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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Caramelized Onion Meatloaf

This caramelized onion meatloaf blends savory ground beef, Gruyère cheese, and sweet caramelized onions into one incredibly moist and flavorful dish. Baked until golden and served in thick slices, it’s ideal for Sunday dinner or comforting leftovers all week long.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 pounds ground beef 80–85% lean
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or day-old bread crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium-low.
  3. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized (30–40 minutes).
  4. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Gruyère, egg.
  5. Worcestershire, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. Mix gently to combine.
  7. Transfer mixture into loaf pan and shape evenly.
  8. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/caramelized-onion-meatloaf/

Notes

• You can make the caramelized onions a day ahead for easier prep.
• Don’t skip the resting time—it locks in moisture.
• For a crispier edge, bake the meatloaf free-form on a sheet pan instead of in a loaf pan.