liquid.
3. Add ground beef, egg, French onion soup mix, garlic powder, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatloaf dense.
5. Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 2: Bake the Meatloaf

1. Bake the meatloaf in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
2. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the caramelized onions for the topping.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and olive oil.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced onions, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
4. Add the beef broth to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Finish the Meatloaf

1. After 45 minutes of baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven. Carefully spoon the caramelized onions on top of the meatloaf.
2. Lay the Swiss cheese slices over the onions, covering the top of the loaf completely.
3. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish the meatloaf with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
2. Slice and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatloaf is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160°F (71°C).
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the meatloaf ingredients, mix just until combined to keep the texture tender and moist.
3. Customize the Topping: While Swiss cheese pairs beautifully with caramelized onions, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Provolone, or Mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
4. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and caramelized onions in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then assemble and bake when ready.
5. Leftover Idea: Use any leftover meatloaf for delicious sandwiches the next day. Simply reheat and serve on crusty bread with additional onions and cheese.

Calories and Nutritional Information

Per Serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 375
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 740mg