French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

This French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is absolutely incredible – combining all the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with classic comfort food meatloaf, topped with golden melted Swiss cheese for the ultimate cozy dinner!

When you want to transform ordinary meatloaf into something truly special, this amazing recipe delivers in the most delicious way possible. With perfectly caramelized onions mixed throughout the tender meat mixture and more golden onions on top, plus that gorgeous blanket of melted Swiss cheese, every single bite is pure comfort food perfection.

Perfect for Sunday family dinners, special occasions, or when you want to impress guests with familiar flavors that feel elevated and restaurant-worthy, this kid-approved and make-ahead friendly meatloaf will become your new go-to recipe for hearty, satisfying meals that bring everyone together around the dinner table.

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

This rich, savory, and absolutely satisfying meatloaf combines the best of French onion soup with classic comfort food for an unforgettable dinner experience!

Flavor combination that’s insane – the rich, caramelized onions paired with tender meat and melted Swiss cheese creates an absolutely incredible taste experience.
Elevated comfort food – takes classic meatloaf to the next level with gourmet French onion soup flavors that feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Perfect for special occasions – impressive enough for Sunday dinners, holidays, or when you want to serve something memorable to guests.
Kid and adult approved – familiar meatloaf comfort that even picky eaters will love, with sophisticated flavors that adults absolutely adore.
Make-ahead friendly – can be prepped in advance and baked when needed, perfect for busy families and meal planning.
Uses simple ingredients – creates amazing gourmet flavors using accessible ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Feeds a crowd – serves 6 generously, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining without breaking the budget.

What You Need

With caramelized onions, a blend of ground meats, and melted Swiss cheese, this meatloaf delivers serious gourmet comfort food satisfaction with simple ingredients.

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Ground beef and pork – the combination creates the most tender, flavorful meatloaf. The pork adds extra richness and keeps it incredibly moist.

Large onions – thinly sliced and caramelized to golden perfection. This is where the amazing French onion flavor comes from!

Butter – for caramelizing the onions to sweet, golden perfection. Don’t skip this step – it’s essential for the flavor.

Sugar – helps the onions caramelize beautifully and develop that deep, sweet flavor that makes French onion soup so incredible.

Breadcrumbs – helps bind the meatloaf and keeps it tender. Regular seasoned breadcrumbs work perfectly.

Eggs – acts as a binder to hold everything together and create the perfect meatloaf texture.

Milk – adds moisture and tenderness to the meat mixture for the most tender results.

Worcestershire sauce – adds that deep, savory umami flavor that makes this meatloaf absolutely irresistible.

Seasonings – salt, black pepper, and dried thyme create the perfect flavor profile that complements the onions.

Swiss cheese – shredded Swiss melts beautifully on top and adds that classic French onion soup cheese experience.

Equipment Required

This amazing meatloaf comes together with just basic kitchen equipment!

A large skillet for caramelizing onions
A standard loaf pan (9×5 inch works perfectly)
Large mixing bowl
Sharp knife for slicing onions
Measuring cups and spoons

Step By Step Instructions

Get ready for the most incredible meatloaf that combines all the best flavors of French onion soup with classic comfort food!

Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredient quantities and full detailed method!

Step 1 – Caramelize The Onions

Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and sugar, cooking and stirring occasionally until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Step 2 – Mix The Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 3 – Add Most Of The Onions

Fold most of the caramelized onions into the meat mixture, reserving a small portion to top the meatloaf later for that gorgeous presentation.

Step 4 – Shape And Top

Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, pressing down gently to form an even loaf. Top with the reserved caramelized onions for beautiful golden color.

Step 5 – First Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the meatloaf is nearly cooked through and starting to brown on top.

Step 6 – Add Cheese And Finish

Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Return to oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7 – Rest And Serve

Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing – this helps it hold together perfectly and allows the juices to redistribute for the best texture.

Expert Tips

Master this gourmet meatloaf with these helpful tips for perfect results every time!

Take time with the onions – proper caramelization takes about 20 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s where all the amazing flavor comes from!
Don’t overmix the meat – mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the meatloaf tender and not tough.
Use the right meat ratio – the combination of beef and pork creates the perfect texture and flavor. Don’t substitute all beef.
Let it rest – the 10-minute resting period is crucial for easy slicing and the best texture.
Save some onions – reserving caramelized onions for the top creates beautiful presentation and extra flavor in every bite.
Check internal temperature – meatloaf should reach 160°F internally for food safety.
Line the pan – lining your loaf pan with parchment makes removal much easier.
Make ahead tip – can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Can I use all ground beef instead of the beef and pork mix?
You can, but the pork adds incredible moisture and flavor. If you must use all beef, choose 80/20 ground beef and add an extra tablespoon of milk for moisture.

What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
Gruyère is an excellent substitute and actually traditional in French onion soup. Provolone or even mozzarella would work, though the flavor will be different.

How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized?
They should be deep golden brown, very soft, and sweet-smelling. This takes patience – about 20 minutes of cooking time.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the meatloaf completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This rich, savory meatloaf pairs beautifully with classic comfort food sides:

Creamy mashed potatoes – perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the meatloaf.

Roasted vegetables – green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add color and balance to the rich flavors.

Simple green salad – a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meatloaf.

Warm crusty bread – perfect for soaking up any extra juices and completing the comfort food experience.

Variations To Try

Gruyère instead of Swiss – for a nuttier, more traditional French onion soup flavor.

Add Dijon mustard – mix a tablespoon into the meat mixture for a subtle tangy kick.

Spicy version – add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.

Gluten-free option – substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

This French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese is absolutely incredible – combining all the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with classic comfort food meatloaf, topped with golden melted Swiss cheese for the ultimate cozy dinner!

Course: Main Dish, Comfort Food
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 485kcal

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions (thinly sliced)
1 teaspoon sugar
1½ pounds ground beef
½ pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
¼ cup milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark

Prep and caramelize onions – preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, cooking and stirring occasionally until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Mix the meat mixture – in a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix.
Add most onions – fold most of the caramelized onions into the meat mixture, reserving a small portion to top the meatloaf later.
Shape and top – transfer meat mixture to a loaf pan, pressing down gently to form an even loaf. Top with the reserved caramelized onions.
First bake – bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes until nearly cooked through and starting to brown.
Add cheese and finish – remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Return to oven and bake for additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve – let meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

RECIPE NOTES & TIPS

Caramelizing patience – don’t rush the onion caramelization! The full 20 minutes is essential for developing that deep, sweet French onion flavor.
Meat mixture – the combination of beef and pork creates the perfect texture. Don’t overmix to keep it tender.
Make ahead – can be assembled and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes if baking from cold.
Internal temperature – meatloaf should reach 160°F internally for food safety.
Cheese variations – Gruyère is an excellent substitute for Swiss and more traditional in French onion soup.
Storage – leftovers keep refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Serving suggestions – pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a simple green salad.

Nutrition

French Onion Meatloaf with Melted Swiss Cheese

Why You’re Going To Love This Recipe

What You Need

Equipment Required