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If you’re a fan of French onion soup, this Keto French Onion Meatloaf will blow your mind! Imagine the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions, melted cheese, and a juicy, low-carb meatloaf all in one. It’s a cozy dinner option that’s low in carbs but big on flavor—perfect for family meals or meal prep.
New to keto? Start your journey with our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide! Filled with simple tips and practical advice, it’s the ideal guide to help you embrace the keto lifestyle with confidence and ease from day one.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’ll adore this Keto French Onion Meatloaf. The rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese are perfectly blended into a juicy, tender meatloaf. It’s comfort food with a low-carb twist, making it the perfect dish for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Plus, the cheesy topping adds an irresistible crunch, making every bite a satisfying experience. Whether you’re a meatloaf lover or trying something new, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
My Personal Experience
This meatloaf is a household favorite! The caramelized onions bring a delightful sweetness that complements the cheesy topping perfectly. I love how versatile this dish is—you can switch up the cheese or serve it with different keto sides for variety. It’s comfort food at its finest, without the guilt!
Must-Have Equipment for This Keto Recipe
- Large Skillet: I love using a large skillet to sauté the onions and other ingredients before adding them to the meat. It really brings out those deep, savory flavors and gives the base a nice, rich start.
- Mixing Bowl: This is where all the magic happens! I always use a big mixing bowl to combine the ground meat with the seasonings and other ingredients. It makes it so easy to get everything well mixed without any mess.
- Loaf Pan: A good loaf pan is a must for baking the meatloaf evenly. It helps the meatloaf hold its shape while it cooks through, and I love how it makes the entire loaf golden and crispy on the outside.
- Aluminum Foil: I like to cover my meatloaf with aluminum foil for the first part of baking to keep it moist. It’s a simple trick that ensures the meat stays tender and juicy without drying out.
- Basting Brush (Optional): If you’re adding a glaze or sauce, a basting brush is a game-changer. It allows you to spread the sauce evenly across the meatloaf, giving it that glossy, flavorful finish!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Meatloaf
- Ground Beef and Pork – The combination ensures a juicy texture. Use all beef or ground turkey if preferred.
- Caramelized Onions – Adds sweetness and depth. Shallots can be a substitute for a more delicate flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Brings a gooey texture. Gruyère or Swiss can elevate the French onion flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory notes. Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Almond Flour – Keeps it keto-friendly. Crushed pork rinds work well as an alternative.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Check for low-carb options. Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be substituted.
For the Topping
- Mozzarella Cheese – Enhances the cheesy crust.
Fresh Parsley – Optional garnish for color and freshness.
Cooking Instructions: From Prep to Plate
- Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, and cook slowly for 15-20 minutes until golden and caramelized, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, caramelized onions (saving a few for topping), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, almond flour, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well incorporated, but don’t over-mix, or the meatloaf may become dense.
- Shape the Meatloaf
- Press the meatloaf mixture into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spoon. Place a few reserved caramelized onions on top for extra flavor.
- Bake
- Cover the meatloaf loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil, top with additional mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- Rest and Serve
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Expert Tips for Making This Dish Even Better
- Onion Caramelization: Caramelizing onions takes time, so be patient! Slow cooking releases the natural sweetness, which adds a lot to the dish.
- Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to swap mozzarella with Gruyère or Swiss for a more authentic “French onion” flavor.
- Serve with a Side: Pair with mashed cauliflower or a simple green salad for a complete keto meal.
Preserving Your Dish: Storage Guidelines
- Refrigeration: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Common Questions and Helpful Answers
1. Can I make this meatloaf without almond flour?
Yes, you can use ground pork rinds or even a small amount of coconut flour as a binder.
2. What’s the best way to caramelize onions?
Cook them low and slow over medium heat with a bit of salt to bring out the natural sugars. Avoid turning up the heat to rush it, as this can burn them.
3. How do I know when the meatloaf is done?
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should be at least 160°F (70°C).
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
Keto French Onion Meatloaf
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Loaf pan
- Aluminum foil
- Basting Brush (Optional)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (low-carb)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 15-20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or oil.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, caramelized onions (reserve a few for topping), mozzarella, Parmesan, almond flour, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
- Press the meat mixture into the loaf pan, smoothing the top. Add the reserved onions on top for extra flavor.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
- Allow the meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
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