Description

This French Onion Meatloaf with Caramelized Onion Gravy takes classic comfort food to a new level, infusing rich, savory flavors into every bite with deeply caramelized onions. It’s perfect for busy families, transforming ground beef into a gourmet-inspired meal with a luscious, homemade gravy.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs lean ground beef (80/20)
2 large yellow onions
1 cup (approx. 50g) panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
0.25 cup (60ml) milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (475ml) beef broth
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

Caramelize Onions: Thinly slice both onions. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and jam-like sweet (30-40 min). Set aside half for the gravy.
Mix Meatloaf Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, remaining caramelized onions, panko breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined (10 min), avoiding overmixing.
Form and Bake Meatloaf: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Shape the mixture into a neat 9×5 inch loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 60-75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), and the crust looks firm and golden brown.
Prepare Caramelized Onion Gravy: While the meatloaf rests for 10 minutes, melt 3 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in 2 cups (475ml) beef broth and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens and appears glossy (10-15 min). Stir in the reserved caramelized onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For perfectly cooked meatloaf, use a meat thermometer. Avoid overmixing meat to prevent dryness; using 80/20 ground beef provides enough fat for moisture. Whisking constantly is key when making gravy to avoid lumps. Patience is vital for proper onion caramelization at consistent, medium-low heat.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 130 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 150 g)
Calories: 400 calories
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: French onion, meatloaf, caramelized onion gravy, comfort food, ground beef, easy dinner, savory, family meal, baking, homemade gravy