Ask anyone what their favorite comfort meal is, and there's a good chance the answer will be meatloaf. But as good as meatloaf is, it can also become a bit boring, can't it? Luckily, it doesn't have to be. As you can see in the recipe below, you can dress up meatloaf as much as you want. Make it extra elegant by combining it with the flavors of French onion soup.
This meatloaf is so impressive, you could even serve it to company. Even though guests might at first be impressed with the melted Swiss cheese on top, they'll love it even more after they take that first bite. That's because the cheese isn't the only way this meatloaf mimics French onion soup. It's also full of caramelized onions inside and out. That might just be the best way to dress up traditional meatloaf.
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup Swiss cheese, grated
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fand grease a 9-by-13 loaf pan.
2. Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and toss to coat in the oil.
3. Cook, over very low heat, stirring regularly, until the onions start to release their natural sugars and turn soft and brown. This can take up to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
4. Place the breadcrumbs in a large bowl and add milk, stirring to combine. Add half of the caramelized onions, garlic, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add the ground beef and the eggs and combine everything together gently with your hands. Do not overwork the meat or the meatloaf will be tough.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and gently press down so the top is an even layer.
6. Place the meatloaf into the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the meatloaf is cooked through. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and turn the broiler on.
7. Sprinkle the remaining half of the caramelized onions on top of the meatloaf. Sprinkle with Swiss cheese.
8. Place the meatloaf under the broiler for two minutes, until the cheese is melted and charred in some areas.
Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
