French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf
French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. Take the best part of French Onion Soup – the rich caramelized onions and ooey, gooey cheese – stuff it inside one of the most classic recipes and top it with a soupy gravy in this French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf
I’m so proud of The Bug, you guys! So as you know, Halloween was a little over a week ago, and of course I had to take my little monkeys out trick-or-treating. But before we even hit the sidewalk, I had a little chat with The Bug about the “Switch Witch”. I said that he could keep a few of his favorite candies, but we would put the rest in a box for the “Switch Witch” to take to kids that couldn’t go trick-or-treating. In return, she would leave him a coupon for a frozen yogurt. I figured one small treat that went along with a family outing was better than a couple weeks’ worth of chocolates, and the potential tantrums that would ensue when I attempted to limit his consumption.
He balked a bit at first, but his love of frozen yogurt won out. However, a slight look of concern came over his face, and, with a slight waver in his voice, he asked, “Mommy, at Christmas is the Switch Witch going to come take some of my toys from Santa to bring to other children?” I assured him that she wouldn’t take any of his new, special toys, but when we are unpacking all of his old toys when we move to our new house, we should make a pile of things that he and his little brother don’t play with anymore. Then we will make arrangements for the Switch Witch to come take those toys to little children who may not have any toys.
He seemed very happy with that plan – both because he would get to keep all of his new toys (I mean, he is only four), but also because he could make some other children happy, too. I think we will pick up some new things to donate as well, plus make a few extra purchases at the grocery store to help the local food banks and shelters. As we are embarking on a new journey in our lives, I’m realizing how blessed and lucky we are, and this is the least we can do as a family to help pass on some of our good fortune to help those in need. Even at this young age, this is such an important thing for me to teach my children.
Of course, as we move to a completely new area where we don’t know anyone, I’m expecting to feel a little lonely, and I can only imagine how it must be for those who are elderly or sick or have lost loved ones or have a spouse stationed overseas. Especially this time of year, I think we should all think about opening our homes to someone who could use a little company and conversation, and perhaps a warm, comforting meal like this…
French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf definitely combines the best of two comfort foods. Back in June I told you why French Onion Soup is such a comfort food to me, and those stuffed meatballs were huge hit with both my own family and families of readers who I heard from all over the country. But let’s be honest – stuffing cheese and onions into meatballs can get a bit tedious. Enter the other classic American comfort food – MEATLOAF! Stuffing those caramelized onions, enhanced with some reduced Gallo Family red wine – in this case the Cabernet Sauvignon, though Merlot or Pinot Noir work equally well – and gooey mozzarella cheese inside a meatloaf was a stroke of brilliance, if I do say so myself. Then covering it in that soup-inspired gravy and more cheese – you really can’t go wrong!
OK, well you can’t go wrong with three out of four of us. The Bug was in a mood where he refused to eat anything that touched an onion. Maybe he was just being generous and wanting to share his portion with someone else who would love it. Maybe not, but I can pretend.
What are you doing this holiday season to help bring comfort to those in need?
French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf
Ingredients
For the onions:
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 onions halved and thinly sliced
- ½ Tablespoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup red wine I used Gallo Family Cabernet Sauvignon, but Pinot Noir or Merlot would also work nicely
For the meatloaf:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs or instant or slightly ground oats gluten free, if needed
- 2 Tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish optional
For the sauce:
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup red wine I used Gallo Family Cabernet Sauvignon, but Pinot Noir or Merlot would also be good
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
For the onions:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium, add onions, salt & pepper, cook 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently or until caramelized.
- Add thyme, sauté for minute or two, then add the wine and beef broth.
- Reduce until very little liquid remains.
- Set aside.
For the meatloaf:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs or oats, parsley, pepper, salt, and eggs. Gently combine with your hands until blended, but try not to overwork the meat.
- On a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper, press the meat mixture into a 10x12-inch rectangle.
- Set aside 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup og the caramelized onions. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups cheese and the caramelized onions evenly over ground beef. Roll up like a jelly roll, starting from the short end, lifting the wax paper or plastic wrap as you roll. Seal the end completely, and place seam-side down into a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Sauce - whisk together, bring to boil, simmer till thickened.
- Place pan in the oven and bake for 45 minutes. While the meatloaf is baking, prepare the sauce (see below).
- Remove pan from oven, pour the sauce over the meatloaf, and sprinkle with the reserved onions nd cheese.
- Return meatloaf to oven 15-20 minutes, or until no pink remains. Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Remove from oven and allow to stand 10 minutes. Slice and serve.
For the sauce:
- Whisk ingredients together in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce to a simmer until reduced and thickened.
Enjoy!
Here are some more of my favorite comfort food mash-ups…
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And the #SundaySupper family has plenty of other delicious comforting dishes to make or pair with Gallo Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio…
Comforting Appetizers and Beverages:
- Acorn Squash Cheese Spread with Spinach and Artichokes by Ruffles & Truffles
- Pomegranate Mulled Wine by The Messy Baker
Comforting Entrees, Soups, and Stews:
- Beef and Mushroom Pot Pie by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Beef Goulash by Magnolia Days
- Beef Stew with Puff Pastry by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Cheesy French Onion Soup by Life Tastes Good
- Chicken and Corn Chowder by The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Parmesan Panini by Casa de Crews
- Classic Swiss Fondue by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- French Onion Soup au Gratin Stuffed Meatloaf by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Johnny Marzetti by NeighborFood
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Flatbread by Family Foodie
- White Wine Cream Sauce Poached Shrimp by A Mama, Baby & Shar-pei in the Kitchen
Comforting Side Dishes:
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Parmesan and Dates by Shockingly Delicious
- Stuffed Acorn Squash by Jelly Toast
Comforting Brunch, Desserts, and Sweets:
- Baked Pumpkin French Toast by Alida’s Kitchen
- Cheesecake Bites with Red Wine Chocolate Sauce by Momma’s Meals
- Dark Chocolate Red Wine Cake with Red Wine Raspberry Sauce by Daily Dish Recipes
- Gooey Autumn Spice Brownie Cups by Desserts Required
- Pear Streusel Coffee Cake by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
DON’T MISS OUT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW ME FOR YUMMY RECIPES!
Ronda says
Oh. My. Goodness. My family loves this recipe! My children and their families request this recipe when they come to visit. Who requests meatloaf!? Seriously, this is just the best recipe. Tasty and delicious.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yay, so glad you love it. Have you tried the meatballs version? https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/french-onion-soup-au-gratin-stuffed-meatballs/
Cindy says
Where does the French onion soup come in or are you making your own with Beth wine and noons?
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hi Cindy,
There isn’t actual French onion soup in the meatballs. I mention in the post that the recipe is inspired by the flavors of the soup, with caramelized onions and cheese. 🙂
Ronda says
It’s the flavor from the carmelized onions, broth and red wine that you cook first. And the mozzarella cheese you layer on. You truly must take the time to cook the onions slowly and let them cook before you layer them on the meatloaf.
Andrea Llewellyn says
I’m on an aip-paleo diet. I can substitute yellow onions for the onions and paleo oats or bread crumbs for the bread. What has me stumped is the corn starch. I can use tapioca starch; what consistency am I aiming for so I know how much starch to use?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I typically find that tapioca starch gets thicker than cornstarch, so I’d recommend starting with about half the amount. You aren’t looking for a super thick sauce. Just thickened enough to coat and moisten the meatloaf and not be super watery.
misty says
Great recipe!!! Did you create this?
I agree with the other commenters on the name of the wine and being better later (froze and re-heated-was even better than before).
I made changes (do you cringe when people say that)? but I was not a fan of the wine sauce with the venison substitute, so I used my fav homemade BBQ sauce and it was incredible.
Thanks so much for sharing. You’re an awesome cook!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yes, I did create this recipe. Thanks for the feedback and glad you made it work for you!
Ruth Justice says
I want to thank you for adding the name of the wine you use in your recipes. I don’t drink wine and when some one says use your favorite wine I’m at a lost! With your recipes I will now know what to look for when I go to the store. THANK YOU!!!!!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy to be able to help you, Ruth! I hope you enjoy the French onion soup recipe.
Laronda says
Made this tonight – absolutely amazing!!!! There WILL be a battle over who gets the last couple pieces tomorrow…Might have to make 3 or 4 next time!!
Brianne Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the meatloaf recipe, Laronda. Incidentally, we usually battle over the last piece at our house, too! 😉
Lynn Hayes says
I was on Pinterest earlier today. I found one of your pins for French onion Au Gratin Stuff Meatballs. I’m unable to find the recipe for it, or for the French Onion Stuffed Meatloaf. I’ve done a search on your website, and still nothing. The pictures on Pinterest look amazing. I really want to make one or both of these. Can you help me?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Sorry, there was a glitch with some posts being blocked, but it should be fixed now. Here are the links: https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/french-onion-soup-meatloaf-recipe/ and https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/french-onion-soup-au-gratin-stuffed-meatballs/
Bobi Pixiley says
Thank you for telling us what TYPE of red wine you are using!! I’m not a wine expert. It drives me nuts when a recipe simply says Red Wine or White Wine. Then, I go to the store and see Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Rhine, Chardonnay, Pinot grigio and I think, Great, I could ruin this whole recipe because I don’t know what I’m doing!
This looks delicious and company worthy.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
In this particular recipe, it’s not going to make or break the recipe. As I noted, I used a Cabernet Sauvignon, but Merlot or Pinot Noir should work nicely as well if you have a bottle open. Enjoy!
Laurie says
This was a bit of work, but oh.so.yummy! Got rave reviews from the family. Served it with mashed potatoes (the sauce from the meatloaf was fabulous drizzled over the potatoes). Really enjoyed this twist on an old family fav.
Linnea says
This is THE best meatloaf I’ve ever made!! I made mine with Mondavi merlot and ground venison (thanks to the hubs awesome hunting skillz, lol) Mashed potatoes made better with the pan drippings/gravy and the rest of the bottle of wine with dinner…delish!! Looking forward to meatloaf sandwiches tomorrow! 🙂 Thank you for such a great recipe!
Helen Blank says
This was amazing! I suggest making extra onions to snack on while you finish the recipe. I had never cooked with this type of wine before. I’m hooked. Now I’m looking up other recipes with it in. I just had some leftovers warmed up from last night. Even better! Thanks for a super great recipe.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much!
Hilary says
This was amazing!!! Made it and everyone loved it!
Debora Robinson says
Great recipe but I found that the sauce was bland, so I added about 2 tbsp. Worchester sauce and a half tsp. Liquid bouquet and let it simmer down 25 minutes prior to adding the onion and cheese on top. Made some sour cream mashed potatoes and needles to say dinner was gone, gone, gone!!!!!! Definitely a keeper for my files….. thanks for giving me an alternative for meatloaf!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, I love Worcesteshire for a little extra pop of flavor!
Beverley says
oh my goodness Brianne what a great new twist on a classic recipe..thank you I love this recipe xoxo
Amy says
We finally made this for dinner tonight! And ooohhhhh, so good! Roberto said that this just might be his favorite of all your recipes!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
And easier than the meatballs, right?! Thanks 🙂
Abby says
Amazing simply amazing! I sent this to friends and family and gave you a shout out on Facebook:) YUM!
Kelley @Miss Information Blog says
OMG this looks amazing, I might be able to get my husband to eat meatloaf again
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
OhhhEmmmmmGeeeeee this.looks.amazing!!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
You crack me up, Bobbi!
Lou Lou Girls says
Hello cute lady! This looks incredible. Pinned. We really appreciate you taking the time to stop by our party. It wouldn’t be a party without you. Please join us on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
Valerie says
WOW!! This looks so delicious and my mouth is watering! Definitely will be pinning this one.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
Marlene says
My husband (aka Mr Fussy) requested meatloaf tonight, and I immediately thought of this recipe which I’d pinned. It was fabulous, and he rated it A+. I halved the recipe as it was just for us and am freezing the rest for another dinner. Definitely a keeper! Thanks, Brianne, for another winner.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Oh yay!! So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, it does make a lot. We have a couple pieces in the freezer too!
Thao @ In Good Flavor says
That’s an amazing looking meatloaf and definitely company worthy!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Yep, not just for Meatloaf Monday 🙂 Thanks!
Courtney @ Neighborfood says
Every time I see this I crave it all over again. Seriously an amazing idea!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, thanks!
Alice says
I can believe how popular this dish has been since its come out on Sunday, it looks beyond amazing!! I’m certainly going to try this one! 🙂
This screams comfort, especially with all the ooey, gooey cheese! 🙂
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Every once in a while I have an instant hit! Thanks Alice!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
I am swooning over the cheesy, oniony meatloaf. How long will it take me to get to your house for dinner? I think I have frequent flier miles I can use!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, I actually have a piece or two in the freezer!
Kayla says
This looks amazing! I’ll be making it this weekend. Any recommendations on something green to go with it?
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
We had mashed cauliflower and green beans, but even a simple salad or sauteed spinach would be good.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
We had mashed cauliflower and green beans, but even a simple salad or sauteed spinach would be good.
heather @french press says
this has got to be the best meatloaf idea in the history of ever – cheese stuffed and french onion soup,,,YUMMY!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Haha, how can you go wrong with anything stuffed with cheese!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
LOVE the Switch Witch…brilliant! As is this incredible meatloaf that you took from ‘meatloaf’ to ‘comfort food for life’!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hey, the Switch Witch idea worked. Thanks Betsy!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Brianne,
This meatloaf looks amazing!!! oh my gawd. . and love what you guys are doing with Gallo with their Every Cork Counts campaign! Awesome!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Alice!! It is a great campaign!
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
You have all the good stuff in here!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I know, right!!
[email protected] Tastes Good says
Oh my yumminess!! Brianne, this looks amazing! I don’t make meatloaf often enough. I surely need to put it back on the menu with this delicious recipe! Can’t wait to try it. Drooling….
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
I don’t make it often either. I need to remedy that!
Shaina says
What a yummy way to flavorize (yes, that’s a word now) your meatloaf. French onion soup is deeeelicious!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
That is absolutely a word!
Jenni says
What an absolutely brilliant idea, Brianne! I’m so with Renee–genius! I know you guys will do great in your new place, but getting acclimated always takes awhile. We actually hosted an open house a couple of weeks after we moved in. We had snacks and asked neighbors (via the neighborhood facebook page) to swing by and say howdy. It was a nice way to break the ice. Serve this too. It wouldn’t hurt! lol =)
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks so much Jenni! Facebook is such a help – I’ve already found a few local groups to start getting info about the area.
Jennie @themessybakerblog says
This recipe blew my mind. I can’t wait to try it.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Aww, thanks so much Jennie!
Tammi @Momma's Meals says
What a fabulous idea! Great way to change up that regular old meatloaf recipe!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Love switching up a classic dish!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
Bug is super cute and you’re totally blessed, Brianne. 🙂 Your french onion soup meatloaf looks so delish that I feel like having this for breakfast.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Joy! He can be a typical difficult 4 year old sometimes, but he has a heart of gold.
Family Foodie says
You have outdone yourself with this recipe! Wow! Amazing.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thanks Isabel! Definitely put some heart into this one!
smalltowngirl says
Oh my goodness! This looks amazing!! I can’t wait to try it! Looks incredible! Can I use anymore exclamation points!?!? Apparently yes. Well done!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hahaha!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I have to admit, that is probably the best looking meatloaf i have ever seen.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Hahaha, thanks!!
Nichole says
This looks comforting, cheesy, an SO good. I need to make this for sure!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Cheesy is always good!
Katie says
How awesome that The Bug is so willing to donate to those in need! So so sweet that he is getting into the spirit of things at an early age. We moved about every 2 years when I was a kid, so donating/giving away items became second nature, and it was a really good feeling (and a bit freeing too). It’s kind of funny – when we moved from Michigan to Wisconsin, I gave my bike to a friend who didn’t have one…and I somehow have never bought another one for 15+ years. Oops!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
It was very sweet of him. It is freeing to be letting go of stuff we don’t need and know that we are helping others.
Liz says
Cheesey, stuffed meatloaf???? I’d be all over this! And your Bug sounds like such a sweet boy. You’ve done well!!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
How can you go wrong! And with my boys, all I can say is I try to do my best.
Renee says
Genius recipe Brianne – simply GENIUS!! Got. To. Have. It. and soon.
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Thank you, Renee! I’m ready to pull the leftovers out of the freezer!!