This French Onion Meatloaf is rich, hearty, and loaded with caramelized onions and melted Gruyere. It stays tender and juicy, reheats beautifully, and makes the perfect gluten free dinner you can make ahead.
10 EASY HEALTHY RECIPES EBOOK
Jump to:
- ❤️ Why You'll Love This French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
- 🛒 Ingredients for French Onion Meatloaf
- 🔪 How to Make Gluten-Free French Onion Meatloaf
- 💡 Tips
- ☑️ Storage Instructions
- 🍴 What to Serve with French Onion Meat Loaf
- 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Why Did My Meatloaf Turn Out Dense?
- Can I Cook This in a Loaf Pan or Should it Be Free Formed?
- Why is My Meatloaf Falling Apart When Sliced?
- Are the Onions Strong in This Meat Loaf?
- 🍽️ More Hearty Beef Recipes
❤️ Why You'll Love This French Onion Meatloaf Recipe
- Perfectly seasoned ground beef and pork
- Filled and topped with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese
- Perfect for meal prepping
- Gluten-free, low carb and family friendly
Sometimes meatloaf just needs a little something extra. This French Onion Meatloaf takes everything you love about classic meatloaf and adds deeply caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese. The result is a meat loaf that's rich, savory, and still very much comfort food.
I love this recipe because it works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for meal prep. The beef and pork keep it juicy, while the onions add so much flavor throughout. It’s the kind of meatloaf that reminds you of your childhood, but with a gourmet touch.
If you love the savory flavors in the this meat load, you will also want to try these French Onion Smothered Pork Chops.
🛒 Ingredients for French Onion Meatloaf
- Ground beef: Forms the hearty base of the meatloaf.
- Ground pork: Adds moisture and richness so the meatloaf stays juicy instead of dry.
- Gruyere cheese: Melts smoothly and adds that signature French onion flavor.
- Onion: Slowly caramelized to bring deep, savory sweetness throughout the meatloaf.
- Eggs: Help bind everything together so the loaf slices cleanly.
- Almond flour: Acts as a low carb binder while keeping the texture tender.
- Garlic: Adds depth and rounds out the savory flavors without stealing the spotlight.
- Au jus mix: Brings a rich, beefy note that pairs perfectly with the caramelized onions.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle flavor balances the richness of the meat.
- Butter: Helps the onions caramelize evenly and develop flavor.
- Olive oil: Prevents sticking and keeps the onions from burning as they cook.
- Thyme: Adds a light herbal note that fits right in with the French onion theme.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
- Ground black pepper: Adds extra flavor.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
🥣 Recommended Tools
🔪 How to Make Gluten-Free French Onion Meatloaf
Add the butter, olive oil, onions, half the salt and pepper to a large skillet over medium low heat.
Sauté until the onions are caramelized, should take about 25 minutes. Remove and reserve ⅓ of the onions for the topping. Add in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds.
Remove from the skillet and chop the remaining onions and add them to a large mixing bowl.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Add in the eggs, au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, almond flour, half the grated Gruyere cheese, remaining salt and pepper.
Mix until combined.
Add in the ground beef and pork, then continue mixing, just until combined. Do not over mix, or your meatloaf could become dense and tough.
Place the loaf in a pan that’s been sprayed with olive oil. Bake for 35 minutes.
Remove from the oven and add the remaining ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese over the meatloaf and add the remaining caramelized onions on top.
Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the meat loaf is at least 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
💡 Tips
- Take your time with the onions and let them fully caramelize. Rushing this step can cause them the burn.
- Place your thermometer in the center of the loaf, not the edges, for the most accurate temperature reading.
- Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing so it holds together cleanly.
- For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts to keep the cheese from dragging.
☑️ Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Let the meatloaf cool completely, then store slices in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze in a freezer safe container for up to three months.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and reheat at 325°F until heated through for the best texture.
🍴 What to Serve with French Onion Meat Loaf
You can serve this cheesy meat loaf with any leafy green vegetable or salad, or try one of these delicious sides:
- Loaded Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
- Oven Roasted Broccoli
- Cheesy Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto
- Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
- Sautéed Broccolini
- Rosemary Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes
🔄 Substitutions and Additions
- Meat mixture: You can use all beef if preferred, but choose one with some fat so the meatloaf stays moist.
- Other proteins: Ground turkey or chicken can work, though the texture will be slightly lighter.
- Gruyere cheese: Swiss cheese is the closest substitute and melts just as well.
- Onions: Yellow onions work best, but white onions will give a slightly stronger flavor.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh gives better flavor.
- Thyme: Dried thyme works if needed, just use about half the amount.
- Worcestershire sauce: Coconut aminos can be used for a milder, slightly sweeter option.
- Add mushrooms: Finely chopped mushrooms can be mixed in for extra moisture and a heartier texture.
Why Did My Meatloaf Turn Out Dense?
Overmixing is usually the culprit. Mix just until everything is combined so the meat stays tender.
Can I Cook This in a Loaf Pan or Should it Be Free Formed?
Both work. A loaf pan gives a classic shape, while free forming allows excess fat to drain away.
Why is My Meatloaf Falling Apart When Sliced?
It likely needs more rest time. Letting it sit for ten minutes helps it firm up before slicing.
Are the Onions Strong in This Meat Loaf?
By caramelizing them it takes away the natural bite and gives them a sweet flavor.
🍽️ More Hearty Beef Recipes
- Slow Cooker Texas Chili
- Prime Rib for Two
- Homemade Chili
- Filet Mignon in Mushroom Sauce
- Salisbury Steak
- Beefy Stuffed Pepper Skillet
Easy & Delicious Low Carb Recipes eBook
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 6 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated and divided
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
- 2 whole eggs, beaten
- ½ cup almond flour
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon au jus mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
Instructions
- Add the butter, olive oil, onions, half the salt and pepper to a large skillet over medium low heat. Sauté until the onions are caramelized, should take about 25 minutes.
- Remove and reserve ⅓ of the onions for the topping. Add in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another 30 seconds. Remove from the skillet and chop the remaining onions and add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.Add in the eggs, au jus mix, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, almond flour, half the grated Gruyere cheese, remaining salt and pepper
- Mix until combined. Add in the ground beef and pork, then continue mixing, just until combined. Do not over mix, or your meatloaf could become dense and tough.
- Place the loaf in the pan of your choice that’s been sprayed with olive oil. Bake for 35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add the remaining half of grated Gruyere cheese over the meatloaf and add the remaining caramelized onions on top. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature of the meat loaf is at least 160°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
*Make sure to scroll up and read the post for substitutions, additions and helpful tips for making this recipe.
*Nutritional data is provided as a courtesy and is accurate to the best of my knowledge. You can verify it using the nutrition calculator of your choice. All data is based on net carbs, without sugar alcohol: Swerve, Erythritol, Monk Fruit or Allulose.
© Copyright for Nutritious Deliciousness. Please use the share buttons to share on social media, but please do not copy/paste the recipe.
Kathy
Thank you for sharing, it sounds very tasty. I haven't made it yet, but will substitute pork rinds instead of almonds for our church group members that have nut allergies.
Nutritious Deliciousness
You can actually substitute with parmesan cheese. It will taste even better and still act as a binder, as the almond flour does. I hope everyone enjoys it!
Cindy
Easy to make and delicious
Nutritious Deliciousness
Thanks so much, I'm happy you enjoyed it!
Lauren
This looks like a great recipe, but what is au jus mix? Something you purchase at a grocery store, like a gravy mix? Isthere an easy way to make it fresh? Thanks.
Nutritious Deliciousness
Yes, it's like a gravy mix, usually used for a French dip. You can use some beef bouillon instead, as that would be comparable.