Meatloaf has an image problem. It’s been abused with dry, overcooked textures and ketchup-drenched exteriors that lack real depth. But this French Onion Meatloaf? It’s about to rewrite everything you know about meatloaf.
Think about it—French Onion Soup is pure magic. Caramelized onions, rich beefy flavors, and melty cheese that stretches when you pull your spoon away. Now imagine those flavors infused into a juicy, cheesy, stuffed meatloaf.
This is not your grandma’s good meatloaf recipe (unless your grandma was a culinary genius). It’s tender, bursting with flavor, and low-carb! And if you love indulgent, cheesy dishes, you should also check out this cheesy loaded meatloaf casserole.
Why This is the Best Meatloaf You’ll Ever Make
Let’s be real—most meatloaf recipes fall into one of two camps: too dry or too bland. This French Fried Onion Meatloaf fixes that with caramelized onions for richness, Gruyère cheese for creaminess, and the perfect mix of beef and pork for tenderness.
Here’s why this recipe is a game-changer:
- Caramelized Onions Bring Depth – Slow-cooked onions add a sweet, rich complexity that makes every bite better.
- Stuffed Meatloaf = Built-In Cheese Goodness – Gruyère melts beautifully, making this cheesy stuffed meatloaf a next-level experience.
- The Right Meat Ratio – A blend of hamburger meat and pork keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Keto-Friendly & Low-Carb – Ditch the breadcrumbs! Crushed pork rinds act as the perfect binder while keeping it grain-free.
If you’re a French Onion Soup lover, The Allrecipes has a great breakdown of what makes those flavors so iconic.
Ingredients You Need for the Perfect Meatloaf
To make this best meatloaf recipe, you’ll need:
Meat & Seasonings
- 1 lb hamburger meat (ground beef)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder & 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Tandoori Masala (adds warmth and depth)
Caramelized Onion Mixture
- 2 tbsp butter or bacon grease
- 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
Binders & Cheese
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds (or ½ cup almond flour)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup French Fried Onions
Looking for another easy dinner idea? This hobo casserole with ground beef is packed with flavor and super simple to make.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Juiciest Meatloaf
1. Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over low heat, add sliced onions, and sprinkle with salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook slow and low for about 20 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine hamburger meat, ground pork, pork rinds, egg, and seasonings. Add half of your caramelized onions and mix everything thoroughly. Yes, your hands work best!
3. Shape & Bake the Meatloaf
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Add Cheese & Caramelized Onions
Once the meatloaf is cooked, top it with shredded Gruyère cheese and the remaining onions. Place it back in the oven for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
5. Finish with a Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle French Fried Onions on top for a crispy, flavorful finish. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Want more cheesy, meaty goodness? Check out Serious Eats’ guide to melting cheese like a pro.
What to Serve with French Onion Meatloaf
This stuffed meatloaf pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed cauliflower, or a fresh green salad. But if you’re craving full-on comfort food, serve it with this loaded bacon cheeseburger alfredo.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Avoid the microwave! Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes to maintain juiciness.
More Delicious Meatloaf Recipes
If you love this French Onion Meatloaf, here are more cheesy, meaty dishes you’ll want to try:
- Cheesy Loaded Meatloaf Casserole
- Hobo Casserole with Ground Beef
- Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo
- Hamburger Potato Casserole
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
- Meat & Seasonings:
- 1 lb hamburger meat ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Tandoori Masala optional, for depth
- Caramelized Onion Mixture:
- 2 tbsp butter or bacon grease
- 1 large white onion thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Binders & Cheese:
- 1 cup crushed pork rinds or ½ cup almond flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- Topping:
- ¼ cup French Fried Onions
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over low heat, add sliced onions, and sprinkle with salt. Stir occasionally and let them cook slow and low for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine hamburger meat, ground pork, pork rinds, egg, and seasonings. Add half of the caramelized onions and mix everything thoroughly.
- Shape & Bake the Meatloaf: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Add Cheese & Caramelized Onions: Once the meatloaf is cooked, top it with shredded Gruyère cheese and the remaining onions. Place it back in the oven for 5 minutes to let the cheese melt.
- Finish with a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle French Fried Onions on top for a crispy, flavorful finish. Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices.
Notes
- For a keto-friendly option, use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Swap Gruyère cheese for Swiss, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar if needed.
- To keep the meatloaf extra juicy, mix beef and pork for the perfect balance of fat and flavor.
- Let the meatloaf rest before slicing—it keeps everything moist and holds it together better.
This French Onion Meatloaf is cheesy, juicy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for Sunday dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a household favorite.
If you’ve suffered through bland, dry meatloaf, this recipe is your redemption. Now, go make the best stuffed meatloaf of your life—you deserve it!
