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SMOKED FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF
If you’re craving comfort food with a smoky twist, this French onion meatloaf is the ultimate backyard recipe. Juicy, savory beef is infused with caramelized onion flavors, topped with cheese and onion rings, and kissed by hardwood smoke on the Yoder YS640S. By shaping it in a cast-iron skillet lined with butcher paper, you get easy cleanup and a beautiful presentation. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
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Recipe from @terri.harrigan on Instagram
Learn more about the Yoder Smokers YS640S
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the Yoder Smoker
Set your Yoder smoker to 250°F with your favorite wood for a rich, smoky flavor.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion soup mix, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Line a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butcher paper for easy cleanup. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in the center of the skillet.
4. Top with Onions & Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the loaf. Arrange the sliced onion rings neatly over the cheese, pressing them in slightly so they adhere. Place fresh thyme sprigs on top.
5. Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for about 2.5–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Rest & Slice
Remove from the smoker and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
7. Serve
Slice thick pieces and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
⸻
Pro Tip
For an even deeper onion flavor, caramelize a batch of onions ahead of time and fold them into the meat mixture before shaping.
SMOKED FRENCH ONION MEATLOAF
If you’re craving comfort food with a smoky twist, this French onion meatloaf is the ultimate backyard recipe. Juicy, savory beef is infused with caramelized onion flavors, topped with cheese and onion rings, and kissed by hardwood smoke on the Yoder YS640S. By shaping it in a cast-iron skillet lined with butcher paper, you get easy cleanup and a beautiful presentation. This recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
—
Recipe from @terri.harrigan on Instagram
Learn more about the Yoder Smokers YS640S
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme (plus extra for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the Yoder Smoker
Set your Yoder smoker to 250°F with your favorite wood for a rich, smoky flavor.
2. Mix the Meatloaf Base
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion soup mix, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork.
3. Shape the Meatloaf
Line a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butcher paper for easy cleanup. Shape the meat mixture into a loaf in the center of the skillet.
4. Top with Onions & Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the loaf. Arrange the sliced onion rings neatly over the cheese, pressing them in slightly so they adhere. Place fresh thyme sprigs on top.
5. Smoke the Meatloaf
Place the skillet on the smoker and cook for about 2.5–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Rest & Slice
Remove from the smoker and let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
7. Serve
Slice thick pieces and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
⸻
Pro Tip
For an even deeper onion flavor, caramelize a batch of onions ahead of time and fold them into the meat mixture before shaping.
