If you’ve ever been tempted to make French onion meatloaf with a packet of onion soup mix—stop right there! This version is all about real ingredients and big flavors, starting with homemade caramelized onions that bring deep, golden sweetness to every bite. Instead of shortcuts, this recipe leans into white wine, beef base, and fresh breadcrumbs to create a meatloaf that’s as rich and savory as a bowl of French onion soup.
I created this meatloaf after someone on Quora asked “What’s the best way to make French onion meatloaf?” As I wrote out what I thought the person was asking for, I decided to actually make it. I’m glad I did as it was delicious!
Oh, and did I mention the Gruyère surprise in the center? One slice in, and you’ll find an irresistible pocket of melty cheese, making every forkful an experience. Topped with even more deeply caramelized onions, this dish is decadent, hearty, and completely unforgettable.
What Makes This Meatloaf Special?
- No Soup Mix! Instead of dry onion soup mix, we’re using Easy Caramelized Onions for deep, authentic flavor.
- White Wine & Beef Base: A few tablespoons of dry white wine and a touch of beef base create an umami-packed richness.
- Sourdough or French Bread Breadcrumbs: Fresh, homemade breadcrumbs make all the difference in texture.
- Gruyère Cheese Center: This meatloaf isn’t just good—it’s indulgent! The melty, nutty cheese adds a surprise burst of flavor.
- Topped with Caramelized Onions: Because there’s no such thing as too much of a good thing!
Serving Suggestions
If you want to really drive home the French onion soup inspiration, try adding a slice of Gruyère on top in the last few minutes and broil until bubbly and golden brown. It’s the kind of finishing touch that takes this meatloaf from amazing to unforgettable.
Give It a Try!
This French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flair—all without relying on processed ingredients. Once you try it this way, you’ll never go back to the soup mix again!
French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
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French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef, 95% lean
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 5 ounce French bread
- 1 teaspoon *Beef base
- 2 tablespoon White wine, chardonnay preferred
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon *Dry mustard
- ½ cup Caramelized Onions
- 3 ounce Gruyere, split
- ½ cup Caramelized Onions
Instructions
- Mise en Place
- Make the caramelized onions in a slow cooker the night before.
- Put the bread into a food processor and process it until it makes large crumbs. Wrap the rack with foil and punch holes in it so the fat can drain. Cut the cheese into two long strips.
- 1 pound Ground beef, 1 pound Ground turkeyCombine the beef and turkey in the stand mixer.
- 1 teaspoon Beef base, 2 tablespoon White wine, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon Dry mustardMix the chardonnay, dry mustard, Worcestershire, and beef base together. Set aside.
- 5 ounce French breadAdd the French bread breadcrumbs to the bowl.
- 1/2 cup Caramelized OnionsAdd half the onions to the bowl.
- Add the liquid to the bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Let the mixture sit in the bowl for about 10 minutes so all the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the mixture from the bowl and form it into a loaf.
- Flatten the loaf and make an indentation large enough to fit the two strips of cheese.
- 3 ounce GruyerePut the cheese in the indentation.
- Pull the meatloaf over the cheese and seal it well on all sides.
- 1/2 cup Caramelized OnionsPut the meatloaf into the Nesco and top if with the remaining onions.
- Roast the meatloaf at 325 °F (163 °C) for about 45 minutes or until the loaf reaches 135 °F (57 °C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove the loaf from the Nesco.
- Serve and enjoy!
