If you’re looking for a comforting, yet elevated twist on a classic family favorite, Savory French Onion Meatloaf with Truffle Mashed Potatoes is the perfect dish to make. The savory flavors of French onion soup combined with the hearty satisfaction of meatloaf make this recipe a memorable one. Paired with velvety truffle mashed potatoes, this meal is sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
For the French Onion Meatloaf:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Truffle Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Making the French Onion Meatloaf:
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden and caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Add the caramelized onions (reserving a small portion for topping) and mix everything together until well combined.
- Shape the Meatloaf: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, shaping it evenly. Top the meatloaf with the reserved caramelized onions.
- Bake the Meatloaf: Place the meatloaf in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meatloaf reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Making the Truffle Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed Yukon Gold potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, heavy cream, and truffle oil. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a serving dish, and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the savory French onion meatloaf with a generous scoop of truffle mashed potatoes on the side. The rich and savory flavors of the meatloaf, paired with the indulgent truffle-infused potatoes, create a truly satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, a holiday gathering, or even as a special weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Hearty: The meatloaf is made extra flavorful with caramelized onions, while the truffle mashed potatoes offer a luxurious touch.
- Elevated Twist: The truffle oil in the mashed potatoes brings a gourmet flair to an otherwise classic comfort food dish.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This recipe is ideal for dinner parties or special occasions, offering both elegance and comfort in one meal.
Tips for Success:
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a bit of beef broth or red wine to the onions as they caramelize.
- You can make the meatloaf ahead of time and bake it the day of your event for convenience.
- If you don’t have truffle oil, regular olive oil will work, though it won’t provide the same earthy, luxurious flavor.
Conclusion: Savory French Onion Meatloaf with Truffle Mashed Potatoes is a perfect combination of classic comfort food with a gourmet twist. Its rich, savory flavors and indulgent texture make it a meal you’ll return to again and again. Whether for a family dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy!
Serving Tips:
- Presentation: Serve the meatloaf on a large platter, topped with the caramelized onions for a rustic, comforting look. Pair it with a side of truffle mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Side Dishes: Complement the rich flavors of the meatloaf and mashed potatoes with light and refreshing sides, such as a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Sauce Pairing: For added flavor, serve the meatloaf with a side of gravy or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to elevate the dish further.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating: Store leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before storing it to preserve its texture and flavor.
- Refrigerating Mashed Potatoes: Similarly, store leftover truffle mashed potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the potatoes become too thick upon reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore their creamy consistency.
- Freezing: Both the meatloaf and mashed potatoes can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap the meatloaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. For mashed potatoes, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatloaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Reheat the mashed potatoes in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy this delicious meal for multiple days, keeping the flavors intact for the next round of enjoyment!
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for the meatloaf?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork in this recipe. Keep in mind that the meatloaf will have a lighter flavor, so you might want to add extra seasonings or herbs to enhance the taste. To keep it juicy, consider adding a bit more milk or breadcrumbs if the mixture seems too dry.
2. How can I make the truffle mashed potatoes without truffle oil?
If you don’t have truffle oil, you can still make flavorful mashed potatoes by using high-quality olive oil or butter. While it won’t have the same earthy truffle flavor, it will still create creamy, delicious mashed potatoes. You can also try adding a few drops of truffle salt for a similar taste.
3. Can I prepare the meatloaf in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatloaf mixture and form it into a loaf ahead of time, then cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to prep in advance and cook when you’re ready. Simply bake as instructed when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I make the truffle mashed potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the truffle mashed potatoes in advance. After mashing, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and heat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to achieve a creamy consistency.
Savory French Onion Meatloaf with Truffle Mashed Potatoes
This elegant twist on classic meatloaf features a savory French onion-inspired filling with caramelized onions and melted cheese. Paired with creamy truffle mashed potatoes, this dish is comfort food with a luxurious flair, perfect for special occasions or a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Ingredients
For the French Onion Meatloaf:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
For the truffle mashed potatoes:
- 2 pounds (900 g) Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, warmed
- 1–2 teaspoons truffle oil (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
For the French Onion Meatloaf:
- Caramelize the onions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until golden brown. Add the sugar, garlic, and balsamic vinegar, cooking for another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the meatloaf mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Assemble the meatloaf:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape half of the meat mixture into a loaf on the baking sheet. Spread half of the caramelized onions and shredded cheese over the top. Add the remaining meat mixture, shaping it into a loaf and sealing the edges.
- Bake:
- Top the meatloaf with the remaining caramelized onions and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest:
- Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
For the truffle mashed potatoes:
- Cook the potatoes:
- Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until tender.
- Mash the potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, warmed heavy cream, and truffle oil. Mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
To serve:
- Slice the meatloaf and serve alongside a generous scoop of truffle mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent meatloaf, layer additional cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Adjust the truffle oil to your taste; a little goes a long way.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.