Onion Loaf (Print-Friendly Version)
# 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
01 -
Use a meat thermometer to check the middle hits 160°F (71°C) so it’s safe to eat.
02 -
Swap beef broth for bone broth if you want a deeper taste.
03 -
Add more or less cheese on top depending on what you like.