French Onion Meatloaf

Ingredients

• 5 lbs ground beef
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 4 yellow onions
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 lb Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beef stock
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons pepper

Directions

• In a pan over medium-high heat, saute and caramelize the chopped onions with 3 Tbsp butter, 3 Tbsp Worcestershire, and salt for about 20 minutes. Set aside.
• Mix the ground beef, panko, remaining 3 Tbsp Worcestershire, eggs, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Form the meatloaf and create a pocket in the center. Fill with the caramelized onions and shredded Gruyere. Top with the remaining meat mixture, then add more cheese and onions on top.
• Cook in a smoker (or oven) at 350F until the internal temperature reaches 160F, about 1.5 hours.
• For the gravy, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp butter, whisk in the flour, then the beef stock, and simmer to thicken.
• Top with parsley and gravy.

From Michael Duarte on Instagram.