Imagine a meatloaf that transforms the classic comfort dish into a gourmet experience – tender, juicy, and packed with rich, caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese. This isn’t just another meatloaf recipe; it’s a culinary journey that elevates a traditional family favorite into something truly extraordinary. Every slice promises a perfect balance of savory meat, sweet caramelized onions, and creamy melted cheese that will have your family asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) sugar
- 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
- ½ pound (225 g) ground pork
- 1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (1 g) dried thyme
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Preheat your 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.
2. Prepare 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, being careful not to overmix.
3. Incorporate Caramelized Onions
Fold most of the caramelized onions into the meat mixture, reserving a small portion to top the meatloaf later.
4. Shape the Meatloaf
Transfer the meat mixture to a loaf pan, pressing down gently to form an even loaf. Top with the reserved caramelized onions.
5. First Baking Stage
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until nearly cooked through and starting to brown.
6. Add Cheese and Final Bake
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.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 30g
Pro tip: Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a complete meal that’ll become a family favorite!