French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Cheese (Oven-Baked & Juicy)
If you’re looking for a comfort food dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family meals, this French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Cheese is exactly what you need. It combines juicy seasoned ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a generous layer of melted cheese baked to golden perfection. This is the kind of classic oven meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 for best juiciness)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for caramelizing)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Topping:
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1 Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, ketchup, and all seasonings. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix—this keeps the meatloaf tender and juicy.
2 Shape the Meatloaf
Lightly grease a baking dish. Shape the meat mixture into a long loaf and place it in the center of the dish.
3 Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and sugar. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn soft, golden, and caramelized (about 15–20 minutes).
4 Make the Gravy
Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the onions. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until slightly thickened.
5 Bake
Pour the onion gravy around the meatloaf.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 45–50 minutes, until fully cooked.
6 Add the Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and generously cover the meatloaf with shredded cheese. Return to the oven for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
Final Result
- Juicy, tender meatloaf
- Rich, savory onion gravy
- Stretchy, golden melted cheese
A true comfort classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Serving Suggestions
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Buttered green beans
- Rice or roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread to soak up the gravy
Helpful Tips
- Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a true French onion flavor
- Let the meatloaf rest 10 minutes before slicing
- Leftovers taste even better the next day