Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground turkey - 1 large onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced In this recipe, I use a mix of ground beef and turkey. This combo gives a nice balance of flavor and texture. The large onion adds sweetness and depth. Garlic brings in that aromatic punch, making the meatloaf truly special. - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Breadcrumbs help bind the meat together. They also keep the meatloaf moist. Grated Parmesan adds a cheesy flavor that lifts the dish. Thyme, salt, and black pepper round out the taste, giving it a savory kick. - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Beef broth keeps the meatloaf juicy while it cooks. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, umami boost. Balsamic vinegar brings a hint of sweetness, balancing out the savory notes. These liquids work together to enhance the flavor profile and texture of the meatloaf. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking meatloaf. It helps cook the meat evenly and creates a nice crust. 2. Caramelize onions: In a medium skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 large onion, finely diced. Stir and cook for about 10-12 minutes. You want the onions to turn golden brown and soft. After that, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1-2 more minutes. The smell will be amazing! Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool a bit. 1. Combine meats: In a large bowl, mix together 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground turkey. Use your hands or a spoon to combine them well. 2. Incorporate onions and other ingredients: Add the cooled onion and garlic mix to the meat. This step is key for flavor. Next, mix in 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the meatloaf tender! 1. Shape the mixture and place in a baking dish: Shape the meat mixture into a loaf. Make sure it holds together well. Place it in a baking dish. 2. Baking instructions: Pour 1 cup of beef broth around the meatloaf in the pan. This helps keep it moist as it bakes. Bake the meatloaf for about 1 hour. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). After baking, let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making each slice juicy and delicious. To get a great texture, avoid overmixing your meatloaf. Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make it dense and tough. After baking, let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender. For serving, slice the meatloaf on warm plates. Drizzle some of the broth from the pan over the slices for added flavor. Pair your meatloaf with creamy mashed potatoes and bright green beans. This combo makes for a hearty, satisfying meal. To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. You can also try different spices such as paprika or garlic powder. For cheese lovers, you might swap Parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar. These options can add a fun twist to your meatloaf experience. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavor profile of your meatloaf. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant taste that dried versions cannot replicate. Let It Rest: Allowing the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes after baking ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the loaf, resulting in a moister and more flavorful slice. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or cheeses to the meatloaf mixture. Ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or cheddar can elevate the dish even further. Check Doneness with a Thermometer: For perfect results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meatloaf, ensuring it reaches 160°F (70°C) for safe consumption. {{image_4}} You can make a great meatloaf without meat. Use plant-based meats like lentils or mushrooms. These options add a rich texture. For the best flavor, mix in some spices and herbs. You can also use black beans or chickpeas. These give your loaf a hearty taste. Want to make your loaf extra special? Try adding cheese inside. Stuffing it with gooey cheese makes every slice a treat. You can use mozzarella or cheddar for a fun twist. Adding veggies can also boost flavor and nutrition. Chopped bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini work well. Just make sure to chop them small. You can cook your meatloaf in different ways. A slow cooker makes it easy. Just mix your ingredients, shape the loaf, and set it to cook for several hours. This method keeps it moist and tasty. If you prefer a quicker option, try an air fryer. Shape your meatloaf and place it in the fryer basket. Cook it for about 30 minutes. The air fryer gives it a nice crust while keeping it juicy inside. To keep your French Onion Meatloaf fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the meatloaf moist. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. - Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It stays good for up to three months. When reheating, you have two good options: the oven or microwave. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes. - Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, until warm. This helps prevent drying out. How long can you keep French Onion Meatloaf? - In the fridge, it lasts about four days. - In the freezer, it remains good for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. The best meat for meatloaf is a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. Ground beef brings rich flavor and fat. Ground turkey adds lean protein and keeps the meatloaf moist. Together, they create a hearty dish that is not too greasy. You can also use just one type of meat if you prefer. Yes, you can make meatloaf ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh for about three months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake as usual. To check if meatloaf is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). You can also check the texture. The meatloaf should be firm and no longer pink in the middle. Let it rest for about ten minutes before slicing. This lets the juices settle, making it more juicy and tender. This post covered everything about making a delicious meatloaf. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great texture and flavor. Plus, we discussed variations and storage tips. In my view, mastering meatloaf can really impress your friends and family. With these easy guidelines, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and methods to find your best version!

French Onion Meatloaf with a Twist

A delicious meatloaf infused with caramelized onions and a blend of ground meats, topped with fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for cooking.
  • In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced onion. Sauté for 10-12 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat and allow the onion and garlic mixture to cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground turkey, ensuring they are well mixed.
  • Add the cooled caramelized onion and garlic mixture to the meat mixture.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Gently stir the mixture until all the ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Shape the mixture into a loaf and carefully transfer it to a baking dish, ensuring it holds its form.
  • Pour the beef broth around the meatloaf in the baking pan.
  • Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
  • After baking, remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes.
  • Before serving, garnish the meatloaf slices with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
Keyword comfort food, meatloaf, onion