This Keto French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect fusion of rich caramelized onions, gooey melted cheese, and juicy seasoned beef. Each bite is packed with deep umami flavors, bringing a cozy, homestyle feel to your dinner table without the carbs. The gruyère cheese adds a nutty, creamy texture, complementing the sweetness of the onions beautifully. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just looking for a hearty, satisfying meal, this dish delivers! The combination of high-quality ingredients and slow-cooked flavors makes it a great choice for a comforting family dinner. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad for a complete, nourishing meal.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 cup shredded gruyère cheese
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, almond flour, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Fold in half of the shredded gruyère and half of the caramelized onions.
- Shape the mixture into a loaf and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, top with the remaining caramelized onions and cheese.
- Pour beef broth around the meatloaf and return to the oven for another 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 65 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Keto French Onion Meatloaf: A Cheesy, Caramelized Delight
If you love the deep, rich flavors of French onion soup and the heartiness of a classic meatloaf, this Keto French Onion Meatloaf is the perfect fusion of both! Packed with caramelized onions, melted Gruyère cheese, and juicy ground beef, this dish takes comfort food to a whole new level—without the carbs!
This low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meatloaf is incredibly flavorful, easy to prepare, and ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or even a special occasion. Whether you’re on a ketogenic diet or simply looking for a healthy yet indulgent meal, this dish has everything you need to satisfy your cravings.
Let’s dive into the details of what makes this meatloaf so special and how you can make it perfectly every time.
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
This recipe is inspired by French onion soup, a classic dish known for its deeply caramelized onions, rich beefy broth, and gooey, melted cheese topping. The challenge? Turning those bold, savory flavors into a satisfying, low-carb main dish.
Instead of serving a bowl of soup with bread, we’ve transformed the essence of French onion soup into a juicy meatloaf, stuffed and topped with Gruyère cheese and sweet, golden-brown onions. The result? A hearty, protein-rich, cheesy dish that keeps you full and nourished while staying within keto guidelines.
Why This Keto French Onion Meatloaf is the Best
Packed with Flavor – The combination of slow-cooked caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, and beef creates an umami-rich meal that satisfies any comfort food craving.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Traditional meatloaf recipes often use breadcrumbs, but this version swaps them for almond flour, keeping the carb count low while maintaining the perfect texture.
Juicy & Moist – Unlike dry meatloaf recipes, this one locks in moisture with a blend of eggs, beef broth, and melted cheese, creating an ultra-tender bite.
Nutrient-Dense – This dish is high in protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for those on a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Plus, Gruyère cheese provides calcium and essential vitamins.
Meal-Prep Friendly – You can make this meatloaf ahead of time and store leftovers for easy meals throughout the week. It also freezes well for later use.
Health Benefits of Keto French Onion Meatloaf
Supports a Low-Carb & Keto Diet
With only a few net carbs per serving, this dish is perfect for maintaining ketosis. The healthy fats from cheese and beef help keep you satiated, reducing cravings for processed carbs.
Rich in Protein
Each serving provides a good amount of high-quality protein, essential for muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall health.
Boosts Immunity with Onions
Caramelized onions aren’t just delicious—they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, supporting gut health and the immune system.
Gluten-Free & Grain-Free
Unlike traditional meatloaf recipes that contain breadcrumbs or flour, this version is completely gluten-free, making it a great option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Provides Essential Vitamins & Minerals
Gruyère cheese is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and phosphorus, supporting bone health and overall well-being. The beef provides iron and B vitamins, essential for energy production and cognitive function.
Tips for Making the Perfect Keto French Onion Meatloaf
Use High-Quality Beef – Opt for 80/20 ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat) for the juiciest meatloaf. Higher fat content keeps it moist and flavorful.
Caramelize the Onions Slowly – The key to deep, rich flavor is slow-cooked onions. Cook them over low heat for at least 20-25 minutes until golden brown and slightly sweet.
Don’t Overmix the Meat – Overworking the ground beef mixture can make the meatloaf tough and dense. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
Bake on a Sheet Pan, Not a Loaf Pan – A sheet pan allows for better air circulation, ensuring an evenly cooked, flavorful meatloaf without becoming too greasy.
Let it Rest Before Slicing – Allow the meatloaf to rest for at least 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meatloaf moist and tender.
Variations & Customizations
Use Different Cheeses – Swap Gruyère for Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
Make It Spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a kick.
Try Ground Turkey or Chicken – Substitute beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while keeping all the rich flavors.
Add Fresh Herbs – Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley to elevate the dish’s aroma and taste.
Make Mini Meatloaves – Instead of one large loaf, form individual mini meatloaves for faster cooking and easy portion control.
How to Serve Keto French Onion Meatloaf
This meatloaf is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various low-carb sides. Here are some ideas:
With Roasted Vegetables – Serve alongside garlic butter asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or roasted cauliflower.
With a Simple Salad – A fresh arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness of the dish.
With Mashed Cauliflower – The ultimate keto comfort food, creamy mashed cauliflower pairs beautifully with meatloaf.
With Sautéed Mushrooms – Adds extra umami flavor and complements the caramelized onions.
Storage & Meal Prep
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it stores and reheats!
In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave until warm.
In the Freezer: Slice the cooked meatloaf and freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For Meal Prep: Make the meatloaf mixture ahead of time, shape it into a loaf, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Keto French Onion Meatloaf is everything you want in a comforting meal—rich, cheesy, beefy, and low-carb! It delivers all the flavors of French onion soup in a hearty, satisfying dish, making it perfect for keto and non-keto eaters alike. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a comforting family meal, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and experience the magic of caramelized onions, melty cheese, and juicy beef in every bite!