Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *easy French onion meatloaf*! It’s one of those cozy dinner recipes that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug. I remember the first time I made it; I was just looking for a way to jazz up the classic meatloaf, and boy, did this deliver! The combination of French onion soup and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that you won’t forget. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked! This dish has become a staple in my home, and I can’t wait for you to try it too!
Easy French Onion Meatloaf Ingredients for a Flavorful Dinner
Let’s get to the good stuff—the ingredients that make this meatloaf sing! You’ll need just a few simple items, and I promise, they’re easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup (the star of the show!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for that perfect texture)
- 1/4 cup chopped onion (fresh flavor boost)
- 1 egg (to bind it all together)
- 1 teaspoon salt (seasoning is key!)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (just a pinch for a kick)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (because, cheese!)
With these easy French onion meatloaf ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to a deliciously flavorful dinner that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Easy French Onion Meatloaf
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we need to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your meatloaf cooks evenly and thoroughly. No one wants a meatloaf that’s soggy on the outside and raw in the middle, right? So, get that oven heating up while you prep!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring all those delicious ingredients together! Add the ground beef, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper. Now, get your hands in there (don’t be shy!) and mix everything until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to meld together, so make sure there are no dry spots left!
Shape the Meatloaf
Once everything is mixed, it’s shaping time! Carefully transfer the mixture to a baking dish and form it into a loaf shape. Don’t press it too hard; you want it to be nice and fluffy! If your hands are sticking, a little bit of water can help. Just remember, gentle hands make for a tender meatloaf!
Bake the Meatloaf
Now, pop that beauty into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). A little tip? A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Rest and Slice
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in right away! Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice juicy and flavorful. After that, slice it up and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Tips for Success
To make sure your easy French onion meatloaf turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the French onion soup—it adds so much flavor! If you want to swap out the beef, ground turkey or chicken work just as well. For a little extra zing, try adding some Worcestershire sauce or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. And remember, the key to a moist meatloaf is not to overmix the ingredients. Just combine until everything is incorporated. Finally, feel free to top it with more cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust that’s simply irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This meatloaf comes together in no time, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Thanks to the French onion soup, each bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family Favorite: It’s a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Versatile: Serve it with mashed potatoes, veggies, or even on a sandwich the next day—there are so many delicious ways to enjoy it!
- Leftover Friendly: The flavors get even better the next day, so you’ll love having leftovers for lunch or dinner!
Trust me, once you make this easy French onion meatloaf, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Each slice of this easy French onion meatloaf is not only delicious but also packs a decent punch when it comes to satisfying your hunger. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, so if you’re counting calories or have specific dietary needs, feel free to adjust the ingredients accordingly. Enjoy this hearty meal without the guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While I love using ground beef for its rich flavor, you can easily substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly.
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
You bet! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just shape it into a loaf, cover it with plastic wrap, and pop it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with French onion meatloaf?
This meatloaf pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes or green beans. You could also serve it on a bun for a meatloaf sandwich the next day—yum!
How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 160°F (70°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure there are no pink spots in the center when you cut into it.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your easy French onion meatloaf, you’ll probably have some delicious leftovers! To store them, let the meatloaf cool completely, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the slices for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Imprimer
Easy French Onion Meatloaf Ingredients for a Cozy Dinner
- Temps Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: None
Description
Easy French onion meatloaf for a flavorful dinner.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it in a baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 1 hour or until cooked through.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes or vegetables.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: French American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: easy french onion meatloaf, flavorful dinner, meatloaf recipe
