French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for moisture)
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the French Onion Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray .
Caramelize the Onions:
In a skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized .
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, French onion soup mix, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chopped thyme, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat .
Assemble the Meatloaf:
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it in the center of the loaf pan. Spread half of the caramelized onions over the meatloaf .
Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the onions. Add the remaining meat mixture on top, followed by the rest of the onions and cheese .
Bake the Meatloaf:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) .
Add the Final Cheese Layer:
During the last 10 minutes of baking, add the remaining Swiss cheese slices on top of the meatloaf to melt .
Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Pair with garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh salad for a complete meal .