Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 lbs sweet onions, peeled and thinly sliced
For the Meatloaf
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3 fresh cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices Gruyère cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with avocado oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 25–30 minutes until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized. Remove from heat and allow them to cool.
- Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir in about two-thirds of the cooled caramelized onions, reserving the rest for topping.
- Shape Meatloaf: Transfer the meat mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Press it gently and evenly into the pan to form the meatloaf shape.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 150°F (65°C) for medium doneness.
- Add Cheese and Onions: Remove the meatloaf from the oven and immediately lay the slices of Gruyère cheese over the top. Then spread the remaining caramelized onions on top of the cheese.
- Broil to Finish (Optional): For a golden, bubbly topping, broil the meatloaf for a few minutes until the cheese is browned and the onions have a nice roasted finish.
- Serve: Slice the meatloaf and serve hot as a comforting main dish for your family dinner.
Notes
- Using sweet onions enhances the caramelization and adds natural sweetness to balance the savory meat.
- Allow the caramelized onions to cool before mixing into the meat mixture to prevent overcooking the egg and breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute coconut aminos for Worcestershire sauce to keep it gluten-free or soy-free.
- Checking the internal temperature ensures the meatloaf is cooked through but still moist.
- Broiling the top is optional but gives a beautiful golden finish to the cheese and onions.
- Leftovers keep well and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American