French Onion Meatloaf

🧅 French Onion Meatloaf (Mediterranean Style)

Serves: 6–8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes

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🛒 Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)

• Pinch of salt

Meatloaf

• 700 g (1½ lb) ground beef (or beef + lamb mix)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¾ cup breadcrumbs or soaked bread (Mediterranean-style)

• ½ cup milk or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Cheese Topping

• 1½ cups shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone

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🔪 Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Add onions and salt; cook 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.

3. Add thyme and cool slightly.

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2. Prepare the Meatloaf

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a large bowl, combine meat, garlic, breadcrumbs, milk/yogurt, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire.

3. Gently fold in ½ of the caramelized onions.

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3. Shape & Bake

1. Shape mixture into a loaf in a greased loaf pan or on a lined baking tray.

2. Bake 40 minutes uncovered.

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4. Add Topping

1. Remove from oven; spread remaining onions over top.

2. Sprinkle cheese evenly.

3. Return to oven for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

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5. Rest & Serve

• Rest 10 minutes before slicing.

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🌿 Serving Suggestions

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Green beans or sautéed spinach

• Mediterranean salad with lemon vinaigrette

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💡 Tips & Variations

• Add mushrooms to onions for extra umami

• Use ground turkey for a lighter version

• Serve with garlic yogurt sauce instead of gravy