Want a better meatloaf recipe that brings extra flavor? This Lipton French onion meatloaf recipe is where it’s at! This Lipton French onion soup mix meatloaf recipe is topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for ultimate flavor and deliciousness!
Looking for a new way to make meatloaf? This French onion meatloaf recipe is a fantastic option that combines both meatloaf and the rich, delicious flavor of French onion soup.
With just 5 minutes up prep to stir the ingredients together, this simple meatloaf recipe needs just a few ingredients from your fridge and pantry.
In this post I’ll show you how to make meatloaf, the ingredients you’ll need and what you can serve with this delicious comfort food recipe.
What do I need to make Lipton French onion meatloaf?
- Ground Beef – I chose a 90/10 meat to fat mixture (this ratio is listed on the front of the ground beef label). If you go with a 80/20 mixture, your meatloaf will be more moist (from the extra fat).
- Bread Crumbs – you’ll need basic, unseasoned breadcrumbs. These help bind the meat together and help it hold it’s shape when sliced.
- Eggs – the eggs work with the breadcrumbs as the biding for the meatloaf, helping it stick together and hold its shape.
- Lipton Beefy Onion or French Onion Soup mix (pictured above) – this adds some great flavor and richness to the meatloaf.
- Beef broth – you’ll need some liquid to mix into the meatloaf mixture to keep it moist.
- Ketchup – this is a traditional ingredient used in the meatloaf mixture. It adds flavor and richness to the meat.
Meatloaf Toppings:
- Swiss cheese slices – Sliced Swiss cheese is ideal for topping this meatloaf, as it mimics one of the key ingredients in French onion soup. You could also substitute Gruyere cheese, although this is sometimes hard to find.
- Onions – topping this meatloaf with caramelized onions adds some great flavor and texture to every bite.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
This recipe has been adapted from the original Lipton Soup French Onion Meatloaf recipe.
How do I make meatloaf?
Making meatloaf is a rather simple processes. Begin by mixing together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, dry soup mix, eggs, ketchup and beef broth in a large mixing bowl.
You can use a rubber scraper to mix the ingredients. Some find that using your hands to thoroughly mix the ingredients is the most useful.
Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together, turn out the mixture onto a lined sheet pan. Using your hands, form the mixture into a loaf approximately 10″ long by 4″ wide. (See photo above.)
Bake the meatloaf uncovered on the center rack of the oven.
What pan is best for making meatloaf?
I find that using a simple sheet pan lined with aluminum foil works the best. The meatloaf will cook more evenly and more of the fat will naturally drain off the loaf when baked.
You could also use a 9 x 5″ loaf pan for a more traditional meatloaf.
What are the best toppings for meatloaf?
For this French onion meatloaf, we chose sliced Swiss cheese and caramelized onions.
How do I caramelize onions?
Slice white or yellow onions in half, then slice each half to create long onion strips. In a medium skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet. Using a spatula, sauté the onions until they soften and become lightly browned (caramelized.)
Toppings for meatloaf can widely vary depending on the theme and ingredients used. Here are some other ideas:
- Barbecue meatloaf: top the meatloaf with barbecue sauce.
- Italian Meatloaf: stuff with mozzarella cheese and top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese. I do this with my Mini Italian Meatloaf recipe.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: top with sliced cheddar cheese and bacon slices.
- Taco Meatloaf: mix in taco seasoning, and top with shredded Mexican blend cheese and salsa.
Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations for Lipton French onion soup mix meatloaf:
- Gruyere Cheese – substitute this for the Swiss cheese as a topping for the meatloaf.
- French fried onions – if time is tight or you don’t feel like sautéing onions
- Toasted breadcrumbs – sprinkle the top of the baked meatloaf with a few extra toasted breadcrumbs or croutons to mimic the flavor and texture of French onion soup.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
Frequently asked questions about making meatloaf:
For best results, bake meatloaf a 350 degrees. This lower oven temperature will help the meatloaf cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Meatloaf will need approximately 60 minutes at 350 degrees to cook fully. To ensure the meat is fully cooked, use an instant read digital thermometer. The internal temperature needs to be 165 degrees.
No, a loaf pan is not necessary to make meatloaf. Meatloaf can be baked on a lined baking sheet.
What can I serve with meatloaf?
Meatloaf is great with potatoes and a vegetable. Here are some of our favorite potato and side dish recipes that would go great with this meatloaf recipe:
- Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
- Butternut Squash in Air Fryer
- Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes
- Sauteed Broccoli with Garlic
- Roasted Rainbow Carrots
- Garlic Herb Roasted Red Potatoes
- Sauteed Carrots
- Healthy Green Bean Casserole
- Ruth’s Chris Sweet Potato Casserole
- Balsamic Roasted Vegetables at Cupcakes and Kale Chips
- What to Serve with Mashed Potatoes
If you loved this comfort food recipe, check out some of our other similar recipes:
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Delightful E Made.
Lipton French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls These stainless steel mixing bowls are an essential cooking tool for every kitchen.
- Rubber Scrapers These Cuisinart rubber scraper spatulas are fantastic for fillings, batters, and so much more!
- Aluminum Foil Ideal for lining your sheet pan, preventing the meatloaf from sticking and helps greatly with cleanup!
- Sheet Pan These USA stainless steel sheet pans are great for one-pan meals!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. ground beef 90/10 mix
- 3/4 cup unflavored breadcrumbs dry
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1 envelope Lipton Beefy Onion Soup mix dry, unprepared
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup ketchup
Toppings:
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups yellow onions, sliced about 2 medium onions
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- To a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, beef broth, dry soup mix, eggs and ketchup. Using a rubber scraper mix all ingredients together until well incorporated. The mixture will be thick.
- Pour the meatloaf mixture out onto the lined baking sheet. Form the mixture into a loaf approximately 10" long by 4" wide. (This doesn't need to be exact.)
- Bake the meatloaf uncovered for 60 minutes at 350 degrees.
- While the meatloaf bakes, prepare the caramelized onions. To a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced onions and sauté for 6-8 minutes, or until the onions become slightly translucent and browned. Remove the onions from the heat, and cover to keep warm.
- When the meatloaf is done cooking, remove the pan from the oven. Top the meatloaf with the cheese slices, layering them evenly over the top of the meatloaf. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes for the cheese to melt.
- Remove from the oven and top the meatloaf with the caramelized onions. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
My family loves this meatloaf (even the pickiest eater in our fam). The only thing I did differently was use 80/20 ground beef. It wasn’t too greasy or loose… it came out super moist and still held its shape. I’ve also made it with just regular onion soup mix (not beefy onion) and honestly I think I prefer that. Don’t get me wrong, either way is delicious but I think there’s more onion flavor in the regular onion mix. The addition of caramelized onion and Swiss cheese really bring this dish to the next level. Sooooo good!!!!