This French Onion Meatloaf recipe is the pinnacle of keto comfort food. Juicy meatloaf with caramelized onions and Gruyere cheese for a one-of-a-kind taste sensation.
What do you get when you cross French Onion soup with hearty meatloaf? You get one of my family’s favorite dinner recipes, that’s what you get!
I have a long-standing love of keto meatloaf, and make it frequently throughout the fall and winter. It’s a guaranteed hit in my family. But sometimes you want to shake things up a little. Adding some sweet caramelized onions and Gruyere turns a regular meatloaf into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
I am not exaggerating when I say that it’s one of the best keto dinner recipes you will ever make.
Why we love it
There are a few things that make a meatloaf good. Juiciness is paramount, as is flavor. And this French Onion Meatloaf meets both of those requirements. The caramelized onions add richness and depth, and the Gruyere and fresh thyme are perfect complements.
It’s an easy recipe to make too. Caramelizing the onions properly does take some time, but it’s worth it. And you can break up the process and do the onions ahead of time, even up to two days.
The end result is a seriously delicious dish that no one can resist. And with 34g of protein and only 2.6g of carbs, it’s a perfect keto comfort food recipe.
Reader Reviews
“Wow! Just made this for dinner this evening. Best meatloaf I’ve ever had. My husband’s comment…this is REALLY good! The caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese take it over the top in flavor. I used grass fed ground beef and organic bulk pork. Thank you for this recipe! It’s a keeper!” — Mary
“I’ve made this meatloaf several times and my family loves it! My wife works late than me so I usually cook dinner. She was always proud of her traditional meatloaf (it’s great btw) but likes this one better. As for the pork rinds, I’ve found that Julio’s seasoned pork rinds are always fresh and delicious.” — David
“Thank you for SO SO SO many amazing recipes! My husband declared this ‘the best meatloaf you’ve ever made!’”’ And told me that this is the only meatloaf I ever need to make again. This is incredibly high accolades from a man who loves meatloaf! Thank you so much! You are at our dinner table more often than not- and you will be for many many years!” — Aimee
Ingredients you need
- Butter: For the best flavor when sautéing the onions, use butter or bacon grease. You could use oil, if you don’t have either of these.
- White onion: You can also use yellow onions.
- Fresh thyme: I prefer the flavor of fresh thyme, but you can use dried thyme if that’s all you have.
- Ground meat: I used a combination of ground pork and beef for more flavor. You can use just ground beef, if you prefer. You could use ground turkey or chicken, but be careful not to over bake it as it could dry it quickly.
- Pork rinds: For the binder, I used crushed pork rinds, but you could also use ½ cup almond flour instead.
- Egg: You will need one large egg.
- Gruyere cheese: You can use any melty cheese like mozzarella, Swiss, or even sharp cheddar.
- Pantry staples: Onion powder, black pepper and salt.
Step by Step Directions
1. Sauté the onions: In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter or bacon grease. Once melted, add the sliced onions and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Add the thyme: Stir in the thyme leaves, cook one more minute, then remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix up the meatloaf: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, pork rinds, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Stir in the egg and half of the caramelized onions, then use your hands to thoroughly combine.
4. Bake the meatloaf: Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and form the mixture into a loaf about 5 by 9 inches. Bake at 350ºF for 40 to 50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160F. Remove and turn off the oven.
5. Add the cheese: Top with the shredded cheese and the remaining onions and place back in the warm oven to melt the cheese, about 5 minutes.
Tips for Success
Take your time to caramelize the onions. Although easy to do, it’s a slow process and needs patience. You don’t want them to get brown and crisp, but instead become tender as they caramelize.
Let the meatloaf cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing if you want nice clean slices!
Frequently Asked Questions
Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the finished, cooked meatloaf. Wrap it up tightly to avoid freezer burn and freeze for up to two months.
You have lots of great options to replace the breadcrumbs in traditional meatloaf. Many people use almond flour or another nut flour. You can also use crushed pork rinds. Both result in delicious tender meatloaf that is grain-free and low carb.
This French Onion Keto Meatloaf recipe has 2.6g of carbs per serving.
French Onion Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter or bacon grease
- 1 large white onion cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
- Salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork or another lb ground beef
- 1 cup ground pork rinds or ½ cup almond flour
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese grated
Instructions
- In a large skillet over low heat, melt the butter or bacon grease. Once melted, add the sliced onions and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the thyme leaves, cook one more minute, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, pork rinds, onion powder, pepper, and an additional ½ teaspoon salt. Stir in the egg and half of the caramelized onions, then use your hands to thoroughly combine.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and form the mixture into a loaf about 5 by 9 inches. Bake 40 to 50 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160F. Remove and turn off the oven.
- Top with the shredded cheese and the remaining onions and place back in the warm oven to melt the cheese, about 5 minutes.
Vanessa says
Made this tonight! It was excellent. I had to Swiss cheese because that is what we had but still fantastic!
AutumnM says
I resisted the urge to improvise on this recipe and made it exactly as written. It was delicious. Fortunately, I made 2 meat loaves since everyone asked for seconds. My mother-in-law even asked for the recipe. Believe me when I say that she can use all the help that she can get ???? Thank you!
Carolyn says
Glad you tried it as written!
Jeff says
My wife and I have been on Keto for just over eight months. Although we had both lost significant weight (almost 40# each), we were running out of ideas for meals, and starting to waiver. Then, I found your blog about a month ago, and now we feel like we are not even on a “diet” anymore. We love all your recipes, especially the deserts. My son, who works in the kitchen of a four star restaurant, has tried your French Onion Meatloaf and also your Skillet Chicken with Bacon Spinach and Feta; he says both are better than anything his restaurant has on its menu. Thank you!
Carolyn says
Wow, Jeff, that’s a wonderful compliment. Thank you and congrats on your weight loss!
Christina says
Made this on a whim last night, used a little bread loaf pan. Absolutely delicious and soooo juicy! Perfect for this time of year when you just want to stay inside where it’s warm, cozy and makes the whole house smell like french onion soup!
Thank you as always for your amazing contributions!
Carolyn says
Wonderful! It’s a new fave in our house too.
Joy B. says
Made the meatloaf for my picky family and it was a hit! It was a little dry, so I will use a fattier cut of meat next time. Also took quite a bit longer in the oven but it was worth the wait. Can you suggest a replacement for the Gruyere? It is $17/lb here.
Thanks!
Carolyn says
$17 a pound, yikes! Honestly any cheese will do. Sharp cheddar might be nice. If it was dry, then yes, it was your cuts of meat. Get 80% 20% next time. Lean beef does not make for very good meatloaf. But you also say it took longer to cook… which may mean you overcooked it. Do you have an instant read thermometer?
Emily Bartholomew says
I made this meatloaf tonight, and is fantastic!! Even my kids loved it, and that’s saying a lot since I have five children under 11. My 4 year old is already begging me to make it again. If you knew her, you’d know that’s high praise! Thanks for yet another fabulous recipe!! I just wish I had some of that wine to enjoy with it – looks like I’ll have to place an order and have it available for next time!
Carolyn says
I’m so glad you liked the meatloaf. My kids love it too!
Wendy Wilson says
I live in Portland Oregon. Is there a store nearby that I can purchase Paol61 or must I order it? And thanks for all of your amazing recipes. Both my husband and I eat low carb everyday and have for nearly 8 years. Your recipes have brought the fun back into cooking!
Carolyn says
I also live in Portland Oregon. Hope you will consider coming to my book signing on Dec 3! Anyway, no, this is one that has to be ordered online.
Lindsay says
Can someone tell me if this wine can be purchased in canada? Thanks
Jessica Glick says
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try making it. Also, I’m curious to know if you have tried FitVine Wines? They approached us at my little market store, but I’m alway skeptical!
Carolyn says
I have not tried those yet, although I have seen them at my local Whole Foods.
Sara says
This was amazing. We didn’t have any leftovers – everyone scarfed it down. I love all the info on the wine and being able to have options for wine on Keto. Thanks.
Toni says
These were really amazing!! Packed full of amazing flavors!
Ashley F says
I really love the insight you provided about the wine, I’m not sure I would know otherwise! Checking it out asap! This meatloaf looks incredibly tasty, can’t wait to try!
Stephanie says
The caramelized onions really made the meatloaf pop! Such a great recipe, thanks!
Chelsea says
This meatloaf is unbelievably good!! Thanks for sharing!
Holly says
I’m excited to try this wine. I will order 3 bottles next week. Recently whenever I drink red wine I get a horrible hangover and headache that lasts two days. I must be sensitive to something in the wine. I love wine and miss it!
Carolyn says
Oooh, that doesn’t sound good. I get headaches from white wine typically, but this one doesn’t do it to me.
Sue says
Made this tonight with all ground beef because my store didn’t have ground pork. So good!
Melissa says
Hi! I’m always on the hunt for new keto/low carb dishes. Instead of using a liner baking sheet, could I use my glass bread/loaf dish? That’s what I make our meatloaf in now. Thanks for the recipe! My boyfriend LOVES French Onion. I love trying new recipes! I’m still pretty new to the cooking world, but so far so good… Knock on wood lol. As far as the wine, I don’t even need to look it up. Sadly I have found no one that ships to Arkansas. Oklahoma & Missouri, but not here. 🙁 Thanks again!! I am pretty sure I’ve made one of your recipes before, but I save so many that I can’t remember! Keep up the great work! Xoxo
Carolyn says
Yes, you could make it in a loaf pan but it may take longer to cook because less of it is exposed to the heat of the oven.
Jennifer says
Thank you! I have been looking for a GOOD low sugar wine. I tried FitVine and it was EeH….Hopefully this one will be better. For the record my favorites are sweet reds like Oliver’s soft red and many of Purple Toad’s!
Jennifer says
shoot….won’t ship to KY 🙁
Carolyn says
Sorry they won’t ship there. The state laws are the problem and there are only about 5 states they can’t ship too.
Di says
ROAD TRIP!!!! 😉
MARCIA W. says
Carolyn, do you think you could use french fried onions instead of the pork rinds? There are 3net carbs per serving of those (2tbs per serving) which would equate out to an additional 2.4 net carbs per serving in the meat loaf.
Carolyn says
If you’d like, sure. I can’t see why it wouldn’t work. Not the healthiest choice but you are already well aware of that.
Marcelle says
I am really disappointed. I went to Secco to try out their low carb wines but apparently they do not ship to NJ. I don’t know why, since I have had wine shipped here before. But the worst is they do not even have any contact info on their site to find out WHY they won’t ship to NJ. Bummer….
Marcelle says
Never mind…i eventually found the email address, but they sure don’t make it easy!
Carolyn says
Hey Marcelle, I am sorry to hear that but there are some states where the shipping is such an issue that many wineries do not send. I remember when I lived in Massachusetts, a TON of places wouldn’t ship there because of state laws.
Good feedback on the email address, I will point that out to them…
Marcelle says
Still have not been able to order. I decided to have it shipped to work in NY but the coupon code will not work or it works for a second and then the site tells me the 3 bottle selection is not available. The phone number is obviously a personal cell and no one answers the phone. I just tried email. More than a little frustrating because I really wanted to try these wines.
Matt says
Hi Marcelle,
Sorry you were having problems ordering….hopefully my email correspondence help trouble shoot a few things for you. Regarding NJ…that’s out of our hands. There are different compliance laws for each state…our compliance team is working hard to clear us for shipping to NJ. Trust me….we’d love to ship there too.
Feel free to email hello@seccowineclub.com for any further assistance if you have problems ordering. Karen is always happy to help 🙂
Thanks so much for experiencing our wines!
Secco Wine Club
Tere says
I feel your pain! I was so excited to try these and had the red, white, and rosé in my cart. Same thing just happened to me, as well. They don’t ship to Tennessee, either.