Ingredients
- Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion (sliced thin)
- 1 tsp. sugar
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. coarse ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- 3–4 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup bread crumbs (plain or flavored)
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- ¼ cup ketchup
- Parchment paper (for lining the pan)
- Toppings:
- 1 sweet onion (sliced)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar
- ½ tsp. coarse ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
Instructions
- For the Toppings: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, salt, sugar, garlic powder, black pepper, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well and set aside. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Allow the onions to cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- For the Meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In the same cast iron pan, add the sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Allow them to caramelize and become golden. Turn off the heat and let the onions cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, ketchup, grated cheese, and ground beef. Add the cooled onions and gently mix. Be careful not to overmix!
- Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place it into a large cast iron skillet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread the caramelized onion topping over the formed meatloaf, then smooth the ketchup mixture on top of the onions. Finish with the grated cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Let the meatloaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For a more savory flavor, you can use a mix of ground beef and ground pork.
- If you like a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the topping mixture.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
