Meatloaf in an Onion

Ingredients

(Serves 6)
1 pound lean ground beef
1 egg
1/4 cup cracker crumbs
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
6 large onions, peeled and halved horizontally
6 sheets heavy-duty aluminum foil (14 x 18 inches)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking with simple ingredients in unexpected ways. This Meatloaf in an Onion recipe is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food—perfect for camping, backyard fires, or even oven roasting on a rainy day.

By hollowing out a large onion and stuffing it with a savory meatloaf mixture, you create an all-in-one dinner that’s packed with flavor and wrapped in foil for easy cooking and cleanup.

Cooking Steps

1
Mix the Meatloaf:
2
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, cracker crumbs, tomato sauce, pepper, salt, and dry mustard. Mix well.
3
Prepare the Onions:
4
Cut onions in half horizontally and gently scoop out the center layers, leaving a 3/4-inch thick shell.
5
(Save the inner onion pieces for soup or stir-fry later.)
6
Stuff the Onions:
7
Divide meat mixture into 6 portions. Roll each into a ball and place into one onion half.
8
Reassemble the onion by placing the other half on top like a lid.
9
Wrap It Up:
10
Wrap each stuffed onion in foil using the drugstore-wrap method (fold long sides over twice, then fold ends).
11
Cook Over Coals:
12
Place wrapped onions on hot coals. Cook for 15–20 minutes per side, depending on the size of the onion.
13
Carefully unwrap and check that the meat is fully cooked.

How to Use It:

1

As a marinade for beef, chicken, or tofu before grilling or baking
2

As a dipping sauce for egg rolls, potstickers, or wontons
3

As a drizzle over rice bowls and steamed vegetables

Variations – The Shortcut Method

Want to simplify this recipe? Omit the egg, cracker crumbs, tomato sauce, and dry mustard. Just season the beef with salt and pepper, stuff into the onions, and cook as directed. It’s a fast way to enjoy all the fun with less prep.

Cooking Tips

1
Choose large onions – Yellow or sweet onions work best.
2
Rotate evenly – Use long tongs to turn them halfway through for even cooking.
3
Flavor boost – Add garlic powder, chopped herbs, or Worcestershire to the meat mix.
4
Bonus idea – Wrap the onion in a slice of bacon before foil-wrapping for a smoky kick!

No fire? No problem. Bake foil-wrapped onions on a baking sheet at 400°F for 40–45 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and onions are tender.