French Onion Meatloaf 

French Onion Meatloaf 
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
 1 packet (1 oz) French onion soup mix
 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
 1 large egg
 1/4 cup milk
 2 cloves garlic, minced
 1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional)
 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:

 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
 2 large onions, thinly sliced
 1/2 teaspoon salt
 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
 1/2 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese (optional)
Directions:
 Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef  French onion soup mix , breadcrumbs , egg , milk 

, minced garlic , Worcestershire sauce , salt , and black pepper . If using, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese . Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
 Shape and Bake the Meatloaf:

Transfer the meatloaf mixture to a loaf pan or shape it into a loaf on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
 Prepare the French Onion Topping:
While the meatloaf is baking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions , salt , and black pepper . Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
 Add the Topping and Cheese:

Once the meatloaf is done, remove it from the oven. Top the meatloaf with the caramelized onions . If desired, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheese  on top. Return the meatloaf to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
 Serve:
Let the meatloaf rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot, with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy this flavorful twist on classic meatloaf! 
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings