If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines the savory goodness of French onion soup with the heartiness of meatloaf, then French onion meatloaf is your answer. This delightful meal not only brings nostalgia with its rich flavors but also offers a modern twist to a classic dish. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this meatloaf is packed with flavor and easily made in your slow cooker. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that elevates the traditional meatloaf to new heights.
Why We Love This French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
This French onion meatloaf stands out because it infuses the classic taste of French onion soup into each juicy slice. The savory goodness of onions combines perfectly with the richness of the meat, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful dish. It’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort, and cooks slowly to develop deeper flavors. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this flavorful meatloaf will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce a twist on comfort food everyone already loves.
Ingredients about French Onion Meatloaf
To make French onion meatloaf, you need a handful of simple ingredients. Each of these components contributes to the deliciously rich flavor and perfect texture of the meatloaf.
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
How to Make French Onion Meatloaf Directions
Making French onion meatloaf is simple and straightforward. Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouthwatering dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the French onion soup, breadcrumbs, and chopped onions. This mixture is the heart of your meatloaf and will infuse it with incredible flavor.
- Next, add in the milk, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients help keep your meatloaf moist and flavorful.
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your meatloaf dense. Aim for a consistent mixture that holds together but still has a good texture.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf. This step is about forming your meatloaf into a shape that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
- Place the shaped meatloaf into your slow cooker. If you’re concerned about sticking, you can line the slow cooker with parchment paper or lightly grease it beforehand.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook the meatloaf. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatloaf moist.
- If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This will give you a deliciously gooey topping that complements the meatloaf wonderfully.
- Once it’s finished cooking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, preventing it from drying out when cut.
How to Serve French Onion Meatloaf
Serving your French onion meatloaf can be as simple or as gourmet as you like. After slicing the meatloaf, place it on a warm serving platter or individual plates. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes. The buttery texture of the potatoes balances the rich flavors of the meatloaf beautifully.
- Serve it alongside steamed vegetables such as green beans or carrots. The freshness adds a crunchy contrast to the dense meatloaf.
- Top each slice with a drizzle of extra French onion soup or gravy for added moisture and flavor.
- For a casual touch, place the meatloaf on crusty bread and make delicious sandwiches. This is a fun way to present leftovers!
Expert Tips: French Onion Meatloaf
To ensure your French onion meatloaf turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:
- Use lean beef: For the best texture and flavor, use ground beef with about 80% lean meat. This allows for juiciness without excess grease.
- Customize your onion flavor: If you enjoy a stronger onion flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onions until they’re caramelized before adding them to the mixture. This will enhance the richness of the dish.
- Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of salt and pepper based on your preferences. You can even experiment with garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of flavor.
- Avoid overmixing: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a tender texture.
How to Store French Onion Meatloaf
Storing your French onion meatloaf properly ensures that you can enjoy it even after the first meal. Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Refrigerate: Let the meatloaf cool completely at room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, slice the meatloaf and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven.
Variation of French Onion Meatloaf
While the traditional French onion meatloaf is delicious on its own, you can easily switch things up. Here are some variations to try:
- Cheesy Italian Meatloaf: Mix in Italian seasoning along with mozzarella cheese into the meat mixture. Top with marinara sauce instead of French onion soup for a twist.
- Stuffed Meatloaf: Create a hollow in the center of your meatloaf and fill it with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, onions, and cheese. This adds an exciting surprise with each slice.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian option. Use the same measurements for the other ingredients.
FAQ
What makes French Onion Meatloaf different from regular meatloaf?
French onion meatloaf stands out due to the addition of French onion soup, which adds a rich, savory flavor and moisture that is different from traditional meatloaf recipes.
Can I use other types of meat for French Onion Meatloaf?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian option while keeping the other ingredients the same for flavor.
Is French Onion Meatloaf suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! French onion meatloaf can be frozen either whole or sliced, making it easy to enjoy later. Just remember to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
How do I know when my French Onion Meatloaf is done?
The best way to check if your meatloaf is done is to use a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be safely consumed. If it’s not quite there, give it a little extra cooking time.
Can I add vegetables to the meatloaf mixture?
Definitely! Vegetables like grated carrots or finely chopped bell peppers can add nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to keep the overall moisture content balanced.
Is it necessary to add cheese on top?
Adding cheese is optional but recommended! It enhances the flavor and adds a delicious gooey layer that many people love. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer a lighter option.
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef Use ground beef with about 80% lean meat for best results.
- 1 cup French onion soup This adds rich flavor and moisture.
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup chopped onions For a stronger onion flavor, consider sautéing until caramelized.
- 0.25 cup milk Helps keep the meatloaf moist.
- 1 large egg For binding the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) Sprinkle on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with the French onion soup, breadcrumbs, and chopped onions.
- Add in the milk, egg, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf that will fit comfortably in your slow cooker.
- Place the shaped meatloaf into your slow cooker, optionally lining or greasing it beforehand.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and choose to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the meatloaf during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Once finished, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
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