French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

All the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup in a juicy, cheesy meatloaf.

Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 1 hr | Servings: 6

📝 Ingredients

For the Onions

• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tsp sugar

For the Meatloaf

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef

• 1 lb (450 g) ground pork

• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup milk

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp dried thyme

For the Topping

• Reserved caramelized onions

• 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Caramelize the Onions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

• Add onions and sugar, cooking 18–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.

2️⃣ Mix the Meat Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and thyme.

• Add most of the caramelized onions, reserving some for topping.

• Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.

3️⃣ Shape and Bake

• Transfer meat mixture to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.

• Press gently into an even loaf shape.

• Top with reserved onions.

• Bake 45 minutes.

4️⃣ Add Cheese and Finish

• Sprinkle Swiss cheese over the top.

• Return to oven for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5️⃣ Rest and Serve

• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

• Serve warm, ideally with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

💡 Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère for an even more authentic French onion flavor.

• Extra Juicy: Mix in 2–3 tbsp beef broth to the meat mixture before baking.

Do you want me to also make a one-pan sheet version of this meatloaf for easier weeknight cooking?