Description
French onion meatloaf with truffle mashed potatoes celebrates classic comfort food with elegant French influences. Rich flavors and hearty ingredients combine for a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (115 g) Gruyere or Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.5 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 0.25 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 1.2 tsp truffle oil (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Caramelization Preparation: Transform sliced onions into a golden, rich foundation by sautéing in olive oil over medium heat. Incorporate sugar, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar, cooking until the mixture becomes glossy and deeply aromatic.
- Meatloaf Composition: Gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, fresh thyme, and seasonings. Blend ingredients with a delicate touch, ensuring even distribution without compressing the meat mixture.
- Layering and Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Construct the meatloaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet by creating two distinct layers. Strategically distribute caramelized onions and shredded cheese between the meat layers, carefully sealing the edges to form a cohesive loaf.
- Roasting Process: Bake the meatloaf until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. During the final cooking stage, embellish the top with remaining caramelized onions to intensify the flavor profile and create a stunning visual presentation.
- Resting and Serving: Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. This critical pause enables juice redistribution, guaranteeing a tender, succulent result when sliced and plated.
Notes
- Caramelize Onions Perfectly: Low and slow is the key. Stir frequently to prevent burning and develop rich, deep golden color. Add a pinch of sugar to enhance natural sweetness and speed up caramelization process.
- Gentle Meat Mixing: Use a light hand when combining meatloaf ingredients. Overmixing leads to tough, dense texture. Mix just until ingredients are evenly distributed to maintain tender, soft consistency.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness. 160F guarantees food safety while keeping the meatloaf juicy. Let meat rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option. Experiment with different cheeses to suit taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg