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Delicious French Onion Loaf

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Ground beef and onions get cooked slowly to bring out deep flavors. Stir in herbs, panko, and Dijon gently. Shape it all into a loaf and bake. After it’s done, pour on a mix of melted mozzarella and Gruyère, scatter more onions on top, then broil until bubbly and golden. The sweet onions and gooey cheese make a comforting meal that everyone will love.

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Lindsey
Created By Lindsey
Last updated on Wed, 10 Sep 2025 19:18:53 GMT
Plate with cheese-covered meatloaf and onions Save Pin
Plate with cheese-covered meatloaf and onions | cookbing.com

French onion soup meets classic comfort for a fancy but easy dinner. Long-cooked onions, juicy beef, and a rich cheese drizzle make this feel special. It’s great for crowds and turns a chilly evening into a warm, happy night at home.

All the Ingredients

  • Shredded mozzarella: A handful (one cup) melts easily and gives that cheese sauce extra creaminess
  • Ground beef: Go for two pounds of 80/20 for the right amount of flavor and juice
  • Beef broth: You'll need a cup for deep flavor and to keep onions tender
  • Garlic: Four cloves, chopped up, for a boost of taste
  • Shredded Gruyère cheese: One cup, both in the sauce and up top, brings a nutty vibe
  • Eggs: Two big ones to help the mix stick together
  • All-purpose flour: Add a tablespoon to thicken your cheese sauce the easy way
  • Panko breadcrumbs: One cup for a loaf that holds but isn’t heavy
  • Dijon mustard: Two teaspoons to punch up the flavor a bit
  • Milk: Half a cup to loosen the cheese sauce and make it creamy
  • Olive oil: Two spoons for sweating those onions
  • Sweet onions: Three big ones, slice thin and let them slowly get sweet
  • Butter: Start your cheese sauce with two spoonfuls
  • Fresh thyme: A spoon chopped to give a fresh, herby note
  • Ground black pepper: One teaspoon for a tiny kick
  • Salt: A teaspoon and a half to wake up all the flavors
  • Worcestershire sauce: Two spoons for deep, savory taste

Simple Steps to Get It Done

Broil to Finish:
Out of the oven? Pile on those caramelized onions you saved, drizzle that cheesy sauce, and top with Gruyère. Throw under the broiler for a few quick minutes, watch for bubbling and golden spots, then pull it out.
Cheese Sauce Time:
While the loaf bakes, put butter in a small pan, melt it, and sprinkle in flour. Give it a good stir for a minute or two so it’s not raw. Pour in milk and beef broth while whisking and let it cook till thick. Take it off the heat, then toss in both cheeses and mix till melty and smooth.
Shape & Bake:
Set oven to 375. Squash the beef mix into a loaf on a baking tray you’ve lined with parchment. Shape it about 8 by 4 inches. Let it bake 35–40 minutes until it’s cooked all the way (160 degrees inside).
Mix It All:
In a bowl, blend ground beef, Panko, eggs, Worcestershire, Dijon, thyme, salt, pepper, and half those golden onions. Don’t overmix! Just bring it together gently with your hands or a spatula.
Get Those Onions Golden:
Warm up olive oil in a big pan. Toss in your sliced onions with a bit of salt and cook, stirring off and on for 25 to 30 minutes. Splash beef broth in once in a while so nothing sticks. Once they look deep golden, mix in garlic for two more minutes. Scoop out half for later.
Plate covered in onions and gooey melted cheese over a slice of meat. Save Pin
Plate covered in onions and gooey melted cheese over a slice of meat. | cookbing.com

Keep It Fresh

Put any leftovers in a tight container or wrap them up before popping in the fridge. They'll stay good for about four days. Reheat gently in the oven or pop in the microwave. For freezing, cut into portions, put parchment between layers, then freeze. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight before heating.

Try These Swaps

Serving Fun

Story Behind the Dish

Meat slice loaded with onions and gooey cheese. Save Pin
Meat slice loaded with onions and gooey cheese. | cookbing.com

Common Questions

→ How do I get the onions perfectly caramelized?

Slice onions thin and cook them slowly in olive oil over medium heat. Keep stirring often until they get deep golden and sweet, which usually takes 25-30 minutes. Adding a splash of beef broth helps lift the browned bits for extra flavor.

→ What stops the meatloaf from getting tough?

Mix the beef and other ingredients just until combined. Overmixing squeezes out juices and makes the loaf dry and dense.

→ Can I check doneness with a thermometer?

For sure, go for an internal temp of 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.

→ How do I make the cheese sauce?

Whip up a quick roux by cooking butter and flour briefly, then stir in milk and beef broth till thickened. Finish by melting in shredded mozzarella and Gruyère for a creamy topping.

→ Is there a good substitute for beef broth?

Bone broth works great if you want a richer flavor, but regular beef broth is fine too.

→ How do I get that melted bubbly cheese on top?

Spread the cheese sauce and cooked onions over the loaf, then broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly with a bit of crisp.

Onion Loaf

Meatloaf packed with caramelized onions and covered in smooth melted cheese for a flavorful treat.

Preparation Time
30 Minutes
Cooking Time
45 Minutes
Overall Time
75 Minutes
Created By: Lindsey

Recipe Type: Main Courses

Skill Level: Moderate

Type of Cuisine: French-American mix

Serves: 6 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meat and Binders

01 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
02 1 cup Panko crumbs
03 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
04 1 teaspoon black pepper
05 2 large eggs
06 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
07 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
08 1 ½ teaspoons salt

→ Onions and Aromatics

09 3 big sweet onions, sliced thin
10 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids and Broth

12 1 cup beef broth
13 ½ cup milk

→ Cheese and Sauce

14 1 cup shredded Mozzarella
15 2 tablespoons butter
16 1 cup shredded Gruyère
17 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Warm olive oil in a large pan on medium. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Stir from time to time while they soften and turn golden in about 25 to 30 minutes. Splash some beef broth now and then to keep things loose. Stir in garlic last and cook another couple of minutes. Keep half the onions to use later.

Step 02

Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a big bowl, combine ground beef, Panko, eggs, Worcestershire, mustard, thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the cooked onions. Mix gently until it just sticks together. Don’t mix too much or it’ll get tough.

Step 03

Shape the meat mixture into a loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Put it in the oven uncovered and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Make sure it cooks fully inside.

Step 04

Melt butter over medium heat in a small pot. Add flour and stir for a couple of minutes to make a thick paste called a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth to avoid lumps. Cook till it thickens up. Take it off the heat and stir in Mozzarella and Gruyère until smooth and creamy.

Step 05

Take the meatloaf out and spread the leftover onions on top. Pour the cheese sauce over that and sprinkle extra Gruyère for a crispy topping. Slide it back under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until it bubbles and browns a bit.

Helpful Notes

  1. Use a meat thermometer to check the middle hits 160°F (71°C) so it’s safe to eat.
  2. Swap beef broth for bone broth if you want a deeper taste.
  3. Add more or less cheese on top depending on what you like.

Essential Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Small pot
  • Meat thermometer
  • Baking sheet lined with parchment
  • Large frying pan

Allergen Warnings

Always review the ingredient labels for allergens or consult a healthcare professional with concerns.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, gluten from Panko crumbs, and soy from Worcestershire sauce.

Nutritional Info (Per Portion)

Nutritional values are approximations and shouldn’t be viewed as customized health guidance.
  • Calories: 600
  • Fat Content: 35 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Protein Content: 40 grams